Upgrading.. need advice, ideas..

BWX · Feb 24, 2006, 05:38 PM

I started in this thread.....

Parts ordered... *can't wait... can't wait*!

Quote:

Well I just found out I can do some upgrading...

Problem is I might only have about 700 bucks or so.. maybe more.

I need a CPU/Mobo/gfx card. I want 2Gigs of ram....

I can harvest 512mb ram- 1x 512MB OCZ Platinum Enhanced Latency PC-3200 2-3-2-5
(maybe buy 1 gig OCZ stick for 1.5 gigs at first)

the X800XL AGP- old NF7- 2.2ghz Tbred/ 2x 256-OCZ Platinum Enhanced latency Limited Edition PC-3200 2-2-2-5 BH6 memory won't do me any good I don't think.. Unless the mobo has 4 slots and all the ram plays nice.. Would rather get 2x 1GB sticks though.

I'm thinking about getting an Opteron.. http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu...teron-165.html
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Custra...82E16819103588

Quote:

This is a very nice result I should say. The Toledo based CPU working at 2.5GHz frequency is something to be really proud of. However, we didn’t feel like we could stop at this point. We decided to overclock our Opteron 165 CPU even higher by raising its Vcore from 1.325V to 1.45V. In this case the clock generator frequency when the system remained stable rose by another 11MHz and reached 291MHz. In other words, our CPU could work stably at 9x291MHz=2622MHz with hgiher Vcore.

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu...ron-165_8.html

7800gt
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130249

mobo... no idea. I am sure there are many 939's to choose from, I want one that will OC.
I have a lot of homework to do.. not sure what to do at this point... need to go hunt down some benchmarks.. go find some deals.. It's about damn time though. I haven't even played trough FEAR because I want to wait until I can run it half way decently.. My race sims eat systems alive too- rFactor needs a killer rig to crank the settings up while showing a large number of cars. My PSU will be fine with an adapter- 550 Antec watts will do just fine.

Any ideas?

fobis said:

Quote:

Opteron 165's, as you mentioned, overclock beatifully. So do the Opteron 170's, so I hear, and plus, that has a higher multiplier, too.

g35x said:

Quote:

i <3 my opteron and it's only a 148 =)
and bwx,x800xl agp is still a good card.....slap and ati silencer on it and OC the hell outa it.....thats what i did =) bf2 1280x1024 2xaa all highs never ran so great
and judas....get me one of those discounts

then I said:

Quote:

I already do OC it.. (425/545) ..the problem is that it is AGP.
No sense upgrading AGP, so need to buy PCIe, therefore, it has to go.. I want something faster anyway. I think I'll start a thread, I really need some advice about the mobo, etc.. building around an Opteron 165 dual core.

then tek said:

Quote:

Go with a DFI Lanparty SLI board BWX... Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe is similarily good.... but Asus boards always have problems... at least so I've learned in my past experiences.

Only downside on the DFI board is the northbridge HSF -- its terrible, could use a change if your going to be overclocking... otherwise its the top OC'ing board for AMD64's/Opterons

I am pretty sure I want that Opteron 165, I don't want SLI- but should I still get that board? Not even sure I am going Nvidia- but I will probably be getting a 7800GT- Unless I can find something faster for cheaper.

Please throw in any ideas you guys might have.

Drakon · Feb 24, 2006, 05:58 PM

Yes, the Opteron 165 is a nice buy. Extra cache and great oc'ing capabilities makes it a better buy than the X2 3800+. You can get a SLI board now with the 7800 GT, and then get another at the end of the year, unless you plan on upgrading again by then. That's what I'm thinking of doing with my 7800 GTX. The DFI boards are great for oc'ing an Opteron cpu. I currently have the Ultra-D modded to an SLI board with a 165. Haven't oc'ed it as yet, but I've seen some great oc's with the board. The older Ultra-D's were able to mod to a SLI board easily, but DFI removed that capability with the newer revisions.

Edit: On second thought, you might want to hold out for a 7900 GT. According to this thread, the 7900 GT should sell for $299.

BWX · Feb 24, 2006, 06:14 PM

That's cool- but if I don't spend this money, it probably won't be there by the time that card comes out.. which sucks, but that's the way it is. When you have a wife, you need to act fast!

DFI nF4-DAGF Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813136160

DFI nF4 Ultra-Infinity Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813136163

DFI nF4 SLI Infinity Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813136164

DFI LanParty UT nF4-D Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813136159

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813136152
DFI LANPARTY UT nF4 Ultra-D Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

DAMN! all thee DFI socket 939 boards... what's up with that?

BWX · Feb 24, 2006, 06:37 PM

Or maybe I should get a 200 dollar x64 CPU (take your pick).. and get a 7800GTX with that extra money I would have spent on the Opteron 165?
BIOSTAR VN78GTX-D4E Geforce 7800GTX 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814141014

After all I am interested in performance for gaming, and nothing else. I could care less about decoding speed or stuff like that. I think I would get better gaming performance that way..

