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$350 - Mobo, CPU, Ram combo?

C

Chelica

2[H]4U
Joined
Aug 8, 2003
Messages
2,698
Hello,

If I was to have $350 dollars, what kind of a Motherboard, CPU, Ram combo should I get?

I was thinking something along the line of a P4 2.4C or a 2.6C dropped into an Abit Motherboard, one of the 865PE chipset ones. What do you guys think?

Thank you.
Alex
 
You going to OC and want Intel? If so, then Abit IS7/P4 2.6C, and the rest on some RAM.

Otherwise, Abit NF7/AMD Barton 2800+, and you have more money at the end.

You can switch out the IS7 for an IS7-E if you don't seed SATA RAID.
 
Thanks.

I do not think I will be using Raid, so I think the IS7-E would be best. Performance wise between the two is the same right? Just that the IS7 has Raid and the -E does not, am I correct or no?

So that is $90 for the board, as for the CPU, $166 for OEM and $175 for Retail. How much does one of those Zalman HSF cost nowadays? They are the quite ones right? Difference is basically 9 bucks. I could use the stock HSF for now and upgrade to a better HSF later.

Well, if I was to go for the retail version, I am looking at about $265 total. Leaving me with $85 for Ram, well not really considering the fact that I gotta pay tax here in Cali, hehe. As for the Ram, I want a good stable one, was looking at the Corsair XMS DDR400, but that is quite expensive. Hmmm....

The AMD setup you mentioned, how is that compared to the 2.6C with the Abit IS7?

I am getting into some general Image Editing (Photoshop) and Web Editing.
 
If you go AMD, get a 2500+ Barton and DFI Ultra Infinity-B, both under $100 (like $85 and $95 at the egg) and generally OC nice. Then take the rest and put it on some BH-5 mem. Mushkin 3500 L2 or KHX-3200.
 
I was calculating how much the AMD setup is gonna be, and it is about the same price. This is with an aftermarket HSF, SLK900A. The board that I went with is the ABIT nForce2 Ultra 400 Chipset Model "NF7-S V2". I heard that the V2 makes a difference on the nForce2 boards.

That is $136 for the CPU, $35 for the HSF, and $100 for the NF7-S. Totals to around $271. Leaves about $80 for Ram.
 
The AMD setups Dojo and I have mentioned are very good, and the lower rated Barton chips can usually OC pretty well (maybe Athlon 3000+ levels, or possibly 3200+). They are cheaper too, and are very competitive in performance. Always nice to have an open mind about what to buy.

Anyways, to answer your other questions. Yes, the IS7 and IS7-E offer the same performance. They both use the same chipset (I865). A Zalmon AlCU HSF costs $32 on the newegg, the full copper one costs $41, and only cools like one degree more.

I use Intel myself, but I strongly suggest the AMD. Still good performance, you won't get an OC out of it like you might get from the 2.6C, but you also save $80 or so, and with that, you can buy some Mushkin Level II PC3200! This stuff runs at 2-2-2-6 timings, and is probably the best RAM out there at this speed, thanks to the BH-5 chips.

EDIT: Wow, I didn't know the difference between the Barton 2500+ and 2800+ was that much. Get the 2500+ if you go that route, you'll save about $50, and you can just OC it. THEN you'll have money to get some RAM.
 
Originally posted by Dojo | Warlord
If you go AMD, get a 2500+ Barton and DFI Ultra Infinity-B, both under $100 (like $85 and $95 at the egg) and generally OC nice. Then take the rest and put it on some BH-5 mem. Mushkin 3500 L2 or KHX-3200.
Click to expand...

Do you prefer the NFII Ultra-INFINITY ($95) over the NF7-S V2 ($100). I have never heard of the DFI, so not sure if the $5 bucks saved is worth it.

And I was thinking about the 2500+ but that 2800+ looks promising also. The price difference is about $50 dollars. How big of a difference will I be seeing when if I was to OC them?
 
Originally posted by BillLeeLee

I use Intel myself, but I strongly suggest the AMD. Still good performance, you won't get an OC out of it like you might get from the 2.6C, but you also save $80 or so, and with that, you can buy some Mushkin Level II PC3200! This stuff runs at 2-2-2-6 timings, and is probably the best RAM out there at this speed, thanks to the BH-5 chips.
Click to expand...

I heard about that Ram, but aren't they running out of those, if they were to run out before I am able to get some, what is my other option?
 
