What's the best CPU for my Epox 8rda+

[ajf3]

Hey all,

I have a 8rda+ v1.1... currently running a thoroughbred B 2400+ (12x166) and 1.5GBs of RAM (2 PC2700, and 1 PC2100 all running at PC2700/166).

I'm confused as heck about how to get the fastest chip I can in here without overclocking too much...

I've read the XP-M 2500+ is a great chip & runs cool, but you can't go over 12.5x without some sort of hardware mod. I'm currently running at 12x166, so it seems like I wouldn't get much out of that one unless I upped my FSB (which I didn't really want to do since I'm already running some 133 ram at 166).

Acccording to the Epox site, I can run a Barton/333 from 2500-3000. Should I just get a 3000/333? Will my current HSF (for a 2400+) likely be able to cool it, or would I need a new one? My CPU is running around 53 right now/mobo 29.

Also - I had a 8kha before this & the caps went bad taking a bunch of my equipment with it (drive, stick of ram, etc). I read a couple of comments about the 8rda+ having cap problems too... should I just ditch this board now, or are they generally ok?

Thx!

 

[CraigRT]

If you don't have any bad/leaky caps yet, you shouldn't have problems for at least a while yet (my 8 month old mobo has leaky caps, but still works perfectly)

I'd be prepared to swap out for an A64 or something myself, instead of upgrading your 2400+ CPU.. that's a decent CPU really, and personally I don't know if I would plop in a faster CPU or not... not really worth the $, but if you have money to burn, I'd get a mobile 2500 or 2600 and go from there. you might want to upgrade your RAM to PC3200 or greater for future expansion also!