Need a little advice for new P4 system

[Punchy]

I?ve been out of the loop for awhile, and it looks like A LOT has changed in the computer hardware world since I built my Celeron 566 oc to 850. I?ll be buying pieces over the next couple of weeks for a new P4 system. I?ve decided to go with an ASUS P4PE motherboard unless someone can give me a better alternative in the same price range. I?m not a gamer, and use my computer mainly for MS Office, Internet, MP3, CD burning, etc.. I may attempt to OC, but not to the extreme. I?m looking for some input on the following:

1. CPU ? I?m looking at P4, 2.4mhz. Should I get the 533 or 400mhz BUS? Why is the 400 more expensive? Also, should I get the retail box for the heatsink and fan, or should I get a better hs/fan?

2. Memory ? I suppose I should get high quality PC2700?

3. Video card ? I have no idea. I?m happy with my current ATI All-in-Wonder 16MB, but I want something that will compliment my new system. If it makes a difference, I?m getting an 18? flat panel monitor.

4. What wattage do I need in a power supply?

I appreciate any and all input!

 

[Jeff H]

Punchy, I'll take a shot at it, as I'm getting ready to do a P4 upgrade also:

1. CPU ? I?m looking at P4, 2.4mhz. Should I get the 533 or 400mhz BUS? Why is the 400 more expensive? Also, should I get the retail box for the heatsink and fan, or should I get a better hs/fan?

Get the 533 for reasons of performance, and go retail. If you don't overclock the included HSF is sufficient. If you do overclock, go w/ an aftermarket HSF and rest easy w/ a 3 yr. warranty. I'm only guessing 400MHz units are more expensive as there are fewer made, and for those that don't want to upgrade mobo it's a top of the speed heap solution.

2. Memory ? I suppose I should get high quality PC2700?

If you're going to overclock go w/ some of the Corsair XMS PC2700 or PC3000. If not the best value is Crucial PC2700.

3. Video card ? I have no idea. I?m happy with my current ATI All-in-Wonder 16MB, but I want something that will compliment my new system. If it makes a difference, I?m getting an 18? flat panel monitor.

Consider the Crucial ATi 8500LE 128MB card, for $92 delivered.

4. What wattage do I need in a power supply?

I wouldn't consider anything less than 350w. Also, factor in quality of the p.s., not just wattage. Antec and Enermax are two brands that stand out. The Thermaltake 420w p.s. from SVC is a steal @ $53. For $10 more you get 420w w/ active PFC. Anyone have any comments on the value of that?

If you can afford to wait the SiS655 DDRR boards will be showing up soon. The reviews I've read thus far give them high marks. I'm currently running an EPoX 4SDA+ board (SiS645) and I'm going to try to sit on my $$ until I see a 655 board w/ a High Point RAID controller onboard - hopefull from EPoX.

Jeff

 

[Punchy]

Jeff, thanks for the informative response. It has cleared things up for me.....

Jim