New system build

[VoteQuimby]

Allright well I?m considering upgrading my ?guts? of my machine as it is starting to show it?s age. I?m looking to upgrade to an A64 system. That means I get to replace the MB, Ram, and processor. So what do you all recommend?

My budget will probably be around $400 for all 3 items.

I?m considering the following:

Guts
MB: EPoX EP-9NPA+Ultra ($105 @ newegg)
Ram: Should I just go for some Value stuff? (1gig) ($75 - $100)
CPU: 3000 or 3200? Overclocking will probably be necessary to get the best bang for my buck. I?d also like to keep it quiet so what HS/F would you recommend? ($150 - $200 plus HS/F)

Video Card
I also need to consider what to do about my video card situation. This is because I currently have a XFX 6800GT AGP card. Should I try to sell of the AGP card and get a new/used PCI version? I don?t plan on upgrading for a while after this one so that is why I?m considering making the switch to PCI now.

Oh and are there any recommendations for quiet cases?

 

[Mrvile]

Since you say you'll be overclocking, get a better OCing board, the DFI Ultra-D instead of a cheap budget board. For ram, just stick with 1GB of Cosair Value Select, and for the CPU get a 3200+ Venice (this is retail so it comes with a heatsink). All of this added together should be about 400 bucks.

Since you'll be upgrading to PCI-e, try to sell the 6800GT AGP and get yourself an X800XL PCI-e, which is the best buy in PCI-e cards.

 

[The Pentium Guy]

Since you say you'll be overclocking, get a better OCing board, the DFI Ultra-D instead of a cheap budget board. For ram, just stick with 1GB of Cosair Value Select, and for the CPU get a 3200+ Venice (this is retail so it comes with a heatsink). All of this added together should be about 400 bucks.

DFI + Corsair Value Select = No. Incompatibility.
DFI + OCZ Value VX = Yes.

But, DFI released a 939 AGP board! Get that board and keep the 6800GT AGP.

-TPG

 

[VoteQuimby]

The DFI 939 board in only NF3 does that make a big difference?

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: Mrvile
Since you say you'll be overclocking, get a better OCing board, the DFI Ultra-D instead of a cheap budget board.

"The Epox 9NPA+ Ultra is the fastest board in the roundup at stock speeds. It was also the highest overclocker at stock speeds, and the second highest overclocker when the bus was overclocked. The Epox is an incredible value whether you are looking for a board that will run fast with stability at stock speeds or a board that will satisfy almost any Athlon 64 enthusiast. The range of overclocking options and the overclocked performance are among the best that we have seen, falling short only in the memory voltage area, which tops out at 3.1V. The feature set is more or less average for Ultra boards, but the overall performance is clearly standout. Based on the standout performance and solid overclocking that we achieved with the Athlon 64, we are pleased to award the AnandTech Gold Editors Choice to the Epox 9NPA+ Ultra motherboard."

--Anandtech.com

 

[The Pentium Guy]

It was also the highest overclocker at stock speeds,

What the hell do they mean by that?