Ok, here is the upgrade to SLI I am planning. I am going for the most stable, coolest, fastest over-clocker for the best price possible as well as with SLI.
The full list of items I have below is from my wishlist on Newegg, and I am getting everyting from there accept for the Motherboard. I will most likely get the MB from on of the below sites in this thread:
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...9&threadid=1462682
TechonWeb - - - - - - - - - - - - - $186.90 + ~$5.00 shipping
Buy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $186.99 + ? shipping (was $190.99)
EastLuna - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $200 + $10 and up shipping (was $242)
This board now has an estimated release date of 12/31.
*XTechnology - - - - - - - - - - - - $201 + ? shipping
Chumbo - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $201.99 + free FedEx 2nd day shipping.
Available on order.
FULL NEWEGG WISHLIST FOR UPGRADE:
ASUS "A8N-SLI Deluxe" nForce4 SLI Chipset Motherboard For AMD Socket 939 CPU -RETAIL
Specifications:
Supported CPU: Socket 939 AMD Athlon 64FX/64
Chipset: NVIDIA nForce4 SLI
FSB: 2000 MT/s
RAM: 4x DIMM DualChannel DDR 333/400 Max 4GB
Slots: 2x PCI-E X16(SLI mode: x8,x8), 2x PCI-E X1, 3x PCI
Ports: 2x PS/2, 1x LPT, 10x USB2.0(Rear 4), 2x RJ45, 2x SPDIF out, 1x IEEE1394, Audio Ports
IDE: 2x ATA 133 with NV Raid 0/1/0+1
SATA: 4x SATA2 3.0Gb/s with NV Raid 0/1/0+1, 4x SATA with Raid 0/1/0+1/5 by SI3114R
Onboard Audio: Realtek ALC850 8-Ch
Onboard LAN: nForce4 built-in Gbit MAC, MARVELL GbitLAN
Onboard 1394: 2x 1394 ports
Form Factor: ATX more info-> N82E16813131517
$275.00 <------Going for a price around $190.00 instead of Newegg price here.
Leadtek nVIDIA GeForce 6600GT Video Card, 128MB GDDR3, 128-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, PCI-Express, Model "PX6600GT TDH"
Specifications:
Chipset/Core Speed: nVIDIA GeForce 6600GT/500MHz
Memory/Effective Speed: 128MB GDDR3/1000MHz
BUS: PCI-Express x16
Ports: VGA Out(15 Pin D-Sub) + TV-Out (S-Video/Composite) + DVI
Support 3D API: DirectX 9(Shader Model 3.0), OpenGL 1.5
Max Resolution@32bit Color: 2048X1536@85Hz
RAMDACs: 400MHz
Cable/Accessories: HDTV Cable, DVI to VGA adaptor, Manual, Driver CD, Games and Softwares
Retail Box (See pics for details) more info-> N82E16814122201R
$178.54
AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 1.8GHz, 512KB L2 Cache 939-Pin 64-bit Processor - OEM
Specifications:
Model: AMD Athlon 64 3000+
Core: Winchester
Operating Frequency: 1.8GHz
FSB: Integrated into Chip
Cache: L1/64K+64K; L2/ 512KB
Voltage: 1.5V
Process: 90nm
Socket: Socket 939
Multimedia Instruction: MMX, SSE, SSE2, 3DNOW!, 3DNOW!+
Packaging: OEM(Processor Only) more info-> N82E16819103499
$163.00
Patriot Dual Channel Kit 184-Pin 1GB(512MB x 2) DDR PC-3200 w/ XBL Technology - Retail
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Patriot Memory
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184-Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 2-2-2-5
Support Voltage: 2.6V
Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
Organization: two 64M x 64 -Bit
Warranty: Lifetime more info-> N82E16820220033
$219.00
Thermaltake SILENT BOOST For AMD Opteron and Athlon 64 (All Copper) -RETAIL
Specifications:
Compatibility: AMD Opteron and Athlon 64
Dimensions: Fan: 80 x 80 x 25 mm, HeatSink: 85 x 73 x 48 mm
Bearing Type: Hydro Wave Bearing
Nominal Speed(RPM): 2450 ± 10% RPM
Max Air Flow
CFM): 27.5
Max Pressure: 25.97 Pa-min
HeatSink Material: Copper
Rated Voltage: 12V
Connector: 3 Pin
Noise(dBA): 21
Special Features: Unique fan frame design significantly reduce the noise level more info->
$29.99
Why I chose the items I did:
I want the ASUS A8N due to the NForce4 chipset with SLI first out on the market. I would normally wait for other boards to compare, but ASUS has always been known to make the most solid and stable motherboards. This also has excellent OC'ing features as well as new features never before seen.
