looking for upgrades

[DethMadx9]

Hey Guys wonder if anybody could reccomend a motherboard and CPU possible some RAM
i tried to upgrade to a AMD 64 +3500 was in a bundle with RAM and a mobo and it was horrible i've had to pack it up and arrange pickup for a return becuase the hardware is crap random crashing of games / windows whenever it pleases

anyways i would like some expert help on what to get for my machine i do not wish spending another 3 days trying to figure out wtf is wrong with the gear
i got a 450w 20/24 pin PSU Ati x800 pro to use with any upgrade i get price range is about £350-400
need something poweful enough to run planetside CS:S and Battlefield 2 when it comes out
what do you recommend?

 

[xsilver]

what mobo did u have before?
random crashing may be due not only to mobo, but possibly ram and psu (needs high 12v rails)

most people here are recommending the dfi for s939, but you cant go wrong with either the msi (the old recommendation) or the epox (cheap)

 

[DethMadx9]

12v rails? that makes no sense to me i do not know much about PSU's
i tested the new RAM in my old motherboard and it works fine computer never crashed at all
the mobo i had was an Abit Av8

http://www2.abit.com.tw/page/uk/motherb..._NAME=AV8&fMTYPE=Socket+939&DEFTITLE=Y

 

[xsilver]

LOL -- what a coincidence, I have the av8 too......
did you keep your psu from your old computer? -- if so, bad idea.... the new atholon 64's require a crapload of 12v power, this should be specified on your PSU as 12v == ?? A (amps) -- anything below 20 and you might be pushing it (there are some that run fine, but they MUST be good brand's)

the av8 has a problem where the ram can behave funny if you set it to "auto" ram timings.... try set it manually to cas 3 to isolate a possible problem
timings that are too tight (cas goes down from 3, to 2.5 to 2 being the fastest) will cause the system to hang randomly or when its stressed

a wonky psu will also do that..... so its probably one of those two things.....
there is also the small chance that you're board is stuffed ---- also are you overclocking?

 

[DethMadx9]

overclock me? never knowing my luck the CPu would explode
i did keep it at first but i went out and brought a new JeanTech 450W PSU; Model JN120F-450-AP; +12V1 - 14A; +12V2 - 15A
so i guess i need to go out and buy another PSU >_<
damnit these things are annoying why do they not have big warning signs on the front stating that you need a decent PSU for teh stuff ='(

any links to a reasonably cheap PSU that can run this bored?

 

[xsilver]

your psu amps look ok but i've never heard of jeantech

you are from UK? most people quote newegg (US) prices here, even though i'm in australia
http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103459
is something most people here would say you'd need

I'd also try the ram thing first -- since that doesn't cost any money (set it to cas 3 and test) --- and tell your store that you're having problems with your setup and there's a chance you'll bring stuff back (so they wont get so pissed off

 

[DethMadx9]

hmmm i may give it ago tomorrow night then
gonna ahve to unplug everything again xD
i'll let you know what happens with the RAM

 

[DethMadx9]

had a thought about it i will just send the current stuff back theres no point in buying another PSU spending yet another £50 for this sytem i don't have the money
so any 939 mobo's that i can use wit this PSU
i doubt the RAM thing would work i read in the book 20amps minimum for heavily loaded system the system would be heavily loaded becuase of the games i play so the 14amps wont do

 

[Chode Messiah]

get a cheap enermax,ocz,antec, or seasonic psu on newegg. If outside US u can order through an international distributor