Need Help

[fdiskboy]

Hi all,

I need some help. Building a new system and want to defer to some of the more experienced folks here.

I've narrowed my search down to a Tbird 800 and either an Asus A7V or an Abit KT7. Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations--not limited to the two boards I've listed. I've not overclocked before, but I'm open to a OCing a Duron, just need some idea of how easy it is and which board is best suited. (I'd prefer not to have to solder anything)

Also, Need to know what RAM would be appropriate. Thinking 256MB of PC133, but not sure how to get the absolute most bang for my buck and what brand to look for.

Already have the case, but I am worried about the heat output of the chip. I plan on a few case fans, but what about the chip fan. Do I need something special there?

Any and all help will be most appreciated. Most helpful comments will receive a special gift! =)

 

[JimMc]

Bang for the buck?

You'll save about $100 going with a Duron over a TBird, Duron's overclock pretty easily, no soldering but you'll need to do the pencil trick. See here Picture of Pencil trick for how to do it--very simple. Edit: Forgot to mention, AMD is going to start removing pins to prevent overclocking, make sure you don't get a handicapped one.

On the motherboard, I kind of like the Abit. Many people were down on Abit becasue of some quality issues and their RMA policy, but their last several boards appear to be relatively solid. The Abit KT7 is probably the better overclocking board and that is what I would go with. If you buy from a good vendor, you'll have 15-30 days to reurn it with no hassles.

Yes, you do need to worry about heat with a Duron, they run hot. Check out this HS/Fan combo Alpha Socket A--should handle your cooling needs nicely.

There is essentially little price difference between PC133 and PC100, so get the 133. How much you need is a function of what you do and what OS you run. W2K and Photoshop?--definately 256 MB. Win 98 and light surfing/gaming, 128 MB is probably enough. I like the Apacer/Infineon sticks, very stable high quality. $143 for 128 MB from Computer- Show Ram.

Hope this helps. Be sure and start crackin' RC5 as soon as you get it put together.

 

[JimMc]

I don't know how helpful my comments are, but they are the only one's you've gotten in an hour, so I'm here to claim my prize. GET CRACKIN!!! If you are not already a part of the RC5 team, go to the Distributed Computing Forum and sign up. I will then waive my entitlement to your "special gift", unless, of course, it is like a large amount of cash or something!