AMD 3200+

[Whitehawk]

hi guys quick question...

is this any good http://www.centrecom.com.au/catalog/...oducts_id=1286

?

can u tell me which Intel processor it compares to?

[Whitehawk]

and also...is softmodding a 9800 SE reliable and does it always work?

if softmodding for some reason doesnt work is the card still half decent?

[Whitehawk]

anyone???

[ShawnD1]

Since you included video card in the question, I'll assume games. For games, according to Anandtech and Tom's Hardware, the 3200+ is about as good as a 2.6c P4. I wouldn't recommend getting the 3200+, it's basically a rip-off for games. Compare the 2500+ to the 3200+ on that chart. The 3200+ gives a little higher than a 10% performance gain.... but the chip costs more than twice as much. Just get a 2500+ and overclock it; you wouldn't believe how high you can overclock them if your ram can support it (overclocking FSB requires good ram). If overclocking isn't your style, still get a 2500+ and save the money for a future upgrade.

I don't know about the overclock on that video card, but I would say it's a good buy. It's less than half the cost of a 9800XT and if the overclock works, it will be damn near the same speed. Even if the overclock doesn't work, it's a great card. It's almost as fast as a 9600XT (which is what I have).

[douglas55]

Go with a 2500 Mobile for sure, way better than the 3200 XP. As for video cards, go with a 9800 Pro. The XT is a little to pricy and doesn't give as much bang for your buck ans the Pro.

[elroy]

I totally agree with ShawnD1 about the 2500+ chip. I've got one and all I did was change the board from 166 to 200 and it has run as a 3200+ ever since. I'm using Samsung ram and a cheap cooler that cost about $11. I saved about $100 over the cost of a 3200+ chip.
[all $$ mentioned here are U.S.]