building a new machine...

[lesch2k]

i am updating my machine and i need new CPU, mother board and RAM.

right now i am leaning towards the Intel Pentium 4 / 2.4GHz 512k socket 478 Hyper Threading Technology 800 MHz FSB - $175 at new egg

What difference does going from 533MHz Bus to 800Mhz bus make, and what implications will this have on the RAM and mother board that i get. is it better to get a 2.6 GHz@533 Bus or a 2.4GHz@800 Bus

moreover what type of ram and hard drive should i look to purchase to best utilize this processor.

What is the noticeable speed difference between DDR2100 2400 or 2700 - what would i want for this type of system

I currently havea 52x burner, DVD drive, digital 5.1 sound card, geforce2Ti, and a 30GB and 60GB 7200RPM hard drive. will that hard drive be too slow, should i get a faster control card, i think it is one speed slower that ata100 but not entirely sure.

thanks

 

[Kartajan]

I will only address some of your questions, since i don't know everything.

If you want a 800MHz FSB processor, you want to get either a 865pe or 875 based motherboard. either of those offer good dual channel support for your choice of processor. RAM is currently the hot topic, but you definitely want 2 sticks of PC3200 or better for a 800MHz FSB processor in order to get decent performance. As far as your drives, you can use what you have now to its full potential, but as long as you are spending, i would consider getting a newer hdd, simply due to the larger capacities and other constant improvements.

**note: generally speaking, most people's useage is more in line with the 865PE based motherboards. close to 875 in performance, but cheaper.

Edit: this is specifically what I would get if updating CPU/ MB/ RAM:

CORSAIR MEMORY XMS Extreme Memory Speed Series 512MB 32MX8 PC-3200C2 With Heat Spreader
N82E16820145416 $95.20 (x2) $190.40
ASUS Motherboard for Intel Pentium 4 / Celeron Processors, 800Mhz FSB Model# P4P800 DELUXE Retail
N82E16813131450 $145.99 $145.99
Intel Pentium 4 / 2.4CGHz 512k socket 478 Hyper Threading Technology 800 MHz FSB - RETAIL
N82E16819116157 $184.00 $184.00

Subtotal » $520.39

 

[Tom]

Pretty much any new motherboard will use your 7200rpm fine without any controller card, so you should be fine.

I think the small amount of extra money you spend for an 800fsb processor and a Springdale motherboard is definately worth it. Besides being faster you get Hyper-threading, and Springdale boards like the Abit IS7 and the Asus P4P800 have lots of nice features built-in.

As far as memory, you can use pc2700 and still get great performance, or less expensive pc3200. The expensive pc3200 is mainly useful for particular overclocking scenarios, but overclocking is even possible with pc2700.

 

[o1die]

If you're into overclocking, get pc3500 memory, and check manufacturer's websites for recommended brands. Using the 5:4 ratio, you should be able to run your 2.4c at 3.0 (250 fsb) either at the default cpu vcore or maybe a little higher, 1.6 volts tops.