Which A64 CPU for this Mobo/Video/Memory?

[deadken]

Hi, I have 4 Athlon XP systems running 24/7/365 in my house right now (all O/C'd). I want to upgrade my main rig which is a XP-M 2400 45W @ 2370Mhz, Abit NF7 Mobo, W/1GB Corsair XMS Memory (512/256/256 (all 2,2,2,5)) and my PNY 6800GT Video Card. I don't think that it is worth me buying new memory and a new Video Card right now, so I'd like to eliminate PCI-E and DDR2 from the equation. Someone here on the forums offered a trade for his 'fresh-from-RMA' MSI K8T NEO2-F Socket 939 VIA K8T800 Pro Mobo and since I don't really need what I am trading it for, I guess that Mobo is what I will get for now (can't beat what amounts to a 'free' price).

My question is: Which CPU should I get/look for for that hardware combo? I know that without a NF Chipset, I will lose the AGP/PCI lock that has been such a pleasure to have. My pricepoint for the CPU is about ~$200-$225. I guess that this puts me inline for a 'new' 3000-3200 or whatever I can find used for that price range. I have no clue as to the difference between a 'Winnie' and a 'Venice' or any other CPU name at this point.

Thanks for any help you can give at this point. Again, I am certainly planning on using my 6800GT and Memory to start off with. That Mobo just seems the best for now because it leaves me more money to put into the CPU. If it is a crappy Mobo, then by all means please let me know. I will just have to pony up more cash (a little time delay will be necessary).

-Thanks, Ken.

 

[Zebo]

ALWAYS buy the lowest rated chip in an iteration if you're an overclcoker. In your case the 3000 venice for $150. Everything else IMO is a waste of good money.

nm

 

[imported_Husky55]

Thanks Zebo. You have helped me save on memory and now CPU.

😉

 

[imported_jtworldwide2]

3200 is good for the 10x multi, makes oc a little bit easier. As for the core get the venice, right now its at a price premium (10-25 bucks compared to winnie) but has sse3 and a better manufacturing process, as well as an updated memory controller.

 

[exar333]

i like the 10 multi too...but the 3000 and 3200 OC to about the same ceiling...

 

[Leper Messiah]

too bad the kt800 is a dog. If you want agp, the epox 9nda series is good and cheap.

 

[deadken]

Thank you all very much... I now have a direction to go with.

BTW: I would like a new NForce mobo, but I will start with this 'free' one. If I had a great use for what I was trading for, then that would be one thing, but at this point it is just damn near 'free' to me.

 

[Leper Messiah]

free is good. My first a64 mobo was free, but it was a KV8-MAX3. at least the kt800pro has a AGP lock. Mine didn't. was limited to 240 on the HTT.

 

[sangyup81]

if you don't have PCI/AGP lock, I suggest getting a 3500+ Venice