Building my first nForce-based system - any pointers?

[NTB]

I've built a few systems before, but all based on VIA chipsets. Is there anything nforce-specific that I should know about? I just ordered the parts, so it should be a few days. Here are the specs:

-Epox 8RGA+ Mainboard (chose this based on reviews & personal experience w/ 2 other Epox boards)

- onboard sound
- onboard video
- onboard LAN

-AMD Athlon XP 1700+ OEM
-Speeze (SVC GC68) CPU Cooler w/ 80mm fan

- 512MB Kingston KVR333 RAM (2x256)

- Fortron P300-60PN 300W PSU (120mm cooling fan 🙂 )

- Windows XP

The rest of the parts are all used; either parts I've got laying around or stuff from my friend's old system (the one she's replacing)

- Antec SX630-II case
- CDRW
- DVD-ROM
- 40GB/7200RPM WD HDD
- Floppy disc drive
- mouse, keyboard, monitor, speakers, etc.

Nate

 

[mboy]

If you are overclocking, I would go with some GOOOD ram. Twinmos/winbond or Kingston Hyper X seem to perform best with the Nforce2s. I am running my twinmos/winbond 256x2 @ 210 right now in synch with my xp2100 (11 multi0 for a cool and easy 2.3ghz. If overclocking, I would also step up to an slk-800 HS and a TT Smart FanII adjustable fan.
otherwise, loogs good.

If you do not plan to OC the xp1700 ( is it a tbred?), then what you have look fine.

 

[NTB]

Well, I do plan on OC'ing, but I don't 😛. I bought the DDR333 RAM with the intention of running the fsb at 166/333 - so everything on the board will still be within spec (it's designed to work with the 333 Bartons, after all) except the processor, which the cooler should be enough to handle, according to the specs on SVC & Newegg.

Nate

 

[dmw16]

Well, overclocking or not, good cooling is always a nice idea. If you arent overclocking then you can have a nice quiet fan on your heatsink and if you are overclocking then you can keep the cpu nice and cool while driving up those bus speeds. As for the RAM, the faster the better, but the RAM I have is pretty boring. Just PC2100 crucial but even taht stuff has shown itself good up to 160Mhz. The 1700+ is also a good choice. I just got one and I am running it at 2192Mhz and it doesnt seem to even be totally streching its legs. But yeah, all and all everythiung you have looks good. enjoy.
-doug

 

[mboy]

I am telling u, if overclocking, go with better ram (tighter timings) and better cooling. I have 2 8rda+ boards, 1 overclocked like I said with the slk-800, the other is VERY mildly overclocked right now with a gc-69 on it and the slk-800 overclocked runs MUCH cooler (comperable Antect sx10xx cases (variations of).

BTW, Kingston Value ram sucks.

 

[sniperruff]

Originally posted by: mboy
I am telling u, if overclocking, go with better ram (tighter timings) and better cooling. I have 2 8rda+ boards, 1 overclocked like I said with the slk-800, the other is VERY mildly overclocked right now with a gc-69 on it and the slk-800 overclocked runs MUCH cooler (comperable Antect sx10xx cases (variations of).

BTW, Kingston Value ram sucks.

my brother got a stick of kingston valueram with winbond chips on it. it all depends on what chip is on it

 

[mboy]

Nope, the PCB makes a big difference too, not just the chips.

 

[styrafoam]

Did Nvidia ever get the stuff with their sw IDE drivers sorted out? I had to decline them when I built a friends computer with an 8RDA to get the burner to function properly.

 

[NTB]

Originally posted by: styrafoam
Did Nvidia ever get the stuff with their sw IDE drivers sorted out? I had to decline them when I built a friends computer with an 8RDA to get the burner to function properly.

I'd like to know this too, since I will be putting a CDRW in this computer.

Nate

 

[mboy]

No, but just decline them and use the M$ supplied nvidia drivers and you will be fine.

2 8rda+'s and NO burner probs with either.