I went with the Leadtech Refurbished 6600GT for 2 reasons. I went with the refurbished one because it is cheaper and I trust Newegg enough that I think I will be safe with the Refurb instead of retail. Second, I chose the Leadtech version of the 6600GT because it got the best reviews in a recent Anandtech review that included quite a variety of the 6600GTs. It is supposed to be quite, cool running and a great overclocker.
I am going for the Patriot DDR RAM because it is the cheapest TCCD available. It is a new company, but is US based and has a lifetime warranty. It may not overclock quite as high as the awesome OCZ 3200 EL Plat Ed Rev 2, but I think this is more bang for the buck. It may get 10% less max overclock, but it costs $50 less...
I am going for the AMD 3000+ mainly due to overclocking bang for the buck. There is a chance that this CPU may not reach as high as 2.6Ghz for me, but there is also a chance that it will... This was a close toss up for the 3200+ to get the 10X multiplier (instead of 9X from the 3000+). Most reviews I have seen with OC'ing these 2 processors shows them as both using 9X mutlipliers to get the max OC. So, to me there is little point to spend close to 100$ more. Not to mention it just wasn't in my budget and I can always upgrade later when price drops if I am not satisfied with the 3000+ 90nm.
Finally, I am going with the Thermaltake silentboost because it seems to be a great heatsync/fan combo for the price. I have also been considering the Thermaltake Tower version, but it is $15 more and seems like it would have issues with mounting once the case is turned upright like a normal tower (after install)....
Ok, that is about it. Let me know what you guys think about this. This is my first time posting here, so if this is the wrong thread or too long or whatever, feed that back in here and let me know (as if you guys wouldn't anyway).
The full list of items I have below is from my wishlist on Newegg, and I am getting everyting from there accept for the Motherboard. I will most likely get the MB from on of the below sites in this thread:
http://forums.anandtech.com/me...9&threadid=1462682
TechonWeb - - - - - - - - - - - - - $186.90 + ~$5.00 shipping
Buy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $186.99 + ? shipping (was $190.99)
EastLuna - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $200 + $10 and up shipping (was $242)
This board now has an estimated release date of 12/31.
*XTechnology - - - - - - - - - - - - $201 + ? shipping
Chumbo - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - $201.99 + free FedEx 2nd day shipping.
Available on order.
FULL NEWEGG WISHLIST FOR UPGRADE:
ASUS "A8N-SLI Deluxe" nForce4 SLI Chipset Motherboard For AMD Socket 939 CPU -RETAIL
Specifications:
Supported CPU: Socket 939 AMD Athlon 64FX/64
Chipset: NVIDIA nForce4 SLI
FSB: 2000 MT/s
RAM: 4x DIMM DualChannel DDR 333/400 Max 4GB
Slots: 2x PCI-E X16(SLI mode: x8,x8), 2x PCI-E X1, 3x PCI
Ports: 2x PS/2, 1x LPT, 10x USB2.0(Rear 4), 2x RJ45, 2x SPDIF out, 1x IEEE1394, Audio Ports
IDE: 2x ATA 133 with NV Raid 0/1/0+1
SATA: 4x SATA2 3.0Gb/s with NV Raid 0/1/0+1, 4x SATA with Raid 0/1/0+1/5 by SI3114R
Onboard Audio: Realtek ALC850 8-Ch
Onboard LAN: nForce4 built-in Gbit MAC, MARVELL GbitLAN
Onboard 1394: 2x 1394 ports
Form Factor: ATX more info-> N82E16813131517
$275.00 <------Going for a price around $190.00 instead of Newegg price here.
