Cheapest Mobo/CPU upgrade?

[babywax]

What would be the cheapest upgrade for the most performance? All it would need for my comp is DDR 184pin, and that's about it, besides all the standard stuff. I've been wanting to upgrade for a while now, so I was thinking about getting an AMD Athlon Barton XP 2800+, along with an Asus KT600 Motherboard, both from newegg. Is there any way to make this cheaper? Or could I maybe get the same performance from an intel chip for less price etc...? Thanks for any help of course!

 

[Meteor_of_War]

DDR 184pin memory is pretty standard anyways. And as for getting the best performance for the least amount of money...well it all depends on what games you're planning to play on this PC, what detail settings and resolution you expect to play them at, and what your budget is.

 

[RandomPING]

Yea we need more info on what you want a low price on. Cause you could probably find a first generation board that used DDR memmory, but has like a 2X AGP slot.

Like what speed AGP are you looking for? What kind of processor (P4, Celeron, AMD)? Do you need there to be onboard sound or do you have a sound card alreaty? How about internet, does it have to have a NIC card built in, or do you have a PCI card to do that job?

 

[Meteor_of_War]

I think it all boils down to how much cash he's willing to drop on a CPU/motherboard.

 

[babywax]

I was thinking about $150 or so on the processor, and under about $100 on mobo. I have a SB Audigy 1 sound card, so I think I'm ok there, for the most part. My video card is a Sapphire ATI Radeon 9800 pro, 128 mb (I know, I'm lucky).
I don't really care what brand between Intel and Athlon, I just want something that can perform the best for that amount of money.

All internet etc... is ready for too, I have a PCI NIC to fill that.

 

[Meteor_of_War]

Since i prefer AMD, i'll recommend them. Of course the Intel users will recommend their favs and then you'll have another choice on your hands. But for that money you can get some pretty nice components. Since the 2500+ CPU's multipliers are locked now, i'd recommend an AthlonXP 2800+, you should be able to find one for under $150. For the motherboard go for an Asus or Abit nforce2 board. They range in price from $70 to $130. Keep in mind these are just my personal recommendations, there's plenty more to choose from.

 

[babywax]

Thank you very much, your opinion helps!