Ready to order MB/Tbird upgrade - Final Advice Anyone?

[huggiebear]

NewEgg
EPOX EP-8K7A $132 ($5 shipping)
AMD 1GHz 266MHz OEM $127 ($10 shipping)
FAN Need Advice Badly Here

Crucial
DDR PC2100 ? CL=2.5 2Meg x 72 $66.29

Video Card
Currently Banshee, will wait for GF3 prices to drop to $200

Last Rite Questions:
For overclocking which chip is better, 200mhz of 266mhz?
Is registered ram any better (worth $8 more)?
Fan recommendations, anyone?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Biggs]

Taisol 760 w/ copper insert... 'Nuff said.

 

[MichaelD]

You'll get differing opinions, but in my opinion, if you're gaming, surfing, emailing etc, ECC RAM isn't worth it. That's mainly used for high-end servers and the like.

For a HSF, get a GlobalWin FOP 32-1 (FOP 32-1 is the model#) and some Arctic Silver II thermal compound. Worth every penny. The sticky thermal pad that comes on the bottom of the HS is useless. Take it off with your fingernail and WD40. Wipe it clean with rubbing alcohol and install it using the Arctic Silver II. Much better. There are some other HSF's that are on par w/the FOP 32-1. Vantec has one out now that's pretty popular, but I don't know the model #. I have the FOP and like it a lot. Good luck.


EDIT
Like Biggs said "Taisol". That's great too...just couldn't remember it off the top of my head.

 

[artemedes]

Yah, I like the 80 mm taisol hsf. You can order them from inflow direct with the fan of your choice if you want a better one. IMHO the stock one would be nice and quiet and really good cooling with decent case cooling.

Otherwise nice choice of components.

 

[huggiebear]

What about the 200mhz or 266mhz Tbird? Which one is better for O/Cing.

Never mind, this topic deserves it's own thread, which I will start.

Thanks for the info so far.

 

[mackstann]

For a HSF, I'd reccommend a thermosonic thermoengine. It scored highest on HardOCP's Socket A shootout(linky). If you're on a budget, get the thermaltake Volcano II. It's like 8 bucks at newegg, and still performs good. Also, Thermaltake's new Copper orb does way better than their previous orbs (wish i had one instead of stupid superorb i'm stuck with!) Or, like MikeD said, the globalwin FOP-32. Also consider noise, you might want to give up a liiittle cooling for less noise. Thermoengine I'm not sure about, Volcano II is quiet, so is copper orb, and i believe the FOP-32 is kinda loud. I think i have succeeded in confusing you a bit more!! (i cant just recommend one, sorry)

And help me with my video card!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Pabster]

If you plan on overclocking, look in to a serious top-of-the-line cooler, especially if you don't have the greatest case cooling. Check out http://www.swiftnets.c*m for the finest air cooling solutions out there. The MC462-A (I would recommend ordering the bare heat sink and adding the Delta 80mm 68.5cfm monster fan) can't be beat, for air cooling.