Critique my planned upgrade plz

duragezic

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
11,234
4
81
And just when I thought I finally figured it out I read the Soltek NV400 single channel review and I am unsure again. Anyway here's what I'm gonna get:

-nforce2 mobo
-512mb DDR PC3200, haven't decided single or dual
-XP 2500+ either stock cooling or new hsf for 3200+ overclock
-new case (this damn Inwin Q500a is HUGE, I told myself over a year ago when I upgrade I will get a new case no matter what :))
-Radeon 9600 overclock to Pro speeds?

I am really on a budget and although I could probably just go with the Epox 8RDA+ for dual, or the Soltek NV400 for single, I do like the Soundstorm audio that is on the ASUS A7N8X Deluxe and Abit NF7-S. I pretty much have it narrowed down to those 4 motherboards though. I don't need that SATA crap or anything else so it's kind of a waste to buy the ASUS/Abit, I just kind of want better sound... From what I've read, they all should overclock easy.

Do you guys think I would notice better sound quality through my Altec Lansing ACS54 with the Soundstorm over the AC97 2.2? I'm using a Cmedia 8738 onboard now... It doesn't let me adjust bass/treble.

edit Also, do you guys think I should use the 300w PS from my Inwin case or just order a new case/ps all together?
 

newbiepcuser

Diamond Member
Jan 1, 2001
4,474
0
0
If you want overclock, I suggest Epox, Abit or Asus board. I don't think you will notice that much difference btw Soltek or the other boards in terms of speed unless you bench mark program.

If you're into extreme OCing, definetly go with bigger name guys.


I would personally go dual channel mode for the RAM. On the sound issue, it depends on the the medium you are playing, mp3s, gaming etc. You should be able to tell the difference though with the sound quality.

 

duragezic

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
11,234
4
81
Well I may go with the Soltek. It would save me a little by only buying one 512mb chip and it is cheap as it is. I'm already up to $331 and I still haven't added memory, case, or shipping. :( Not sure if I would be screwing myself by getting the AC97 2.2 sound and single channel to save a few bucks...
 

Ionizer86

Diamond Member
Jun 20, 2001
5,292
0
76
The epox has the analog part of the soundstorm (nforce apu output to 3.5mm jack). 8RDA+ is cool.