Some questions about overclocking the XP2100+

[dodgeram3500]

I have read a lot about the XP2100 Thoroughbred Rev B that newegg is selling and how it is really good for overclocking. I already have an XP2000 but not overclocked, and figured it would be a good idea to upgrade to the 2100 and overclock it to over 2Ghz.

I have not overclocked much before except messing around with the bios settings on my XP2100 and ECS K7S5A board. I have some knowledge about overclocking and figure I would be able to figure it out by reading some material and reading these boards.

I plan on starting from scratch on this new system and not reusing and of the parts from my current computer, but don't plan on spending a whole lot on this new one.

Here is what I currently have planned to purchase (deals I found from the Hot Deals forum):

XP2100 Rev B from newegg
Epox 8RDA+ MB
Kingston HyperX PC3000 512MB
Thermalright SLK800 w/ Vantec Tornado Fan (read many times that this is the ultimate air cooling system)

The other thing I have no decided on is the Case becuase I don't know what I will need, mainly in terms of Power Supply. I have read that its recommended or possibly necessary to get a top quality PSU such as Enermax, Sparkle, or Antec.

I don't want to spend much on a case w/ PSU (hopefully less than $80). I have found many cases that are really cheap that I like but come with generic powersupply, mostly with 400W PSU.

My question is, will a generic 400W PSU work with overclocking the 2100+ to around 2.2GHz. I don't plan on OC that much, just upto 2.2GHz or whatever it runs stable at. I'm not going to push it to the limits or anything.

So, will it be ok to save a lot of money by going with a cheap 400W power supply like PowerUp or should I spend a little more money on a Antec 350W? I would prefer to buy the cheap one, but not sure if it will work when I OC.

So, hopefully someone on this board can advise me on what is necessary. I don't really want the brand name PSU if it isn't absolutely necessary, but if OC won't work with a generic brand, then I guess I'm forced to get a quality one. I really dont have a prob with cheap ones becuase on my current system, I have a cheap 350W PSU and have had no probs with it yet (although my chip isn't overclocked either).

Also, with the Kingston PC3000 HyperX ram be good for the overclocking or should I get a Crucial PC2700 (both about the same in terms of money).

Thanks!

 

[BigJ]

The Kingston HyperX is just as good if not better then the Crucial PC2700 for overclocking.

One thing I cannot emphasize enough, is do not skimp on the power supply. When overclocking these days, with all the components people put into their systems and how much power these processors are drawing, it is utterly necessary to get a good power supply. A good 400w powersupply will last you several years down the road, instead of replacing the cheap generic 350w pos' every 6 months. Also, those cheaper power supplies can take plenty of equipment with them when they fail. Same thing can be said for the better PSUs, but they won't fail on you after 4 months.

Also, with the better PSU's, you're getting more voltage dedicated to each rail. On a 5v and 12v rail with a PSU like Antec or Enermax, expect the line to be higher, say 4.89v or 4.9v on the 5 and 11.92v on the 12v line (may dip slightly lower but thats alright). On these cheap PSUs, I've seen the 5v line tip to 4.65 when overclocking, and the 12v line dip to 11.6, 11.5v. Those lines are going to effect your max stable OC adversely.

Spend the extra 30-40$ on a case with a better PSU.

Also, are you prepared for how loud the Tornado actually is? Do NOT plug that fan into a motherboard header, or say goodbye. Think hair dryer when thinking of the Tornado.

 

[Shimmishim]

Originally posted by: BigJ2078
The Kingston HyperX is just as good if not better then the Crucial PC2700 for overclocking.

One thing I cannot emphasize enough, is do not skimp on the power supply. When overclocking these days, with all the components people put into their systems and how much power these processors are drawing, it is utterly necessary to get a good power supply. A good 400w powersupply will last you several years down the road, instead of replacing the cheap generic 350w pos' every 6 months. Also, those cheaper power supplies can take plenty of equipment with them when they fail. Same thing can be said for the better PSUs, but they won't fail on you after 4 months.

Also, with the better PSU's, you're getting more voltage dedicated to each rail. On a 5v and 12v rail with a PSU like Antec or Enermax, expect the line to be higher, say 4.89v or 4.9v on the 5 and 11.92v on the 12v line (may dip slightly lower but thats alright). On these cheap PSUs, I've seen the 5v line tip to 4.65 when overclocking, and the 12v line dip to 11.6, 11.5v. Those lines are going to effect your max stable OC adversely.

Spend the extra 30-40$ on a case with a better PSU.

Also, are you prepared for how loud the Tornado actually is? Do NOT plug that fan into a motherboard header, or say goodbye. Think hair dryer when thinking of the Tornado.

if you want less noise, try the TT smart fan 2 or the YS tech variable speed fan...

and yes PSU is key....

YOu can get the fortron 350W (230W combined on the 3.3V and 5V rails [these are most important for the CPU] with less than 1% variant in the voltage) at directron.com for 30 something... i cant remember.... fortron is basically a sparkle...

then you can find a 40 dollar case somewhere.... the chemnig or something that newegg sells looks promising.. but i dunno too much about cases....

 

[dodgeram3500]

thanks guys for the help and advise.

I'm goin go with your advise about the fortron, and pick up a 350W, possibly a 400W, but don't really want to spend the extra money as I don't think i really need it since I'm not really going to OC the hell out of the chip or anything and I'm only gonna run 1 HD (120GB 7200RPM).

I think I'm also gonna go with a Chieftec case for $35 + S&H.

Now, I need to figure out the cooling system. I'm pretty much set on gettin the SLK800 for the heatsink and debating whether to get the Tornado or not.

I need to know how many fans and what kind I need for cooling the case. So if you guys could help me out once more, I would really appreciate it.

 

[dodgeram3500]

Another question about which case to get.

Should I get an aluminum case or will a steel case be good enough.


I saw this one: http://www.buyxtremegear.com/chiefsxcaswi.html

A Chieftec case for $35, pretty good deal.

Or should I spend the extra loot and get an aluminum case.