Finally getting upgrades! Did I pick the right parts? What HSF? Ordering Today... Suggestions? Comments?

[Actaeon]

Hey! I'm finally upgrading, woohoo, I'm so excited.... anyway, Being the budget consumer I am, I usually have to overclock to get the performance I want, for the price I can afford. After getting some money, and selling some parts (75% of the rig i'm typing on now), I can finally upgrade!


CPU- $60

AthlonXP 1600 AROIA-Y

AX1600DMT3C
AROIA0213APMW
Y8042880293

Already ordered, I hear these AROIA overclock extremely well... Any idea on how high?


Motherboard - $87

EP-8K5A2

How is this board? Has some features I could use (Onboard sound, USB2.0)... I hear the Epox boards overclock extremely well, and have hit 200+FSBs on some occasions... how does the onboard sound perform? I hear they used to sound horrible.... but I've never messed with them...


Memory- $65

256MB Kingmax TinyBGA True PC3200 DDR400 CL2.5 (CAS2.5) 184pin non-ECC DIMM

How does that memory perform? Suggestions? I don't have the money for 512mb right now, But I do plan on getting some soon.


Cooler - $37

ALPHA PAL 8025


Conclusion

I'm hoping to get a good OC from all these parts, as thats what I'm focusing on... I want my CPU to be the limit of the OC. With Ram that runs at 200FSB, and a very high OCing motherboard, thats what I hope to achieve... Next to each item, I have posted how much I see them for sale, If you recommend another part, please try and keep it around that price range... Keep in mind, I'm still deciding which cooler, my case runs very cool, but I rather not skimp on a HSF... I rather not pay more than $30...

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Jonathan

 

[Insane3D]

Cooler - $30

If you are willing to spend $30 on that Cooler Master, why not pick up a MUCH better HSF in the form of the Alpha PAL8045 for $3 more. Add a clear 80m fan that is quiet and has decent airflow for another $3. $6 more will get you a hell of a HSF.

Alpha PAL8045 -$33

80mm Crystal Fan with Blue, Red, Or Green LED's - $3.75

or

80mm Crystal Fan with no LED's - $3.25

🙂

Edit:

I just helped someone set up a very similar system. It was his first build and he had never o/ced. The only difference between what he got and what you are getting is he got a 512mb stick of Corsair PC2700, and the 8K5A2+. He is now running his AGOIA 1600+ @ 1.74ghz @ 166mhz FSB @ default voltage. I would say you have a very good chance of hitting the 1.8ghz level with that chip with little or no vcore modification. The 1.9ghz range might be attainable with some added voltage. 🙂

After we got his system o/ced, he says to me.. "I can't believe it was this easy." 🙂

Good luck..

 

[Actaeon]

Wow, sounds great! I wasn't sure which cooler to get... just heard these were good..

I checked out the this page and I didn't see my board on it... does it fit?

As far as ordering it from them... how fast would my fan need to be?

I'm thinking about going with this fan. The Variable control seems good, and can put out some decent ammount of air.

One last question... It shows the fan with the crome finger guard, yet, on the HS page, when I add a fan, I can also add the finger guard.... I rather not spend an extra dollar, but I do want one... does it come with one?

Does anyone else have any suggestions? I think I'll go with the Alpha if it fits... Thanks a whole lot 3dInsane, you pretty much picked out my whole rig. Haha.

 

[Insane3D]

Yeah, the variable speed one is fine too. The one I originally linked to is an excellent balance of airflow without a lot of noise. Either one is fine however, and the adjustable one will let you speed it up or slow it down as needed. Also, both come with the fan guard and yes it will fit on the Epox..🙂

 

[Actaeon]

Just calculated everything, It'll cost $216.85 to ship all the parts... kinda sucks I only have about $140... I'll have to borrow some :-(

Anyway, how does all that sound? I'm confident I'll hit 1.7, and I'm really hoping to hit 1.8ghz... and If I'm lucky, maybe even higher.

Wow, I can't wait to get all this stuff in.. too bad SVCompucycle doesn't have the Alpha in stock, and I'll have to wait 🙁

Anyway, does anyone have any suggestions on any of this?

Insane3d, you've been alot of help! Thank you!

 

[Actaeon]

Does the 8K5A2 come with onboard Lan? I know the 8K5A2+ does... I'm getting mixed answers from looking at reviews, and past posts.

Thanks again.

 

[Actaeon]

Bump!

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: Actaeon
Does the 8K5A2 come with onboard Lan? I know the 8K5A2+ does... I'm getting mixed answers from looking at reviews, and past posts.

Thanks again.

No, the 8K5A2 does not have onboard LAN. Only the 8K5A2+ and the 8K5A3+ have the LAN. Sorry..🙁