Mobile XP 2600+ Components

[k900]

Hey guys, I'm helping my cousin build an mobile athlon xp 2600+ computer, with an abit nf7-s motherboard. We'd like to overclock it to around 11.5 or 12 x 200, nothing more than 200 mhz fsb.

I'm having trouble deciding what type of RAM to buy. I was thinking one stick of mushkin 512mb pc3200 and one stick of buffalo 256mb pc3200 because newegg has such a good price on the buffalo. How does this sound? How is that buffalo ram? I searched and saw myocarpia(sp?) had some negative feelings about it, but would it suffice for 200 mhz fsb? This is a value oriented system so I'd prefer to keep it cheap. Also, will two different sizes work for dual channel ddr?


One other question I have is about the case. Is this casedge the same case anandtech frequently recommends in their buyers guides? How is it, and will the power supply work for the system?
How's this antec solutions series case?


And final question, what about a hsf. I was leaning towards the speeze falconrock because its inexpensive and I've heard it can handle a moderate overclock. Any thoughts/suggestions on this?


Thanks for any advice.

 

[Wahsapa]

that probably isnt the best choice for ram in that particular system. two sticks of 256mb pc3200 should be enough, and i would recommend the mushkin brand and to stay away from the buffalo

when working with dual channel ddr its best to stay with the same size ram dimm =)

as for a case, iv always had a soft spot for lian-li's but im sure any antec will do. also dont attempt to much of an overclock with a sub par hsf.

 

[Shimmishim]

dual channel doesn't give a huge performance boost on nforce2 boards...

you're better off with just getting 1 stick of 512 megs so you an upgrade to another stick later if y ou want.

1 stick of 512 should suffice.

buffalo or mushkin...

 

[k900]

thanks for the advice guys, in regards to just buying one stick, I think the abit nf7-s has 3 slots for ram, so I could upgrade regardless, does that change anything?

 

[magratton]

Some have posted that their "overclocks" are less with more RAM. I am also a little unsure of this. I have 3 sticks in that board right now and am stable at 200x12. Frankly, if 200FSB is all you are looking for then the Buffalo Tech RAM is just fine. The thing is though, if you look at their website you will see that there is a model (DD4002-512/WC) that uses WinBond chips. That is the one you want for the best price/performance. It is currently $103 at newegg.

I, too, would recommend the Antec over the Codegen case. My fear is that the PSU is the Codegen will not be up to the task (perhaps have problems in the future). The Antec cases come with a better PSU. I have the same PSU as is in the Antec case running a similar setup and it is working fine, without overtaxing the 12 and 5v rails. Now I also do not have a giant graphics card in there and a boat load of RAM and a bunch of Hard Drives so look at what you plan to do with the system and make your own decision there.

Lastly, what are you putting on there for a heatsink? I have had a good deal of luck with the http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-150-023&depa=1 as a good workhorse heatsink. Again, Price/Performance wise it is doing a great job.

Edit: I guarantee someone is going to look at my "sig" and say: Hey you said you have 3 sticks but sig says 2. I just recently bought 3x512 on FSFT for systems I am building and am testing them out. the 2x256 are my main ram.

 

[k900]

thanks for the great advice, that really did come in handy