Am I wasting money?

[Tekknikal]

Ok, here's the setup I'm going with.

Soltek EQ3401M BareBones PC (Case+Mobo+PSU) $255 NewEgg.com
2x512mb matched Mushkin PC3500 LVL2 2-2-2 $289 NewEgg.com
P4 2.6CGHz/800 Sock 478 Northwood (RETAIL) $177 NewEgg.com
Pioneer 105 DVD-R avail.
ATI All In Wonder 9800 Pro $376 NewEgg.com
WD WD2500PB 250GB 8mb cache 7200rpm HDD (OEM) $234 NewEgg.com
Wireless Keyboard and Mouse avail.
MS Windows XP Professional avail.
External SB Extigy (SPDIF Connection) avail.
5pc Speaker Set (4.1 surround) avail.

SUB TOTAL NO DISPLAY $1331 (incl s&h)

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Am I wasting my money putting the mushkin ram into that motherboard, the AT review said the soltek could only do 2-3-2 timings, which the mushkin site indicates as well.. Would it make sense to run this in a SFF?
*edit- i would like to get 3.5ghz or so out of this machine.

 

[Nebor]

3.5ghz isn't likely. It's not impossible, but you're probably going to be dissappointed if that's what you're hoping for. Extreme OCing and SFFs don't go well together.

 

[Tekknikal]

So should i consider saving money with lower spec ram? (money is a consideration for me)

 

[Nebor]

Not necessarily, that ram will do 216mhz... And with a 5:4 ratio, should take you to 3.5ghz if your chip can do it. And if not, it's still great ram, and would provide a modest 200mhz 1:1 overclock. PC3500 is definitely a good choice, I might even consider PC3700 or PC4000 for 1:1 overclocking.

 

[sniperruff]

i would say the ram and the video card is killing your budget

 

[Tekknikal]

Is there an alternative way that would be more likely to get higher speeds ? for example, if i used higher speed memory, would that make life easier for the processor?

My FSB would be at 270 in this setup right? (216*5/4=FSB)?

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: Tekknikal
Is there an alternative way that would be more likely to get higher speeds ? for example, if i used higher speed memory, would that make life easier for the processor?

My FSB would be at 270 in this setup right? (216*5/4=FSB)?

Your setup is good I think. Just don't expect that 3.5ghz overclock. Personally, I would go with some PC4000 & OC @ 1:1 ratio 250fsb. That would get you a reasonable overclock on the processor.

 

[DaveSimmons]

just consider before getting too pricey on memory that you could get a real 3.0C for $269 and 1 GB of PC3200 for under $200. Less fun, but guaranteed speed and stability.

 

[Nebor]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
just consider before getting too pricey on memory that you could get a real 3.0C for $269 and 1 GB of PC3200 for under $200. Less fun, but guaranteed speed and stability.

That's true. I'd still go w/ PC3500 for a 3.0ghz, in fact, I did.

Geez, prices have come down... I paid $479 for my 3ghz only like 4 months ago... And $360 for 1GB PC3500.... Argh.

 

[Tekknikal]

the 3.0 idea sounds good but i dont want to increase the cost any more
would it be worth it to go to 2.8 and spend a little less on ram?

 

[mrgoblin]

Originally posted by: Tekknikal
So should i consider saving money with lower spec ram? (money is a consideration for me)

Id say get a normal pc with proper cooling and a barebones pc for media center like everyone else. There is no reason why anyone needs a shoebox instead of a midtower.

 

[dpm]

Well, if you don't mind putting down the money, then go for it.
If you do - well, do you really need to try to oc to 3500? bear in mind that you won't see that much of a real world increase in speeds.
But if you've got the money, and you'll have fun building it, then go for it.

 

[Tekknikal]

thanks guys i think ill just see what i can get. hopefully ill be able to pull off 3.0? then maybe when the cost of the P4EE drops really low I'll get that.

 

[Cleaner]

yes