Uprading CPU, Mobo, and RAM

[BigJ]

All I'm looking to do right about now is upgrade the CPU, Motherboard, and RAM. At max I'm looking to spend 600$ on the upgrade. Here are my options:

Ram:
Most likely: Corsair CMX256A-3000C2 x 2 = $200

XP 2400+ ($193 Retail)
Nforce2 Motherboard (Asus A7N8X $150)


or

Granite Bay ($200, dont know which brand yet)
Best Overclocking P4 (Probably either 2.4b or 2.26 Retail for $195, 210$ if I want a guaranteed C1 2.4B))

What would you guys suggest? Which P4s are overclocking the best, which motherboards look the most promising based on either chipset?

 

[ChampionAtTufshop]

either way its good
i would get a guaranteed C1 stepping as they are the ones that overclock really well (1.8a if possible maybe??)
otherwise 2.4b should be good too

any C1 would most likely be a better overclocker than B0

both chipsets look good
just make sure you dont get the nforce2 with onboard video if you have no need for it

 

[Duvie]

I like the p4 route...defintely go c1 as it liley the key to 3ghz plus...also wait and see if gigabyte and epox can get out their GB mobos as they likely wont be so bells and whistle happy and get the price down in the 150-180 range....

The athlon is good but it doesn't commandenough of a price advantage to conteract the fact the p4 c1 stepping will likely overclock much further and give you the best bang for the buck...

Don't believe??? see all the posts or lack thereof of really good ocing to date with the 2400+...I haven't seen to many that impress me, while I have seen a few c1 chips now doing 3.2ghz...

Either waty don't skimo on the board as it may give you some longevity with barton cores or Hyperthreaded p4 cpus....


I like your ram choice!!!

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: Duvie

The athlon is good but it doesn't commandenough of a price advantage to conteract the fact the p4 c1 stepping will likely overclock much further and give you the best bang for the buck...

Don't believe??? see all the posts or lack thereof of really good ocing to date with the 2400+...I haven't seen to many that impress me, while I have seen a few c1 chips now doing 3.2ghz...

Basically the main reason why I considered going the route of the P4. The 2400+ has just not been overclocking well for a lot of people, maybe 200-300mhz? A lot of people have been having good success with the C1s, and I'm pretty sure the 3.0 - 3.1ghz P4 combo would beat out the 2.3 AMD Combo. Thing is, I'm a little hesitant about going the P4 way, seeing I've been with AMD the past 3 years. P4 route is definitely appealing, especially if the GB boards get down to the 150ish range.

 

[Duvie]

I understand you!!! I am not initially happy with early GB prices, but I figured the only one I have really seen priced is asus and they always seem to have their heads up their arses and overprice everything...That is why I am waiting for epox and gigabyte. Don't wait for the asus dildos to bring a board out at that price, you will be waiting awhile....

amd 2.3ghz would be just above a 2800+ in speed while 3.2ghz as in the reviews of the 3.06ghz with HT disabled should be faster in a majority of apps...Not to mention a no one has thoroughly tested a major oc'd GB mobo in comparison to that same 2800+ paper launched chip to see how much it would add to the lead...At pc2100 non oc'd the mobo is already pc1066 rdram standards as used in most test....a 2.4 at 3.2ghz would be like 177fsb for 354mhz ddr or like dual pc2800 for quite a lead over standard rdram. In some apps that extra bandwidth may be very useful.....

 

[BigJ]

ne1 else with opinions?