A final Look at my final Build

[Phluxed]

Processor:OPTERON 165 DC PGA939 1.8GHZ
Motherboard: DFI LANParty UT NF4 SLI-DR Motherboard ATX S939 NFORCE4 SLI DDR 2PCI-E16 SATA RAID Sound GBLAN 1394
Ram: generic 2x512mb DDR400 RAM (prefer not to switch)
PSU: Seasonic S12-500HT 500W ATX12V 20/24 Pin V2.0 Active PFC Power Supply Retail Box
Video Card: EVGA E-GEFORCE 7800GT CO PCI-E 256MB 256BIT GDDR3 Dual DVI-I HDTV VIVO SLI Ready Video Card Retail
Monitor: Westinghouse Digital 37" Video Monitor
HDD: 1x80GB ATA, 1x120GB ATA

What do you all think? I've kept some old components, my case, HD, RAM, but Im upgrading the core. I'm planning on OC'ing the Opteron to 2.2/2.4ghz.

 

[CalamitySymphony]

I'd spend a few extra and get the new Asus mobo if your buying an SLI mobo.

 

[Phluxed]

I was originally more than happy to do that, but from all indications from other users here so far, the DFI is better for the overclock.

 

[ribbon13]

Depends. For your Opteron 165 with its 9x multi, yes that may be true. But if you upgrade to something with a higher multiplier, the Asus A8N32-SLI actually is the best. And Given how little of difference there is between the DFI and Asus for low mults, I'd still go with the A8N32. Page 12 of AT review

 

[Phluxed]

Chances are I won't be upgrading the processor for quite some time, at least a year, and hopefully by that time I won't want to use the same motherboard.

My supplier is only pre-ordering the A8N32 currently. I suppose I could really look around for it, but I really think the DFI might be alright for now. I don't know much about overclocking to be honest. I know enough to follow a basic guide and do it succesfully, which I've done before. Perhaps you could explain how the multiplier will really make a difference on different motherboards.

 

[Phluxed]

BLORG, I cant even find the asus in canada right now.

 

[Phluxed]

I'm surprised no one has mentionned the generic ram though I'm overclocking and the regular ATA hard drives.

 

[eXx08]

Get G.SKILL Extreme Series RAM

 

[CalamitySymphony]

Generic Ram pwnz. I would have suggest 1GB modules, but since the ones u have are used, no choice but to use them. Doesn't make a difference in overclocking either.
ATA HDs also don't make a difference...

Since your Opteron will tkae a few weeks anyway, I'd just wait on ordering the board just in case u change ur mind. The Performance difference is definately there, and it has nothing to do with the OC potential of either.

 

[Phluxed]

Well, I do think the asus board IS good. I just don't want to wait 8 weeks for a new board to arrive in stores.

Im glad the Ram doesn't really matter. Im content with the 1GB of memory I have now. If I find I need more, I can certainly upgrade.

 

[Phluxed]

I'm curious, HOW much better is the Asus board? Like if I were to get it, and run the same game on each board, are we looking at 1-2 fps or 10-15fps? At massive resolutions, which I will be running, this seems like an issue.

 

[w00t]

looks good forget about the asus board that dfi will be fine myself i would never get an SLI board feeling its a waste and your really not going to get another 7800gt the only thing i can think of that would make it good is if u got both the cards at the same time. its like back when people said they were going to get a 6800gt now and get another one later but than guess what the 7800gtx came out and owns both of them only one card maybe the 7800gt is better ya i am pretty sure it is better than two 6800gt's in SLI.

 

[Phluxed]

The thing is, chances are in 3 or 4 months, after I've done all this buying and paid off my credit cards, Ill still have a few thousand left in the bank. In which case, I will probably get a second video card.

 

[ribbon13]

Originally posted by: Phluxed
Chances are I won't be upgrading the processor for quite some time, at least a year, and hopefully by that time I won't want to use the same motherboard.

If you're going to replace the motherboard later anyways when you get SLI, save your cash and get the EP-9NPA+ULTRA. It should get you the modest overclock you seek just fine.

If you want a nice board to last until your done using socket939 altogether, wait fo the A8N32-SLI

 

[foodfightr]

I'd spend some extra money to get the opteron 170 because it has a 10x multiplier. Then when you can afford it grab some DDR 500 ram and you're looking at a solid 1:1 low latency 2.5Ghz overclock. This is a great starting spot!

 

[Phluxed]

I've got a few questions then:
My question is, is the 170 as overclockable as the 165? What speeds can I reach with stock cooling vs 3rd party cooling (Big Typhoon). What will the negative effects of the DDR400 be compared to the 500 (seeing as there are no plans to upgrade that atm)

I can't seem to get that epox mobo from my supplier, are there any on http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?minorcatid=107&subminorcatid=25 that might be any good? Thats where I'm going to do my ordering from.

 

[Phluxed]

HOWEVER, I found the epox board at tiger direct.

 

[ribbon13]

Of course it is. As for what kind of overclocks can you can expect, I can't really say. That varies from chip to chip. It's the luck of the draw. But one thing is for certain, the average overclock of Opteron 170s is going to be higher than 165s. As for your generic RAM. It will be fine, no worries about it. It wont affect your overclock whatsoever. Just run a divider. Now weather it will give you enough performance, is another question entirely. Running 1920x1080 w/ high settings and SLI will definately make 1GB your weak spot. You'll eventually want to get 2x1GB. You could do it by getting one stick, selling off the 2x512MB to recoup some of the cost, and get a matching stick later. Cheapest 1GB stick I could find Best deal at NCIX

Maybe you should take advantage of this deal

 

[Phluxed]

Originally posted by: ribbon13
Of course it is. As for what kind of overclocks can you can expect, I can't really say. That varies from chip to chip. It's the luck of the draw. But one thing is for certain, the average overclock of Opteron 170s is going to be higher than 165s. As for your generic RAM. It will be fine, no worries about it. It wont affect your overclock whatsoever. Just run a divider. Now weather it will give you enough performance, is another question entirely. Running 1920x1080 w/ high settings and SLI will definately make 1GB your weak spot. You'll eventually want to get 2x1GB. You could do it by getting one stick, selling off the 2x512MB to recoup some of the cost, and get a matching stick later. Cheapest 1GB stick I could find Best deal at NCIX

Maybe you should take advantage of this deal

I saw that deal, but the motherboard didn't look all that great. I'm not willing to skimp on this system right now. I've added 2x1gb from NCIX and I've changed my personal message in MSN to include the RAM as for sale as well. Heh.

Do you have any opinions on that motherboard?

 

[ribbon13]

It's a rebranded Jetway 939GT4-SLI

Be sure to check pages 7 and 8

 

[Phluxed]

Oh wow... You've tickled my funnybone. I'm going to take a closer look at that review when I get home. That definately interests me.

 

[Phluxed]

I think I will place my order tonight, with that machine. Except I can't decide if getting the 170 is really worth it. I think the 165 is my best bet.

 

[Phluxed]

I ordered teh 165, seeing as it seems though it might not reach the same speeds at the 170, it has had more success overclocking, so reaching a bigger overclock has a better chance of happening, and thus i win the bang for your buck war.