Originally posted by: Zebo
Originally posted by: Zap
I wasn't aware it was the SiS chipset, saw ASRock and thought it was the ULi chipset board. Which exact model is this?
Yeah it clocks like crazy.. I had it up to 380HTT before I got rid of it. Over at OC workbench forums they get 400+ with regualrity. It's problems are vcore and vdimm and for me I don't like using beta bios's for 1T - stock won't do 1T.
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2524
So it IS the ULi chipset board? You said SiS in earlier post.
Originally posted by: ParatoOptimal
I'm talking a friend through this build over the phone.
He's in another state.
I'd definitly OC and Mod and go with an AMD to save $ but I doubt he'd be comfortable OCing or moding anything.
He'd probably choose an Intel CPU.
He was weighing between building or buying a $500 Dell.
I'm thinking he'd be better off building.
How much does he know about computers? See, the thing is that if he doesn't know much, then #1 don't tell him to overclock and #2 if he has any problems whatsoever (even his fault like getting infected) then he'll be on the phone with you, and it will waste your time and cause headaches for both of you. If he buys a Dell, it's no longer your problem.

Has he ever built a computer before? If not, I don't recommend it unless he can have someone there
in person to help him.
Tell him this... if he builds his own, AMD is the ONLY choice. If he doesn't want to build his own, he still can get a custom built rig
with warranty from any number of local or internet shops. Otherwise, if he absolutely wants a Dell and don't want to spend an arm/leg for an XPS system, then tell him the ONLY model to consider would be the Dimension E510 because anything lesser does not have a dedicated video card slot. If he wants to go that route, here's the best way to get the best value...
Get the "base" model for $599 and do not add any upgrades. After getting system, get 1GB dual channel DDR2 for about $65 or so, install it and sell the original 256MB stick. Do not get RAM from Dell because it is way overpriced. Get whatever PCIe 16X video card fits in his budget. Do not get video card from Dell because the base X300SE model is not good enough and the $100 X600 model is not half as good as the $100AR 6600GT. Do not get upgraded HDD because he can buy a new HDD from elsewhere for the same price, maybe ending up with a larger one for cheaper, and then sell the old one (have him make a restore CD set first - I don't think Dell gives you any CDs anymore because my notebook was like that). Do not get an upgraded optical drive from Dell because he can get a cheaper one elsewhere, and then sell the original. so, for $599 plus shipping plus another $350 to upgrade it, minus whatever he can get for selling the old parts...
At this point I'd say that if he doesn't build his own, buy from some system builder.