Need some help deciding...

[tomstevens26]

Hey everyone! Well, the time is getting near for me to go ahead and upgrade. I haven't done the best job in keeping up with the currently technologies, so I hope I can get some advice here! This is what I'm looking at doing:

- Asus A7N8X Deluxe: Should I go with this or get the A7N8X-E Deluxe model for a couple of bucks more? It looks like (based on Newegg's information) that the only real difference is the onboard gigabit NIC. Is this the case? I've also considered the Abit NF7-S but I remember reading somewhere about how the onboard audio really can't utilize 5.1 audio. Since I have a 5.1 system (Logitech Z60s) this is a concern. I'm currently using a TB Santa Cruz, but would rather utilize onboard audio if possible so I can put the TBSC in another machine.
- AMD Athlon XP 2500+ retail
- Antec case w/ 350W PSU (Model:SLK3700AMB @ Newegg, of course)
- RAM: now here comes the part I have no idea about. 512MB or 1GB, depending on the prices. I'm not sure I want to overclock. I've read a lot about this CPU and the A7N8X, and if I'm correct, they can be overclocked fairly well. If so, can I do that with the stock cooling the retail CPU comes with? And what speed RAM should I get?
- I'm trying to decide if I want to continue using my current GFti4200, or get a Radeon 9600. From what I've read here, it looks like I should save a little money and get a 9600 PRO and not spend the extra for the 9600XT. Is that the general consensus?

I guess I better say I'm trying to get out without spending a fortune! The case, mobo and CPU will set me back $266, and I'd really like to keep the whole thing under $400. So, any comments, advice, etc... on my questions above would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!
Tom

 

[Mercurien]

I have an A7N8X (non-deluxe) and it's wonderful. The A7N8X-E Deluxe has gigabit ethernet and a slot for the Asus WI-FI card. The gigabit ethernet is worth it for $2 IHMO. If you get another machine with a gigabit nic and some CAT 5e, you can get some really speedy file transfers going. Gigabit switches are becoming affordable as well.

I can't comment on the NF7's audio issue. I don't know much about it myself.

The processor is great. You won't regret it.

That looks like a pretty snazzy case. And a decent power supply to boot!

Basically, there isn't a huge need for 1Gig of ram unless you're a normal user. If you're a graphics designer, get the gig, at least. If not, 512 will work. Get one dimm and if you want more ram, get another one later. =) Get some PC3200 stuff. Newegg has some great Buffalo PC3200 (winbond chips) ram for a fairly decent price. You can also get Mushkin, Crucial, or Corsair. They all make great memory.

I'd go for the 9600 Pro. =)

Overall, it looks good. It should be a fun comp

 

[beatle]

The Soundstorm on both the Asus and Abit boards is awesome, and DOES do true 5.1. In fact, it can turn any source into 5.1 by upmixing and then encoding everything in dolby digital.

Get 512 megs now, buy another 512 meg stick later if you feel you need it.

Overclock your Ti4200 and then see if you want to upgrade.

 

[tomstevens26]

Hey, thanks for the reply! I'm about convinced to go with the 512MB RAM and the A7N8X-E. The concern I have at the moment appears to be WHICH RAM to actually go with. I've been looking at the Crucial 512MB PC-2700 ($79 I think) and the Kingston 512MB PC-2700 ($75) (both at Newegg, of course) but I'm seeing users posting comments that this RAM has given them problems in the A7N8X boards. Is this board that picky about RAM, or should I just ignore these comments and assume they are from people trying to push the RAM too fast while OC'ing? If this board is indeed that picky, what RAM should I go with?

Another thing....I noticed Newegg has the retail 2600+ for $105, $14 more than the 2500+ It doesn't seem like that big of a difference (1.83 vs. 1.9GHz) to justify the extra money...or is it actually worth it?

I've already OC'ed my ti4200, and I think I'll try to make it last for now....at least until HL2 & Doom 3 are released. I may instead put that video card money in that new LiteOn DVD 8X DVD+R.

Tom

 

[Mercurien]

Get PC3200 memory, not PC2700. =) You'll be guaranteed a 200MHz FSB with the PC3200. Get the 2500+ too. It overclocks to 3200+ speeds (200*11) with almost no effort. The Asus board had a problem with a certain kind of Corsair ram when the A7N8X first came out, but that has long since been resolved. You should be fine.

 

[tomstevens26]

Well, I've narrowed it down and have the following ready to add to my cart...

