Joined: Mon 05-07-2001 7:43PM Posts: 568 Location: The STL
Source: VPN
I will be starting my first custom PC project soon, and I have been shopping around for the parts I want. However, I am getting almost totally confused on matching mobos and processors.
So far, most sites I have been to, including newegg, make it very hard to cross reference the mobos and the CPUs to find the right one for you, and when you read the user reviews, there's tons of people saying that they managed to jerry rig one board to take another board's cpu, and so on.
So, here's what I know I want:
-An Asus brand mobo (unless their newest models suck and i don't realize it)
-A P4 of between 2.4-2.8, depending on pricing
-AGP 8X support
-at least 5 PCI slots
-on board lan
So, that being said, can any of you custom PC gurus give a "newbie builder" some advice, or recommendations?
Thanx!
_________________ Proud graduate of UMR, NOT the "Carney Institute of Technology"
Joined: Wed 09-10-2003 5:23PM Posts: 1209 Location: 1604 Pine St.
Source: TJ South
You overclocking? If you are, definetly get the DFI Lanparty Pro 875, or the Infinity if you don't want to spend as much. The Intel Asus boards have a known problem where the voltage drops badly under load, especially when you set it to 1.625-1.7. A volt-mod fixes this, and I've successfully done this mod, but I'd rather just recommend the DFI board. If you're not overclocking than this Asus is a solid performer.
As far as processor, if you're overclocking, the 2.4Cs are monster overclockers (if you get lucky with the chip of course), most can hit 250 FSB easily with good air cooling. Likewise if you're not, just go ahead and get a 2.8. Intel has stopped production of the 2.4 and 2.6 northwoods, so if you want one of those, get it now.
For the video card i would go with a Radeon 9800 Pro, best bang for buck right now.
Get at least 80gb hard drive or larger, look around for rebates, you can find a 120 for around $50 usually.
I have a nf7-s and a 2600 Mobile and im hitting 2.8ghz @ 1.9vcore.
Thermalright makes the best heatsinks.
Do not skimp on the PSU. Put at least $50 into it.
Get some crucial ram.
For the case i would get a Lian-Li, great for modding.
Again these are my opinions. And the main thing is, have fun and take your time. Again this is all my opinion.
Just for self promotion. I'm selling a DFI infinity, arguably better then the nf7-s. Also doesn't need modding. Comes with 2.0vcore, 3.3vdimm, and 300mhz fsb cap. Abit is 1.7vcore(cpu), 2.9vdimm(ram) and 250mhz fsb. Everything else i agree with. If you're going moderate overclocking ... read as very little effort and knowledge needed ... go with the Abit NF7-S or DFI Infinity. I'd also be more than happy to help you with any OC'ing needs. You will save alot of money going with AMD.
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