Hello, My main computer's ECS K7SEMv3 motherboard just died. (No surprises there, I didn't choose it!) I'm looking into a fairly inexpensive system I can throw together. I have the hard drive, memory, CD drive, power supply (300w, adequate but little more) and floppy drive. I need a motherboard, processor, and graphics card (the processor and video card are fused to the dead mobo). So far, I'm looking at a Rosewill RW4000-128 video card on a GIGABYTE GA-7VT600P-RZ motherboard. Has anyone had any trouble with either of these? They seem well-rated on NewEgg. Also, I'm putting an Athlon XP processor on it, since I have no need for a 64. I was wondering whether there were many significant differences between the Barton and Thoroughbred cores, as I am looking into a Thoroughbred 2700+ and of course want to do my research so I don't get eaten again. My needs are as follows. Web browsing Music Mild gaming (SimCity 4, similar) At least some overclocking ability, so I can keep it running longer I'm buying a bit more computer than I need since I know I'll need it someday...run into that twice already. Thanks ahead of time! 945MHz AMD Duron Spitfire on ECS K7SEM, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB Seagate IDE...

http://www.mikhailtech.com/modules.php?name=Articles&rop=showcontent&id=161&page=3 You are not paying anything more than the AXP.

I have a case and drives though...so I don't need a whole new computer. I'd rather keep mine besides. The most likely way for the world to be destroyed, most experts agree, is by accident. That's where we come in; we're computer professionals. We cause accidents.-Nathaniel Borenst

You have a lot of different routes to go. The Barton is better than the Tbred, due to it's 512k L2 cache. If you get the right motherboard though, you could get a cheap AXP-mobile CPU (based on the Barton core) & overclock to 3200+ speed. Boards based on the KT600 chipset don't have the overclocking options necessary to pull it off though...you'd need an nForce2 based board. You don't mention what RAM you have, but you'd need PC3200 as well. The Socket A Sempron is basically just a AXP that has been altered to run at 166MHZ/333FSB. Most are based on the Tbred core, but some are based on the Thorton, & the Sempron 3000+ is based on the Barton. Here's a good deal from Outpost.com...KT600 board & Sempron 3000+ (retail version w/HSF) for $120: http://shop2.outpost.com/product/4312305 The video card you chose isn't a good one. The MX4000 is pretty outdated...I belive it's 64-bit & only supports DX7. For $5-10 more, you could get a Geforce FX5200 128MB/128-bit card...it isn't great, but it's better than any MX4000. Then there's my personal favorite budget card, the Radeon 9550 128MB/128-bit for about $60. (I always specify "128-bit" because there are a lot of 64-bit cards out there). If you're willing to take a chance, you'll find considerable savings on motherboards & video cards in Newegg's refurbished section. Asus A7N8X-X 1800+ @ 8.5 x 200MHz 768MB PC3200 2.5-3-3-7 Asus A9550GE/TD 128MB WinME/WinXP Pro

If you read the article you will find out the components cost. You don't need to buy things you already have. 754 with memory controller beats any AXP; and the price for both CPU and Board is similar to AXP. A64 is much faster than AXP.

YES the Socket 754 / Sempron 754 2600+ is hardly any more expensive, though you should use DDR400 memory, but you can always sell the old hardware on EBAY.

Looks like I've got it down...now I have to hurry! $205 before shipping and I'm feeling much more confidEnt about it. Thanks all! The most likely way for the world to be destroyed, most experts agree, is by accident. That's where we come in; we're computer professionals. We cause accidents.-Nathaniel Borenst