That Antec case
A7N8X-E Deluxe
2500+
2 sticks of Kingston Value RAM 512MB PC-3200
LiteOn 8x DVD+R

A little more than I wanted to spend (just a tad over $500) but I think it will be a pretty good system. Depending on my year end bonus I may go ahead and get a 120GB HD (can't decide if I want to do SATA or IDE) and the 9600 Pro. Any thoughts?

Now I just gotta convince my wife...

Tom

 

[poppyq]

Originally posted by: Mercurien
Get PC3200 memory, not PC2700. =) You'll be guaranteed a 200MHz FSB with the PC3200. Get the 2500+ too. It overclocks to 3200+ speeds (200*11) with almost no effort. The Asus board had a problem with a certain kind of Corsair ram when the A7N8X first came out, but that has long since been resolved. You should be fine.

At the moment I can only run mine at 190x11 stable, if I run it even at 195x11 I can start playing games, ie. BF1942, but it will exit to desktop within half an hour, not sure what the issue is, but as I've seen other people not able to get up to 200FSB I wouldn't say it's guaranteed, just something more like "very likely"

 

[ForsakenMaster]

I have a a7n8x-e deluxe its the absolute best mobo i have ever owned.
As for your ram question if you decide 512mb or 1 gig go 2x what ever
so you can take advantage of the dual channel ddr.
Here is a example of the OCing possibilities im running a 2500 Barton with 2x256 pc2700 corsair xms and a stock HSF i have it OCed to 2.2 gig
default is 1.87
If you want kick ars ram at a good price consider Geil i have built 5 rigs for customers with geil and the chit is faster then my corsair and cheeper.

 

[adams828]

even if you can't run it at 200x11, get the 2500+ sure the 2600+ is "only" $14 more, but it's such a small increase, and you're already spending more $ than you wanted too. those "well i can get this faster thing for *just* another $$" things are what kill ya.

as for the video card or hard drive, depends on your uses. if you need the space well.. you need the space. shop around though, just picked up a WD 1200JB at circuit city for $67 after rebates myself.

 

[tomstevens26]

Well, it's ordered, and I got everything I need to build a new PC and keep the PC I'm currently using as my secondary. So much for the $400-$500 price range. I got:

A7N8X-E Deluxe
Powercolor 9600 Pro w/ 128MB
Kingston Value RAM PC3200 512MB x 2
2500+ Barton retail
120GB Seagate HD w/ 8MB
LiteON 8x DVD+R
Antec SLK3700 case w/ 350W PSU

$873 from Newegg. I've never overclocked before, but is that even an option using the retail HSF? I've seen several people that said they have but I'm a little afraid to try. Thanks to everyone for the help, and if there are any comments on this system now that I've finalized it I'd love to hear them!

Tom

 

[Mercurien]

Originally posted by: poppyq

Originally posted by: Mercurien
Get PC3200 memory, not PC2700. =) You'll be guaranteed a 200MHz FSB with the PC3200. Get the 2500+ too. It overclocks to 3200+ speeds (200*11) with almost no effort. The Asus board had a problem with a certain kind of Corsair ram when the A7N8X first came out, but that has long since been resolved. You should be fine.

At the moment I can only run mine at 190x11 stable, if I run it even at 195x11 I can start playing games, ie. BF1942, but it will exit to desktop within half an hour, not sure what the issue is, but as I've seen other people not able to get up to 200FSB I wouldn't say it's guaranteed, just something more like "very likely"

Sorry, what I should have said was your ram will be guaranteed to work at 200FSB. As always, YMMV with overclocking, but with PC3200 memory, you know your ram isn't holding you back. =)

 

[Mercurien]

Originally posted by: poppyq

Originally posted by: Mercurien
Get PC3200 memory, not PC2700. =) You'll be guaranteed a 200MHz FSB with the PC3200. Get the 2500+ too. It overclocks to 3200+ speeds (200*11) with almost no effort. The Asus board had a problem with a certain kind of Corsair ram when the A7N8X first came out, but that has long since been resolved. You should be fine.

At the moment I can only run mine at 190x11 stable, if I run it even at 195x11 I can start playing games, ie. BF1942, but it will exit to desktop within half an hour, not sure what the issue is, but as I've seen other people not able to get up to 200FSB I wouldn't say it's guaranteed, just something more like "very likely"

Sorry, what I should have said was your ram will be guaranteed to work at 200FSB. As always, YMMV with overclocking, but with PC3200 memory, you know your ram isn't holding you back. =)