Need a refresher in current Intel scene! 845PE? Best OC? Etc...

[stultus]

I'm looking for just the crowd favorites on performance computing in the Intel arena, and just a little background information. For example:

What's the favorite intel chipset right now? I can read reviews on specific mobos, but it looks like there are a couple of chipsets floating around.

What's the favorite Intel OC/best bang for buck? I think I've gathered it's the 2.4c

What sort of bus speeds are required for these upper-end P4s? Can PC2100 memory be used at all? PC2700? Or do you have to buy the latest PC3500 or greater?

Thanks! I'm thinking of building an Intel machine, and I just don't know very much right now

 

[o1die]

The new "c" series p4's run at 800 fsb, so you'll need pc3200 to run them properly. A "granite bay" 7205 chipset board will run your pc2100 (in pairs) just fine with any 533 p4. The only 533 cpu that has hyperthreading support is the 3.06, which sells for $272-332 (refurb-new). I don't need it, but perhaps you will want it someday. All new "c" p4's have hyperthreading support, even the 2.4 which sells for about $175. So it all depends on what you want to do with your memory. I would sell it in the paper, or your complete system, and start over with the abit is7-g, and 2 sticks of pc3500 memory for overclocking. With the 5:4 ratio, many 2.4c's are running fine at 3.0 with good memory.

 

[Acts837]

stultus - I just cleared out most of my PIIIs and AMD combos for all P4 rigs (excluding the wifes 8RDA+). After carefully looking at what was available I went with the 845PE chipset.

a. I think Intel chipsets are "on the average" more stable.
b. I stayed with the cheaper 845 because I read a few posts that the sisandra scores between a 2.4c and 2.4b weren't that great.
c. Hot deals link dropped my Crucial PC2700 purchases to below $50 for 512 (PC3200 > ouch)
d. The BH7 I bought can get me 800FSB later if I buy better memory.

BTW, I wouldn't buy a board that only supported 400FSB.

 

[touchmyichi]

sis 655 boards are very nice and affordable.

 

[brainwave]

The basic choice now is between the latest 865 chipset and the very recent 845 chipset. I don't think the 875 chipset offers enough advantage over the 865 to justify the cost.
The 865 gives you 800FSB, HT and dual channel memory. The 845 supports 533FSB, HT, but not dual channel memory. Of course you pay more for the 865 mobo, more for a HT processor, and more for DDR3200 (needed for 800FSB) dual channel memory. The only 533FSB HT processor is the 3.06, Intel 845 boards do not allow adjusting FSB to 200, so rather than spending extra money on a 3.06 P4, why not spend the extra money on a 865 mobo with 800FSB. Then you can choose a 2.4c, 2.6c, 2.8c, or 3.0c HT processor. You can buy a pair of DDR3200 sticks now, or just get one and upgrade later for dual channel memory.
The 865 system performance will be faster than the 845, but you won't notice much difference with business software, word processing, financial programs, etc. You will see a difference with games, digital imaging, and video processing.
I think a reasonable way to go for a stable, reliable system is a 865PE board, 2.4C processor, 2 sticks of 256meg DDR3200 for dual channel memory, and get a decent video card.
Good luck!