Budget build up

[djm68]

Hello,

I just finished building up an a64 3200+ for myself, now my son has is looking to upgrade his aging p3-850. I do not know much about the "lower" end gear, so I was wonder what you think of this board and setup:

Shuttle AN35N-Ultra 400

Seems like an excellent deal for only $52. Is this a decent board and does it support dual channel memory?

Planning on pairing this with:

CPU: barton 2800+
Video: radeo 9600pro 128mb
mem: 512Mb of pc3200 -- 2x256 or 1x512??? Any brand that goes well with this type of board?

Thanks!
DJM

 

[mechBgon]

I have one of those. It overclocks well (although mine's not OC'ed right now) and does feature dual-DDR. You could use one, two or three DDR400 modules (with two or three you get dual-DDR going, not that it'll make a significant difference for most stuff). Do get a decent-quality power supply, not an el-cheapo (good idea with anything nowdays).

Overall the AN35N Ultra seems to have earned a good reputation around here, so if you need to make your dollars go as far as possible, it might be a good start

 

[BadBrad]

I just put together a system around the AN35N. Used a Barton 2400 mobile with some Buffalo PC3200 CL2.5 RAM. Set FSB to 200 and multi to 11. everything else at defaults. Easiest way to get XP 3200+ performance from a $77 CPU. Runs cool and fast.

 

[djm68]

Thanks for the input -- most helpful.

Would this be the correct processor? They are all multiplier unlocked or do I need to look for a special versions for unlocked multiplier?

Any suggestions for cooling? I am not looking to do a major overlock....200x11 sounds good, so I think air cooling should be fine....

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-400&depa=0


Thanks!
DJM