Hi all this is my first post of many more than likely, I’m concidering upgrading my CPU its currently an AMD Athlon XP 2200+ on a msi motherboard, What would be the best straight swap i think its in socket A,I will also replace the heatsink and fan.
Thanks Phil 
the best thing to do is look at your mobo manual or find it online at msi’s website
BTW: also be aware that there will probably be some paste between the CPU & heatsink, it can be removed with some isopropol alcohol, but, when you apply thermal paste to your new CPU & heatsink only apply a paper thin amount
An Athlon XP 3200+ is your best bet if your motherboard supports it. I’m not sure on the specs of the computer, but a RAM upgrade can make a big difference aswell.
Socket A is now obsolete unfortunately, I too use Athlon XP and there’s no real upgrade path. You can buy a higher model like an XP 3200 but there won’t be nearly as big a jump in performance than if you went with one of the newer CPUs.
Another problem you’ll probably face is that since the older CPUs are no longer in production, they’ll probably be quite expensive as supply is very low.
There doesn’t look to be a great deal of demand: AMD Athlonâ„¢ XP 3200+, 2.2 GHz (AXDA3200DKV4E) OEM / … on eBay, also AMD CPUs, CPUs, Desktop PC Components, Computing (end time 05-Jul-08 23:40:59 BST)
If that processor sells for more than £25, I may consider selling the PC which I have in the loft on eBay, as it has an Athlon XP (socket A) 3000+.
Thanks for the replys sounds like i’d be better with a new motherboard cpu bundle and get a dual or quad core plus i’ve seen some come with 2 gig of ram on ebay from £79
I thought about buying that one actually, but only for £5 w/o p&p. It went for £36.
So still not dirty cheap, unfortunately it’s the way it’s going to stay. Unless you’re selling of course.
Forgive me if this is the dumbest post ever, I’ve been checking out some motherboards and cpu bundles like this.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/AMD-Athlon-4600-Dual-Core-Processor-Motherboard-Bundle_W0QQitemZ370065862921QQihZ024QQcategoryZ133682QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262
Firstly are they any good.
With the first item would it be a fairly simple remove the old motherboard and install the new plus sound card ect.
With the second item would that be a similar prosess by installing my exsisting hard drives,dvd roms ect would i be up and running or would i have to reinstall my os m/s xp ,This could be the dumb part of the question because i’m assuming that windows is stored on my hard drive, and by conecting it to a new mobo and cpu i’ll have a new machine but still with all my old crap on it.
Thanks phil