Selecting mobo bundle compents on Monarch and need help with RAM and CPU fan........

[mh454]

I decided to order my mobo/cpu compo through Monarch Computer. I'm getting an Asus A8V Deluxe and Athlon 3000+ Winchester. I have the choice of 5 different CPU heatsinks/fan. I do plan to overclock a little so I do want the one that will cool the best but don't know which one that is (my guess it would be the $35 one since its the most expensive but wanted your opinions). Here are all the choices:

http://www.monarchcomputer.com...mp;Product_Code=130129

http://www.monarchcomputer.com...mp;Product_Code=130150

http://www.monarchcomputer.com...mp;Product_Code=130956

http://www.monarchcomputer.com...mp;Product_Code=130972

http://www.monarchcomputer.com...mp;Product_Code=130122

Oh and they also offer a $14 thermal grease option but if you read about the fan itself it sounds like they come with the thermal grease. Do you need to even check this if they already have it with the fan (would they just use that stuff?).

My next questions is with RAM. I've decided I want 1 gig of PC3200 but there is like 20 choices of that ranging from $200 to almost $300 for two 512 sticks. They seem to carry Corsair and OCZ but there are a lot of choices within those two brands that I can't tell the difference. Here is the link with the list: http://www.monarchcomputer.com...amp;Category_Code=AMDC

Thanks!

 

[Zepper]

The first HSF ($25. with the 80x80x25 fan) would probably be the best and the stock TIM (thermal interface material) would be fine - the ShinEtsu goop is good, but not worth $14. But I wouldn't buy a Thermaltake HSF anyway when I could get a better value Speeze or similar.
. Also you don't wan't to spend the extra money for a so-called Dual-Channel "matched pair". Any two DDR modules of the same make/model will work fine (I have two generic "Premium" modules from Outpost.com in mine and they work great. So if you are locked into Monarch, buy ONE 512MB module in the 1st memory blank and buy ONE more 512MB module in the 2nd memory blank- get any good CAS 2.5 module - I wouldn't pay over $80. each unless I was getting CAS2/1T modules.
. I would be buying my mobo, HSF, RAM separately. Often these package deals are no "deal" at all...
.bh..

 

[LouPoir]

When I bought my combo from Monarch, I got the top one on your list. Very happy with it.

Lou

 

[mh454]

Originally posted by: Zepper
The first HSF ($25. with the 80x80x25 fan) would probably be the best and the stock TIM (thermal interface material) would be fine - the ShinEtsu goop is good, but not worth $14. But I wouldn't buy a Thermaltake HSF anyway when I could get a better value Speeze or similar.
. Also you don't wan't to spend the extra money for a so-called Dual-Channel "matched pair". Any two DDR modules of the same make/model will work fine (I have two generic "Premium" modules from Outpost.com in mine and they work great. So if you are locked into Monarch, buy ONE 512MB module in the 1st memory blank and buy ONE more 512MB module in the 2nd memory blank- get any good CAS 2.5 module - I wouldn't pay over $80. each unless I was getting CAS2/1T modules.
. I would be buying my mobo, HSF, RAM separately. Often these package deals are no "deal" at all...
.bh..

I think I will go with this fan then: http://www.monarchcomputer.com...mp;Product_Code=130129

As far as RAM, it does show up cheaper if I list just one single 512 then another in the 2nd memory option. This is the cheapest listed: http://www.monarchcomputer.com...mp;Product_Code=140879

Would two of these sticks be fine for doing a little overclocking (they are 2.5 latency)?

Originally posted by: LouPoir
When I bought my combo from Monarch, I got the top one on your list. Very happy with it.

Lou

Lou: What kind of temps did you see with this fan? What speed CPU and any overclocking? Thanks!

 

[Zepper]

You didn't link the memory, but if it is the Corsair then as long as the memory is rated faster than the CPU then it should be OK for some OCing.
.bh.

:moon:

 

[mh454]

Fixed the link for the RAM. Also found this Mushkin on newegg.com: http://www.newegg.com/app/view...=20-146-299&DEPA=0

Is this RAM any better for doing some overclocking?

 

[mh454]

The RAM I found on monarch is the same here on newegg ($4 less): http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=20-145-026&depa=1

From the reviews, this looks like very good ram. I think I would rather order with my mobo so its setup with it and tested (done for free anyway). Will this RAM be overclockable or do I need something different?

 

[mh454]

Anyone? Just wondering about that abality for this value line stuff to overclock (would like to get 2.4-2.5 ghz out of my 3000 athlon)