Leadtek nVIDIA GeForce 6600GT Video Card, 128MB GDDR3, 128-Bit, DVI/TV-Out, PCI-Express, Model "PX6600GT TDH"
Specifications:
Chipset/Core Speed: nVIDIA GeForce 6600GT/500MHz
Memory/Effective Speed: 128MB GDDR3/1000MHz
BUS: PCI-Express x16
Ports: VGA Out(15 Pin D-Sub) + TV-Out (S-Video/Composite) + DVI
Support 3D API: DirectX 9(Shader Model 3.0), OpenGL 1.5
Max Resolution@32bit Color: 2048X1536@85Hz
RAMDACs: 400MHz
Cable/Accessories: HDTV Cable, DVI to VGA adaptor, Manual, Driver CD, Games and Softwares
Retail Box (See pics for details) more info-> N82E16814122201R
$178.54
AMD Athlon 64 3000+ 1.8GHz, 512KB L2 Cache 939-Pin 64-bit Processor - OEM
Specifications:
Model: AMD Athlon 64 3000+
Core: Winchester
Operating Frequency: 1.8GHz
FSB: Integrated into Chip
Cache: L1/64K+64K; L2/ 512KB
Voltage: 1.5V
Process: 90nm
Socket: Socket 939
Multimedia Instruction: MMX, SSE, SSE2, 3DNOW!, 3DNOW!+
Packaging: OEM(Processor Only) more info-> N82E16819103499
$163.00
Patriot Dual Channel Kit 184-Pin 1GB(512MB x 2) DDR PC-3200 w/ XBL Technology - Retail
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Patriot Memory
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184-Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 2-2-2-5
Support Voltage: 2.6V
Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
Organization: two 64M x 64 -Bit
Warranty: Lifetime more info-> N82E16820220033
$219.00
Thermaltake SILENT BOOST For AMD Opteron and Athlon 64 (All Copper) -RETAIL
Specifications:
Compatibility: AMD Opteron and Athlon 64
Dimensions: Fan: 80 x 80 x 25 mm, HeatSink: 85 x 73 x 48 mm
Bearing Type: Hydro Wave Bearing
Nominal Speed(RPM): 2450 ± 10% RPM
Max Air Flow
CFM): 27.5Max Pressure: 25.97 Pa-min
HeatSink Material: Copper
Rated Voltage: 12V
Connector: 3 Pin
Noise(dBA): 21
Special Features: Unique fan frame design significantly reduce the noise level more info->
$29.99
Why I chose the items I did:
I want the ASUS A8N due to the NForce4 chipset with SLI first out on the market. I would normally wait for other boards to compare, but ASUS has always been known to make the most solid and stable motherboards. This also has excellent OC'ing features as well as new features never before seen.
I went with the Leadtech Refurbished 6600GT for 2 reasons. I went with the refurbished one because it is cheaper and I trust Newegg enough that I think I will be safe with the Refurb instead of retail. Second, I chose the Leadtech version of the 6600GT because it got the best reviews in a recent Anandtech review that included quite a variety of the 6600GTs. It is supposed to be quite, cool running and a great overclocker.
I am going for the Patriot DDR RAM because it is the cheapest TCCD available. It is a new company, but is US based and has a lifetime warranty. It may not overclock quite as high as the awesome OCZ 3200 EL Plat Ed Rev 2, but I think this is more bang for the buck. It may get 10% less max overclock, but it costs $50 less...
I am going for the AMD 3000+ mainly due to overclocking bang for the buck. There is a chance that this CPU may not reach as high as 2.6Ghz for me, but there is also a chance that it will... This was a close toss up for the 3200+ to get the 10X multiplier (instead of 9X from the 3000+). Most reviews I have seen with OC'ing these 2 processors shows them as both using 9X mutlipliers to get the max OC. So, to me there is little point to spend close to 100$ more. Not to mention it just wasn't in my budget and I can always upgrade later when price drops if I am not satisfied with the 3000+ 90nm.
Finally, I am going with the Thermaltake silentboost because it seems to be a great heatsync/fan combo for the price. I have also been considering the Thermaltake Tower version, but it is $15 more and seems like it would have issues with mounting once the case is turned upright like a normal tower (after install)....
Ok, that is about it. Let me know what you guys think about this. This is my first time posting here, so if this is the wrong thread or too long or whatever, feed that back in here and let me know (as if you guys wouldn't anyway).
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