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Another I'm building a computer topic
Dud - Oct 15, 2003

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 Dud Oct 15, 2003
Another I'm building a computer topic

First think I'm going to get is a motherboard, processor and case/PS, and work my way from there.

I'm looking for a good ASUS mobo, and an AMD processor in the 2-3Ghz range to go with it. I also need a well ventilated case with a powersupply, that will accept the previously mentioned parts. I will probably do some overclocking.

I've never built a computer from complete scratch so picking out a case and what not is something I've never done. Please help me out. :bow

 Scared0o0Rabbit Oct 15, 2003
Another I'm building a computer topic

Might help if you post some specs on what you want to do with this pc. Also what your budget is.

 Dud Oct 15, 2003
Another I'm building a computer topic

Alright, these are the parts I've chosen:

AMD ATHLON XP 2800 Barton 333 FSB PROCESSOR CPU- OEM

Asus Motherboard for AMD Athlon XP/Duron Processors, Model# A7N8X Deluxe Retail

I only want to know if:

A ) I have made an unwise choice picking these components.

B ) there is any reason a case I buy might not take these parts.

I've been recommended cases from coolermaster.com... by a friend/co-worker.

 Curtis Oct 15, 2003
Another I'm building a computer topic

Well, there is no such thing as an AMD processor in the 3Ghz range, so you're out of luck there.

ASUS board: A7N8X Deluxe

Chip: Any of the AMD range. 2500+ has a good price/performance ratio.

Overclocking: Get a Zalman 7000A-AlCu HSF

Case: Dunno. Just about every case you can buy will fit all of the above in.

Nothing new here - same old recommendations from me.

 Curtis Oct 15, 2003
Another I'm building a computer topic

Snap.

No there is no reason a case you'd buy would not fit these part - just make sure you buy a standard ATX case and not a microATX case.

 Dud Oct 15, 2003
Another I'm building a computer topic


  
	
	
Originally posted by Curtis@Oct 15, 2003 @ 04:39 PM

...Chip: Any of the AMD range. 2500+ has a good price/performance ratio...


Cool, that's an $83 price difference at newegg.

 Scared0o0Rabbit Oct 15, 2003
Another I'm building a computer topic

It may have been that motherboard that I had issues with one time (is that the one with 2 onboard NICs?). I can't remember the model number for the asus board I had problems with, but the first one didn't post, and the second one crashes when you shut down windows.

 Curtis Oct 15, 2003
Another I'm building a computer topic

Yeah it's got two NICs. I can't say I've had either trouble with mine. Nothing but rock solid performance. Of course, it helps that it runs the CPU at a slightly higher voltage than normal (ie overvolting), but that helps when overclocking.

 Dud Oct 15, 2003
Another I'm building a computer topic

I've got two more questions: How much RAM can the A7N8X hold? (Numerical amnt. and number of sticks) and what's the best way to install an operating system onto a blank hard drive? I'll probably put XP ...

[snip]

Thanks to everyone who has posted you have been helpful. :bow

 mal Oct 15, 2003
Another I'm building a computer topic

Please don't openly ask questions about software piracy.

And lets leave it at that. <_<

 Curtis Oct 16, 2003
Another I'm building a computer topic

The A7N8X Deluxe can have up to 3Gb, I believe. It has three DDR Ram slots so you can mix and match how you like. I'd recommend 2x256 for 512Mb. Unless you are doing serious video editing, you probably won't need more. By using the two chips, you can enable DDR mode on the ram.

 Alexvrb Oct 16, 2003
Another I'm building a computer topic


  
	
	
Originally posted by Curtis@Oct 16, 2003 @ 09:38 AM

The A7N8X Deluxe can have up to 3Gb, I believe. It has three DDR Ram slots so you can mix and match how you like. I'd recommend 2x256 for 512Mb. Unless you are doing serious video editing, you probably won't need more. By using the two chips, you can enable DDR mode on the ram.


Curtis, you're a bit confoosled here. The memory is ALWAYS DDR, that is the technology. What you mean here is dual-channel operation. For dual-channel mode to work, you must use two identical memory sticks. So if you don't need a ton of memory, get two 256MB sticks. You could get two 512MB sticks if you had the cash and the need. Dual-channel operation will provided you with a speed boost. I'd recommend you take advantage of it... I'd also agree that the Deluxe model of the A7N8X is worth the money, unless you plan on getting a really powerful PCI sound card.

Since your CPU choice (currently 2500+, right?) runs at 333Mhz FSB, you'll need to run your memory at that speed. Unless you plan on OCing to a 400Mhz FSB. But you could always run DDR400 at 333 and then later OC or whatever. Its your decision. But remember not to buy DDR333 if you plan on OCing your FSB to 400, because you WILL want to run memory and FSB at the same speed (synchronously).

 Scared0o0Rabbit Oct 16, 2003
Another I'm building a computer topic

best way to install an os is to make sure you have a bootable cd, and make sure you can boot from a cd in your bios (any modern bios should be able to).

 Dud Oct 16, 2003
Another I'm building a computer topic


  
	
	
Originally posted by Alexvrb+Oct 16, 2003 @ 01:20 PM-->
QUOTE(Alexvrb @ Oct 16, 2003 @ 01:20 PM)
Since your CPU choice (currently 2500+, right?) runs at 333Mhz FSB, you'll need to run your memory at that speed. Unless you plan on OCing to a 400Mhz FSB. But you could always run DDR400 at 333 and then later OC or whatever. Its your decision. But remember not to buy DDR333 if you plan on OCing your FSB to 400, because you WILL want to run memory and FSB at the same speed (synchronously). [/b]



Is there any brand of DDR400 memory you'd recommend?