Need some upgrade advice

[Ruahrc]

I'm going to do one last little "step-up" before going to college this summer. I was wondering on exactly what I should upgrade.

Currently, I have:

Tbird 1000
Asus A7V
256MB RAM
GF2 MX
WD 20.5GB 5400rpm
SBLive! Value
48xCDROM
4x4x32 Burner
LS-120
W98SE

I don't want to spend too much- I've spent enough money as it is. I'm thinking a couple hundred dollars or so.

Here's what I had planned originally:

Step up to 384 or 512MB RAM
DEFINATELY up to a GF2 Pro/Ultra (Or should I wait until the GF3 prices come out of the sky?)
Slot Loading CD drive and Slot loading Burner (If I can find one!)


The slot-loaders were mostly an afterthought for me, but if they're too pricey I think I might drop the idea. A new burner is a must, however, as my burner can't burn 80min CD's very well and regular 74min CD's are harder to find nowadays.

I was wondering if there were any other paths for upgrading that would benefit me better. 7200rpm HD? Any other suggestions?

Thanks

Ruahrc

BTW- the computer's main purpose would be college work, of course, but I do want some power under the hood for gaming http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif.

[Roland Maedler]

please ???
your PC is one of the best at least !

buy a server*g*

[Spanish Prisoner]

hey, you should upgrade your system with a DVD-Drive at first!

Then when you consider to get more RAM, you should get a newer OS like Win2000 Professional, because Win98 can't handle more than 256MB RAM well.

About the Grafics-Card: If I were you, I would wait till autumn, when it's worth a GeforceIII. But when you can't wait that long I recommend the GeforceII Pro, because the prize of the Ultra isn't just right, and for only a few frames more you don't have to pay 200 bucks more!

I hope you make a good decision http://www.sysopt.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[VERT]

I would definatley go for the faster Harddrive, or perhaps customize you computer case, have a look here http://www.hardcoreware.net/rigs/index.htm Drool

[wyvrn]

Well since you are asking for advice...


Your computer is nice, keep the money and put it into a short term savings, like a cd. Get your 6% and keep it somewhat liquid. When you get out of college, roll this into a mutual fund or VUL account. When you retire, this few hundred could/should be worth about 20-50,000.

Cheers http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by wyvrn (edited 03-21-2001).]

[captpete]

You ever see that commercial where the guy announces somebody has left the lights on in their brand new car, and it turns out to be his car and he knew it - just wanted to show off his car?

[marc666]

if you really want to upgrade lose the 98se get a dvd increase the mem to 512 and get a faster harddrive 7200 thats bout all you will need cause i dont think you will see the diff in speed and performance

[howste]

hehe, lose the LS-120 and get a real drive. I mean Zip of course... http://www.sysopt.com/forum/wink.gif

[Chief]

For what it's worth. you have a good sys. Change O/S's to something more stable (god forgive) win2k, but I am going to linux just as fast as my little pea brain will absorb the info.

[Ruahrc]

Now that you bring it up I was planning on painting my case this summer http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif. Drive faceplates and all too hehe.

Ruahrc

[SoopaStar]

I would agree with most. Get windows 2000, then upgrade your memory, then DEF. the hard drive. 20 gigs is too small now-a-days http://www.sysopt.com/forum/smile.gif and get a 7200 rpm...it really does make a difference.

Paul