Upgrading My CPU

[Jason2782]

Im thinking about upgrading my P2 450 to a P3 750 right now because the p3 is down to $100. I was wondering if I will get a bigger jump in fps by getting the P3 or by upgrading my video card. My specs
Video: Hercules 3d Prophet 2 Mx 32 meg
Iwill Mobo with 133 bus
256 meg PC133 RAM

I think I will get the bigger jump by getting the p3 because, My fps aldready doubled when I got the 3d prophet. And, When I trun on the Force Feedback on my Micro SW wheel, the fps drop 15-25. Im thinkin this is defintiely CPU related since my wheel is causin fps drop. Anyone else agree?

[gfunkmartin]

I think you're on the right track there Jason, but keep in mind you'll probably want to go for a new motherboard too.

Personally, I would suggest that you think about an Athlon, since for about the same price you can get a 1 Ghz Athlon/200MHz FSB

If you have a personal reason for not using the Athlon, then go for the P3, but the technology has dramatically improved since the days of the Pentium2 vs. the K6-2.

Good luck, and happy hunting

[Jason2782]

Yea, I would go with the Athlon (about 200$ for the 1 gig plus mobo) but then I gotta buy DDR RAM (about 60$). So, if I went Athlon I'd have to fork up 260$ (which I gladly would if I had it, nice upgradability and great performance). I have about 100$, so I think the 750 would be a good buy for me. Plus Im lookin into a good set of speaker (with sub woofer) for my racing games, and maybe a nice padded seat (reaches down to rub behind). owww

[SprFletch]

I too think that a processor upgrade is in order, and I agree that Athlon is cheaper, but if you already have a mobo that supports PIII, they stick with it (Athlons also have a pesky problem of wanting specific power supplies that often gets overlooked when upgrading). I just wanted to point out that you might get better performance if you bought a different PIII. As far as I know, the 750 does not work at the 133 MHz bus (because 750 is not a muliple of 66 or 133), but wil instead insist on operating at 100 (unless you overclock). Try going to the 800EB or down to the 733. That way you can utilize more of you motherboard resources than you currently are (or would be with the 750).

[JohnC]

SprFletch,

I agree with you, but...If Jason wants to use his 100MHZ RAM then he should stick with a 100MHZ multiplier... 750, 800, etc. The old Pii400 also uses 100MHZ RAM.

Just another point of view / cost savings alternative.

[orkboss]

Yep go for the Athlon