The only A64 mobo here in Pakistan is costing me way too high - $300 for Asus A8N SLI. The only logic I can use for getting this over a much cheaper P4 530 is that I would be able to oc the A64 to almost FX55 levels, from what I read on the forums here. But I can't get any aftermarket HSF here... so how good is the stock HSF on the Winchesters? The ambient temperature in summer is about 28C to 33C (80F to 90F) in summer and 20C in winters etc. So in these ambient temps does good overclocking require a good aftermarket HSF also? Will the stock HSF allow at least 2.4GHz on a 3000+? Even in summer? What about 2.6GHz?
Another question I have is regarding the power supply. The best I can get here is for $45 500W which claims regulation of ±5% and ripple/noise of ±1% on all lines. Is this is good enough for an OC'ed A64 system and 2 6800GT's?
Finally, is it true that on the A8N when the IDE channel is not locked like the SATA and PCI channels, which would mean that raising the HTT to say 270 would raise the IDE freq also. In that case is it possible to use an IDE drive? I have a Seagate 120GB PATA and want to keep that.
I appreciate all help.
Another question I have is regarding the power supply. The best I can get here is for $45 500W which claims regulation of ±5% and ripple/noise of ±1% on all lines. Is this is good enough for an OC'ed A64 system and 2 6800GT's?
Finally, is it true that on the A8N when the IDE channel is not locked like the SATA and PCI channels, which would mean that raising the HTT to say 270 would raise the IDE freq also. In that case is it possible to use an IDE drive? I have a Seagate 120GB PATA and want to keep that.
I appreciate all help.