KT7 + pre-tested Duron @ 950/1000. I know a lot of users frown on the pre-tested chip route, but if you think about it paying $64.99 for a 1GHz Duron is really a good deal. I've had good luck with the The Computer Zone @ ocz.safeshopper.com. One chip they sent me wouldn't do 1100 as advertised, but they replaced it.
Sure, it would be more exciting to pay $45 for a Duron 600 and see it ramp to 1GHz, but you have to remember that there are plenty of 600s that won't do more than 850MHz, so for $20 more you can be sure.
I look at it like this - get a Duron pre-tested at 1GHz. Even if its stability is marginal at 1GHz, you can probably run it rock solid at 980MHz, or so, and for $65 that ain't bad!
It's true that the TBird is more powerful, but because the Duron and the TBird have the same core architecture there are many applications in which you will not see the difference, and bang for buck the Duron is an awesome buy.
You can get the KT7 for $122 ($12 shipping) at
www.microbarn.com, and a pre-tested Duron @ 1GHz for $64.99 at ocz.safeshopper.com.
And if you want a really cheap, but very good heatsink, you might want to check out the one they sell at tcwo.com. Look in the extreme cooling section. $9 for this huge heatsink. You'll want to replace the tiny fan with some stronger 60mm jobs. I have four, yes four, 60mm fans sharing the top of this heatsink on my rig and it keeps my TBird 750 blue core running at 1196MHz 2.06v at 41C normal operating temperature (I modified my board to increase the voltage).
So many things to buy, so little time...uh, I mean money!
Facebook
Twitter