DFI is pretty good, though some people have problems with it. That's to be expected from motherboards though.

I still say the NF7-S v2 mobo. Average overclocks with the Barton 2500+ I've seen or heard of have been beyond 3000+ levels (2.167 Ghz), most using the same mobo and some good cooling (like a the thermalright slk900 paired with a fan).

Save the cash with the Barton 2500+, get some good RAM like we said. You'll be happy.

edit: Yes, BH-5 chips are probably gone, and Newegg is the only place I've seen that still has the Mushkin RAM. If you want it, better act soon.

For an alternative to that, I really don't know. Wait for someone in this thread, or make a new one. Also, there's a ton of threads about good RAM in this forum, so take a look.
 
Thanks for the advice BillLeeLee and Dojo. I am pending on the funds right now, that is the reason why I asked if there are substitution for the Ram.

You know how the HSF usually comes fanless, which fan is considered quiet, the Panaflo?

Yeah, I do not mind an AMD setup at all, but I have just been running Intel for awhile and just like the way it feels. Can the 2.6 hit 3.0 easily? I am basically wanting something to just hit the performance of a 3.0 and I am satisfied.
 
Yeah, Panaflos are pretty quiet compared to others, and move more air at less noise compared to similar fans.

The P4 2.6C should hit 3 Ghz pretty easily, even with stock cooling, and a little luck (as in, if you're not unlucky enough to get a lemon of a proc that can't OC much at all).
 
Do you prefer the NFII Ultra-INFINITY ($95) over the NF7-S V2 ($100). I have never heard of the DFI, so not sure if the $5 bucks saved is worth it.
Click to expand...

the Infinity is GREAT board, especially for overclocking.

The ONLY issue worth mentioning with these boards (i'm talking about Infinity A+ and LanParty B) is that they're incompatible with a few thermalright heatsinks like the SLK947U or SP-97 for example..but look at my sig. I CAREFULLY got my SP-97 on without problelms..there are detailed guides at amdmb>DFI forum on installing the thermalright heatsinks.

There's a huge price difference between Infinity and LanParty B because the LanParty has loads of "lanparty" accessories, etc. But both are basically the same boards.
 
Originally posted by BillLeeLee


The P4 2.6C should hit 3 Ghz pretty easily, even with stock cooling, and a little luck (as in, if you're not unlucky enough to get a lemon of a proc that can't OC much at all).
Click to expand...

I think I might have to go the Intel route this time. I do alot of multi tasking and not much gaming, folks are saying or writing, that Intel is made more for multi tasking, and AMD more for gaming.

I just noticed your Sig, which Processor did you have before it died on you?

And is there a way to tell if your CPU is lemon by not opening it yet? Like some sort a serial number? But even if, it really depends on that particular CPU when it is placed and actually booted right? Hmmm...but life is always about luck, so yeah, the 2.6C sounds good to me. If I am thinking about just trying to OC (if it can) to a 3.0C, should I just stick with the stock HSF for now? I have heard from almost everyone that the stock HSF is not bad at all.

I'll keep the DFI in mind if I get an AMD setup, thanks for the info Drisler.

Alex
 
I had a P4 2.4C. It ran fine for a day at stock speeds, but after the Prime95 torture test, it died and I couldn't do anything with the system. P4s are generally good, and Intel has really good support and service if you actually have to RMA like I did.

If you OC, you can use stock cooling, the new heatsinks are much more thermally efficient, and use radial fin fans.
 
Originally posted by BillLeeLee
I had a P4 2.4C. It ran fine for a day at stock speeds, but after the Prime95 torture test, it died and I couldn't do anything with the system. P4s are generally good, and Intel has really good support and service if you actually have to RMA like I did.
Click to expand...

Ouch, hope you receive the CPU soon. Thank you for all your help.

Alex
 
Also, you may want to keep in mind, the 2.8C is supposed to drop to $178 Feb 1.
 
Definitely 2.4C with Abit IC7 mobo if you want to overclock.
 
The 2.8C is gonna drop that low?? How about the other CPUs? Will the 2.4C and the 2.6C drop its price also because the 2.8C is?

Slava - That was what I was thinking about before I posted this thread. But more folks are urging me to get a 2.6C. Hmm, always wanted one of those 2.4C tho.
 
Well, if you want it now, then get 2.4C, if you want to wait, which what I would suggest, wait and see the prices. You could probably get 2.8C for cheap or maybe even 2.8 Prescott.
 
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