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Convert Current PC to SFF + Upgrade

M

Master Bob

Limp Gawd
Joined
Sep 8, 2005
Messages
378
Alright so my current PC is as follows:
Mobo: Asus P4S800D-E Deluxe
CPU: P4 2.8Ghz 800MHz FSB
Ram: 2x generic 256mb Pc 3200
GPU: Nvidia Geforce FX 5900
HDD: one 80GB
HDD2: one 250Gb
DVD: Lite-on
CD-RW: Samsung one
Audio: Sound Blaster Audigy 2

I'm looking to possibly convert to a Small Form Factor PC case, and at the same time possibly upgrade a bit; cheapest possible.
I want to go Dual-Core. I'm thinking that the Pentium D 805 [socket 775] would suit my needs perfectly, but Im pretty sure that would require be going DDR2 . . .
If possible I'd like the SFF to have room for two HDDs and one Media drive. So I was looking for a good mobo/case combination for the Pentium D 805. If not a barebones syetem than the individual parts is fine as long as the prize is right. If it would be cheaper to go with an AMD system that is an option.
Also I do want the system to be upgradable down the line[ie if with integrated graphics, have Pic 16x slot].
Suggestions?
 
Conroe or AMD....why? Because the older intels get too hot.

Are you looking for a barebones like a shuttle or mATX case like the Qpack, Micro Fly, V300, Qmicra, SG01?
 
AMD or Intel it really doesnt matter to me, just whichever one gives me the best price/performance ratio[/cheapest] dual-core.

I'm pretty sure a barebones solution would give me a lot more for my money, but if getting "everything" separately is cheaper than that.

Also, my current PSU is an Antec TrueBlue 480W.
 
Get the a64 3800 x2 when AMD drop its price in a few weeks, that's probably the best bang for your buck dual core wise.
 
amd will be your best bang for buck since you can transfer over your current ram and amd mobos are generally cheaper than intel ones.

i recommend the x2 3800+ after price drops - only $150! i cant wait :D
 
Given that AMD's 3800+ goes down to $150, what would be a good mobo/chipset to use?
If the 3800+ doesn't go down, what would be a good intel mobo/chipset [for use with pentium D 805].
 
The price will go down...they already announced it.

Either the SN25P or a mATX mobo will work. With mATX mobos do you want overclocking or not? the MSI 6150 board is nice but many like the Bio.
 
Steeeeve said:
The price will go down...they already announced it.

Either the SN25P or a mATX mobo will work. With mATX mobos do you want overclocking or not? the MSI 6150 board is nice but many like the Bio.
Click to expand...
Did they annoucne the price it was going down to?

Some slight OCing options would be nice, nothing EXTREME! though.

EDIT: Monarchcomputer.com has a combo deal going on: link
The two μATX boards available are:
The Asus M2NPV-VM $85 and the Gigabyte GA-M51GM-S2G $90. Just FYI, with the 3800+ X2 @ 160.
 
Can you use DDR modules in a mobo designed for DDR2?

I think I'd rather go for a µATX case like the:
mATX case like the Qpack, Micro Fly, V300, Qmicra [WAY too expensive], SG01 [too expensive]?
Click to expand...
 
ya, the new cuts were announced, prices were cut a little further. the x2 3800+ is supposed to be $149 now.

for mobo, i'd suggest the foxconn 6150k8ma (or the 6150k8md, only difference is the k8md has integrated dvi as far as i know, but i can't find it for sale anywhere, but if you're not using the integrated video the integrated dvi won't make a difference), it has full features and oc's well (270+ fsb).

or if shuttle's your thing, go for the sn25p, the sn21g5's kind of glitchy and shuttle isn't supporting it (it's been out for like 5 months now but it's still on its initial bios, which has issues).
 
what about the Asus M2NPV-VM, I like how it has Integrated DVI and coems wiht a HDTV out? Now the only question is how much of a performance boost would I see when comparing DDR to DDR2?
 
the asus is capped at 240fsb for overclocking, if that's enough for you then go for it. the msi board has 0 voltage adjustments, so if you want to oc you're stuck on what you can do on stock voltages.
 
Master Bob said:
Can you use DDR modules in a mobo designed for DDR2?
Click to expand...

Definitely not in any mobo except for the couple that have both types of slots. DDR and DDR2 will not fit in the same slots.
 
Soymilk said:
the asus is capped at 240fsb for overclocking, if that's enough for you then go for it.
Click to expand...
What kind of performance difference is that? either % numbers or GHz . . .

Whats the FSB spec for the 3800+?
Will heat be a huge concern with the SFF?
Also Does it matter that that none of the specifications for the Foxconn say Socket AM2 or Athlon 64 X2?
 
it depends on your cpu and what your cpu is capable of. most x2 3800+'s will be able to reach this limit. fsb * cpu multi = cpu frequency. stock fsb is 200, multi on x2 3800's is 10. at 240fsb it'll be running at 2.4ghz instead of the stock 2ghz.
 
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