I just can't seem to decide on a new comp, help!

[duragezic]

I need a new system for college, I hope to be getting it soon. I'd like to keep it around $500, no more than $600 w/ shipping.

My current plan would be:
NF2 mobo (undecided, damn mobos are the hardest part)
Barton mobile 2400+, hopefully o/c to 200mhz fsb
512mb PC3200 buffalo memory
Radeon 9600Pro 128mb
Athenatech case (or any other cheap case w/ decent ps)

Problem is, that's already an outdated configuration, and would be even more so by the time I get it in a month or two. So then I was looking at A64, but I really don't think I could get one for anywhere near the price of a Barton. It would come out to about $100 more it seems for a A64 2800, with the 3000 being much more $. And then, I'm even more clueless on the A64 mobos. I would've thought NF3 150, but there is a lot of VIA K8T800 talk. Although I am set on a NF2 for the XP, I wouldn't have a problem with a VIA-based board in general, since my KT266a has been GREAT. I've done a lot of searching around but I have a couple issues still.

(1) What is a good, cheap nf2 mobo? I don't need any max overclocks, just wanna switch the fsb to 200mhz really. I don't need SATA, firewire, etc.. only onboard sound and lan. Everyone says NF7-S, but I'm not sure I'd need the feature set. I suppose the Shuttle boards would fit the bill, but I'm not the biggest fan of Realtek.

How come there is no talk of the Soltek NV400-L64? It seems dual channel has VERY little performance increase, and I could save a few bucks with the Soltek and 1x512mb...

(2) Can I expect a decent o/c with the retail HSF? If not, can someone recommend a cheap, basic hsf that will do. I don't need a ridiculous $30+ hsf... For instance, I got a Taisol on my Athlon now that is great for moderate o/c and it was like $15.

I'm mostly unsure about the mobo I think...
THanks

 

[HeroOfPellinor]

Originally posted by: eagle
Problem is, that's already an outdated configuration, and would be even more so by the time I get it in a month or two.

outdated is a relative term. Look at the raw power with that 3200+ processor which you can push to 3800+ or more. True, it's not top top of the line, but is not outdated.

(1) What is a good, cheap nf2 mobo?

The Shuttle or the Epox are the best of the cheap NF2U boards. Both have the four HSF mounting holes which gives you better heatsink options so long as your case gives you room under the PSU. I've used both and both are fast and stable, ime. For $55, you're going to have a hard time finding anything to complain about with the Shuttle.

(2) Can I expect a decent o/c with the retail HSF? If not, can someone recommend a cheap, basic hsf that will do. I don't need a ridiculous $30+ hsf... For instance, I got a Taisol on my Athlon now that is great for moderate o/c and it was like $15.

If you don't want to spend $30-35 on a HSF, then stick with the stock. I can't imagine you wouldn't easily hit 11x200 with the mobile's low voltage. For $30-35, I'd blindly recommend the Thermaltake Volcano series or, perhaps, a Cooler Master Aero. Both have fan controllers so you can adjust noise to performance ratio. Personally, I spent almost $60 on my heatsink and fan. 🙂

 

[duragezic]

Thanks for the reply.

It looks like I may go with Shuttle. I read they NE had refurbs for like $35 even, so I might give that a try. I like Epox but it seems a lot of people 8RDA's or whatever are dieing recently, only being 1 or 2 years old. Is the onboard Realtek sound on the Shuttle comparable to the NF7-S soundstorm?

Any other opinions? Any NV400-L64 owners?

 

[duragezic]

bump

 

[duragezic]

Well, since Newegg has the Shuttle for so damn cheap, and I'll more than likely go with a refurb for even cheaper, I think I will be able to work in a WD 80gb 8mb SE hd and a 9800 Pro instead of the 9600P. Now I won't feel bad about it being outdated. I'm getting some alpha cooling hsf rated up to 3400+ supposedly, has 3 selectable fan sppeds, and it's only like $14. The Athenatech case is only $30 and has power for what I'll have and plenty to spare for future components.