New Computer, questions about xp2500+

[Brackus2]

Hey everyone,

I am slowly gonna get all the pieces and make a new computer, all im keeping is a hardrive, my geforce4 ti4200, and my cdroms and A:

anyway, I am looking at getting an XP 2500+ and some pc2700 ram. I think this works the best for price/performance but I still have some questions...

First, what is the 2500 clock speed, and would u truly recommend it over 2400-2600+??? Is it only the one cashe size that makes it faster, if at all???

Also, its gonna be 333mhz fsb im assuming, and so is ddr 2700 ram, I am looking at getting a motherboard for this as well, thats really cheap but ok on performance and is RELIABLE!!! anyone have any ideas???

For powersupplies, I know that there are 350's, 400's 500's etc, but that its more important the voltages and whatever else they provide for certain uses (i dont know the lingo here so bear with me) but what is the most important things for looking at for psu's, if I plan to have the above mentioned hardware (orwhat should i be looking at for any recommendations you may have posted that do not include a 2500+) ???

I am living in Canada, and my mother told me she will spend around $100 on me for easter, the only thing I really need is a new, reliable computer, because my current one is shite and always crashes running app's it should not have trouble running! Is there any deals you have heard out there for barebones cases, or just psu/case combo's (I wouldnt mind a semi-cool looking case, maybe something wiht nice, big, kinda quiet fans [i can tolerate a volcano 9 running at top rps], a little window looking in the case, and maybe some front usbs). I know this is all pretyt general, and when it comes down to it, cheapest and easiest to get will be best for me, im just dreaming of all this nice stuff out there that if I was rich I would have in my comp.

Anyway, hope I havent confused the hell outta you all, and I look forward to hearing back to at least 1 or 2 of the questions I have posted, most importantly, if hte 2500 is a good idea, and also possibly cheap parts I can grab to start setting up this comp!!!

Thanks alot for your time,

Dustin

 

[Fricardo]

Hey man, I know what you mean. I wish I had the cash for a real upgrade . The truth is though, you can get a nice system for not too much (that depends on your definition of course).

As far as the case, I think I know exactly what you're looking for. Check out the Kingwin K11. Its an all aluminum ATX design that will run you ~70 bucks. I built a system around it for a friend last fall and it was great. The thing weighs almost nothing without components and just fees high quality overall. It has a clear side window with fan as well as front USB, firewire, and audio ports like you wanted. You won't find another case this nice for under $100.

Good choice with the xp 2500+. Yes, it is the 512 cache that makes this processor faster than the 2400+/2600+. If I were you, I would spring the extra 20 bucks or so and get a 2500+ XP-M (the mobile version). It runs at considerably lower stock voltage and from what everybody says, overclocks like a dream. Oh, btw, the desktop runs at 1.83 Ghz and the mobile at 1.87 from the factory. A lot of people have actually been able to run the 2500+ XP-M at 2.5 GHz or higher! Of course this requires a good HSF like the a Thermalright SLK-947U or SP-97 if you really want to go high end. You should go with a volcano like you said if you plan on overclocking which you really should if you want to get the most for your money. I have been looking to build a system on this configuration myself. If you want to save some money here, you can buy a mobile 2400+ ( this is kind of strange, but the 2400+ and 2600+ mobile processors do have barton cores with 512 MB L2 cache, unlike their desktop relatives).

As far as power supply goes, just get a good one from a name brand manufacturer (Antec, Enermax, etc.) that's at least 400W. I was planning on getting the Antec TruePower 430 watt. It's quite stable and will provide the power for future upgrades.

For a great overclocking motherboard, check out the ABIT NF7-S Revision 2.0 (nForce2 Ultra 400). You'll have to shell out $100 but its worth it

If you do plan on overclocking, you'll want the headroom to hit 400 MHz, so I would recomend getting some name brand PC 3200. It doesn't need to be fancy, just from a name brand manufacturer. Faster timings do help, but if you are looking to save some money here is an area where you can and not loose too much performance. You should get 2 sticks for the dual channel performance boost. A double 512 double pack (2 x 256) will run you around $65.

It should be something like this:

Kingwin K11: $70
Athlon XP-M 2400+: $78
Antec TruePower 430 watt: $73
ABIT NF7-S Revision 2.0: $98
(some brand) PC3200 2x256: $65

Total: $384
I think that covers your questions (I hope). I don't know if that seems like a lot of cash, but it really does present the best price/performance ratio right now.
If I missed something let me know lol. Good luck

 

[Brackus2]

Alright, most of that sounds pretty good,

I was hoping to be able to get the case and psu for a combined price under $100, and really looking around 60-80 but I know I'm dreaming.

What is this about 2400, 2500, and 2600 Mobiles??? I guess they are all faster than their non mobile counterparts??? how about price/performance ratio.

I know overclocking is recommended, but as someone who in no way can afford to replace any burnt hardware, whats my best bet for running 333mhz if I feel I cant spring for the 400mhz (if you think I can, feel free to include why). I had thought that the 2400 was at 266, and it wouldnt really matter if I had pc2100, 2700, 3200 ram...

Anyway, just more questions, thanks for the helpful response though, I really like the 2500+ but if the 2400+ Mobile is almost as good, I might as well spring for that... I have no clue how to tell them apart though, and if im ordering off the internet this could get sketchy!

Thanks again,

Dustin

 

[Verdant]

i am assuming you are putting this together yourself...

a good place to buy in canada is ncix.com (just don't use phone support) its in BC, which is far from you in st. catherines, but since you don't have to pay 8% pst the shipping is not too bad. i just mention this because i bought a system from them 2 weeks ago.

as for my picks:
ANTEC SLK3700BQE CASE (with 350W PSU) - $120 CDN
really nice case for the money with a quality antec PSU ... its also the case used in this guide
ATHLON XP-M 2500+ & KINGSTON PC3700 2x256mB - $305 CDN
good quality bundle, plus you get PC3700, which might be nice
ABIT NF7 $105 CDN
$530
the NF7 is 40 cheaper than the NF7-S... and the nf7 has been working great for me get the nf-7 if you need/want serial.