Should I upgrade processor or not?

[bosox188]

I'm getting a 6800 or hopefully 6800gt for xmas, but I'm a little concerned now with my processor. For one thing, it's only 400mhz fsb and it's an old P4b. Our other computer, the one everybody else uses (This one's mine) is an old slow Pentium 2 350mhz, everyone wants to use mine cause it's fast. But with the upgrades I've done, I now have a spare motherboard, hdd, soon a case and psu, and after xmas leftover video card. We're saving that stuff because he thinks he can use them someday to build a good, fast computer. So I'm thinking of making my dad a deal: sell him my processor for $120 or maybe $130 so I can maybe get a better processor. I have $30 right now, I'll be getting some more soon but I'm also buying a $42 case with psu, as mine is bad right now. So first of all, should I do this? Because really I can't spend anything past $160 i think, maybe I could go a couple dollars higher, maybe $170 if it's a really good processor. But I also want a retail one with the heatsink/fan. And right now for $160 retail and under I have 2 options:

P4C 2.4ghz 800mhz fsb HT tech $158
P4 2.53ghz 533mhz fsb $159

If anybody can find something better that would help, I've checked around and can't find a better deal, I'd like a 2.6ghz C for around $160 retail. But should I even do this? Will it be much of an upgrade? And is the 2.4C better or the 2.53? Thanx long post.

 

[Asus]

2.4 (800FSB) > 2.5 (533FSB) +1
Any of the 800FSB 'C' P4's (Northwood 512KB L2 cache) are great, except the Prescott cores (P4 'E' 1MB L2 cache).

 

[DJ_Cheeba]

I say, why not? It doesnt sound like you were going to be upgrading the cpu any time soon anyway, and this sounds like a good oppertunity to get it done. I found the price on a P4 2.8B at newegg.com for $173.00 Thats a great deal! ! ! Especially scince your running ddr266. . . If your pop will buy that cpu off of you, that 2.8 would be a noticable increase. :naughty:

 

[bosox188]

Hmm so I think the question is 2.4C or 2.8B?

 

[DJ_Cheeba]

I would say the faster chip right now, although you did just get a new mobo right? The 2.8 will give you a more noticeable increase. Especially if you run it with a 6800 series card. I would personally go with the 2.8B. IMO

 

[bosox188]

Well for one thing, after I'm done with these upgrades, that's pretty much it for major upgrades. After I get my processor, case/psu, and video card that's it until Longhorn. Maybe a little upgrade once or twice, but I want these things to last which is why I thought I'd better upgrade the processor. But I have a better idea now. I can get a 2.8C 800 fsb HT tech for $162, it's OEM but that's ok. I don't have to use it right away, then I'll just get a cheap, decent cooler.

http://www.starmicro.net/detail.aspx?ID=119

They have a recommended fan on the bottom, look good?

 

[ACLeroK212]

What's the case/ps that your getting? If the ps that comes with your case is just a generic ps i'd recommend looking into getting a better one, especially since your getting a 6800. I got a generic 450W ps with my case, which on paper looked like more than enough for my rig, but after a month i realized wattage isn't everything, but quality is, because it fried and I had to buy a new one.

 

[DJ_Cheeba]

Thats a great deal! Just go to your local computer store and see what they might have for a basic p4 hsf unit. They might even have an extra box fan left over. Good luck with the new upgrade

 

[bosox188]

ACLero, don't worry it's a good power supply I checked it out it's not a bad generic or anything, it's a pretty nice 430w psu and the amperage is good and it's pretty good quality.