Upgrade to XP 2600+?

[ht]

Hi, my system is as follow:

AMD XP 1600+/256MB PC133/40GB/MSI Ti4200x128MB
Motherboard is: MSI K7T Turbo2

I've learned that this motherboard can support processor up to 2600+. Questions:

1. XP2600+ is based on 333 FSB, but my mobo only support 266. Are they compatible? If not, what options do I have?
2. Is it worth upgrading at all? I saw some benchmark that 2600+ is about 20% faster than 1600+, but will I get bottleneck somewhere? My memory is only PC133.

Thank you very much.

[Telexen]

1. There are two versions of the 200+, a 333mhz version, AND a 266mhz version (FSB)
2. I have the 333mhz version and I love it, it was an upgrade from an 1800+ and was a huge improvement...visually - not just in benchmarks...although I have faster RAM and a better board than your current.

[Urban_Squrill]

Welcome to TechIMO.
I would suggest for you to get a new mobo. So you can runddr. I would say your cuurent bottlenetck in your system is your mobo/ram. But thats just me.

[Omardeth]

as long as you get the 266 fsb 2600+ you should be ok .

[DPA]

i will suggest heavily against getting the 266 2600+, they cost much more than the 333 version.

I would get a 2400+ and work up the FSB from there, but even then there is almost no reason to overclock it because it is already blazing fast.

your ram is causing you a huge bottleneck for your performance, you should sell your current setup minus video card, harddrive, and case, and purchase a new motherboard, PC2700 and a 2400 or 2600 and get the FSB up to 333.

i went from 2000+ to 2400@2700 and could actually tell the difference when i gamed.

[JimJRJ]

I upgraded my 1700 to a 2800 and also upgraded to a mobo that supported 333mhz fsb and upgraded my ram from pc2100 to pc3200. There is a very noticeable difference in the games I play now. If your a gamer I would definitely recommend upgrading the mobo, ram and processor if you can.

[nukes]

In truth, ditch that mobo and ram if you want that chip. As the CPU speed gets higher, the ram becomes a severe bottleneck. I know when I get the cash for some PC2700, my performance will leap from what I have with this PC133@150. (however, I have a K7S5A so I won't need to buy a new mobo, but I don't reccommend getting one of these)
You can pick up NForce2 boards at competitive prices nowadays, just buy some PC2700 and whatever chip you can afford with what's left.

[ht]

Thanks for the info so far. I think I'll stick with the amd 1600+ for now. Instead, I'll upgrade the mobo. Anyone can recommend which one to get out of these two?

Asus A7V333 (without firewire & raid) vs. Gigabyte GA-7VA.

The consideration is Asus A7v333 seems to be very popular with enthusiast, while GA-7VA can support the new 333 FSB. Comments?