The Anatomy of Purple Donkeys (i.e Best Computer Configuration for the $ I have)

[Paradox7]

Let's make this fast. This is what I have now:
Cool Edit Pro 1.1
AMD-K6 2/300
48MB of RAM

I've been getting tons of "illegal operation" messages and everything's been running very slowly, therefore I was considering upgrading to:

Cool Edit Pro 1.2
AMD-K6 2/450
128 MB of SDRAM
XL-2000 Motherboard (because the current one won't support a new processor)

However, I've been told that it might be better for me to ignore the AMDs totally and go Intel. Then I was told that maybe since 1.2 is much more stable, so much memory might not be necessary. Therefore, I was wondering, with $300, what is my best move?

 

[Slackmaster2K]

Cripes man don't buy another K6-2 if you're going to upgrade the motherboard anyway!!!

But first, did your machine run fine for a while and then slow down? Sounds like a fresh install of windows might be in order.

Second, for $300 get:

1) A decent i440BX based SLOT1 motherboard like the Abit BE-6 which retails for around $110.

2) A Slot 1 celeron 400A will run you about $62. I would recommend overclocking it as high as it'll go. The Abit BE-6 2 motherboard will allow you to step the bus frequency by 1 mhz at a time. I got my 400 to 500 with no hiccups.

3) 48 MB of RAM?? First of all, throw the 16MB DIMM in the garbage or sell it on ebay. You can probably keep the 32MB stick. Then get a stick of generic 128MB PC100 for around $100. The reason I say throw your 16MB stick in the trash is that the more generic sticks you add to your system, them more likely they'll cause you headaches....and it's not worth it for a measly 16MB. 48MB is too little...you need 64MB or more to be really happy.

That's about $270 total. Good enough for ya?

You didn't mention hard drive stats...the hard drive is one of the most critical components. A good 7200RPM 20GB drive will only set ya back $160 if you shop.

Slackmaster 2000