Drakon · Feb 24, 2006, 06:48 PM

Hmmm, you could go that route, but games are starting to take advantage of the 2nd core, so a dual core cpu could be beneficial. If you decide to go with a single core, I've got a A64 3500+ Winchester for $150 shipping included

Btw, how many years is the warranty for the Biostar card?

BWX · Feb 24, 2006, 07:06 PM

What's the difference between that and the clawhammer or venice cores?
They seem to be going for about 200 bucks or so..

Is that a retail CPU with a HSF? Does it OC well? Do you live in the US? Yeah I think a dual core CPU would be awesome, but damn I don't think I can really afford it yet. I can buy memory later-- buy a mobo and 7800GTX and CPU now and then sell some of my current rig, save some more money, buy some more memory later, (to have 2 gigs) or even a dual core CPU later, and still be able to use the new rig in the meantime.

*not sure about warranty on that card.. but that is a GTX for about 400 bucks.. That is a lot of card for that money.

Drakon · Feb 24, 2006, 07:25 PM

Well the main difference is the clawhammer is a 130nm core, while the Winchester and Venice are both 90 nm cores; the venice cores do have a better memory controller than winchester, plus it has SSE3 enabled. It is a retail cpu with HSF, although I never used the HSF. I never oc'ed it, but usually they can do 2.4 - 2.6GHz. Yes I live in Maryland

BWX · Feb 24, 2006, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drakon

Well the main difference is the clawhammer is a 130nm core, while the Winchester and Venice are both 90 nm cores; the venice cores do have a better memory controller than winchester. It is a retail cpu with HSF, although I never used the HSF. I never oc'ed it, but usually they can do 2.4 - 2.6GHz. Yes I live in Maryland

I might take you up on that offer actually. If I buy that GTX and your CPU, all I need is a mobo to get going.

g35x · Feb 24, 2006, 07:34 PM

well BWX if you dont have the cash for a new videocard you can go with my motherboard,asrock dual 939 sata II,it has AGP and PCIE slots which is why i got it.....it isnt the best overclocking board (dosent allow you to raise the voltage so i cant get my opteron over 2.8ghz) other then that i'm happy as can be with it
and trust me if im satasfied with an x800xl and an opteron 148 you will be great with an x800xl and an opteron 165

Drakon · Feb 24, 2006, 07:36 PM

Well let me know if you want it

Btw, eVGA sells a 7800 GTX for $439, plus they offer a life time warranty and it even covers oc'ed cards. As for the mobo my pick is for the Lanparty Ultra-D.

BWX · Feb 24, 2006, 08:10 PM

Thx g35 but I really need to upgrade to PCIe.. Maybe I will be able to upgrade to an opteron later.. then I will have a GTX and opteron 165 dual core.. that will be good for quite a while I am sure, especially since it is possible to do an SLI setup.

Drakon, If I go that route I won't be able to do it till I get my paypal account going again, I have had the account for a few years but when my bank changed names last year the routing number changed and the account number did not-- since then I have not been able to use the account.. Now I have another bank account I can use, but I need to get it registered for paypal, that takes like 3 business days. But I think that's an ok deal for that CPU, it will save me 50 bucks anyway.

I think I am going to order that card right now- yeah the evga is a good deal, but that extra 30 bucks is a lot when your already using $410... I don't even care is the thing OC's 10mhz, it will still be a LOT faster than what I have now.

Are you talking about this mobo?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813136158

Here is all of the DFI SLI 939 mobo's at newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ice=&maxPrice=

BWX · Feb 24, 2006, 08:17 PM

EVGA GeForce 7800 GTX w/ACS3 256MB DDR3/PCI-E/VIVO/Dual-DVI (Retail Box)

I found that for 420 + shipping..

GeneralClaymore · Feb 24, 2006, 08:22 PM

Yea I would also say go with the DFI Lanparty NF4 motherboard, He not gonna need to change the northbridge fan unless it breaks. Mine is working good,then again i have 5 case fans 2 outtake and 3 high powered ones for in take.

the operton 165 would be a good choice if you dont want to buy a operton 170, both will Overclock great. Also I would say go for a cheaper 7800GT, I saw one for 270 the other day. Also if your planing to go SLI then go for the SLI-D ver of the motherboard.

I dont have any problems with my motherboard, and it Overclocking great, I dont know about the Asus one that was listed I have seen reviews, comparing muiti reviews. The DFI lanparty ones are clearly the best ones for Overclocking over the asus one that was listed here.

This is the ram I have http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820146190 I have 2 sticks of these. These should do. Since your on a budget you shouldnt worry about the timmings.

This 7800GT is 285 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130256

This is the PSU I have, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104934

I been using it for a year and so and it been working great for me.

BWX · Feb 24, 2006, 08:43 PM

Hmm, I already have 1 gig of low latency ram I can use- 2x256 and 1x512 (until I upgrade to 2x 1gig....

I really want that GTX now, and get the opteron later.. That EVGA 7800GTX above is clocked at 470 from the factory.

Still not sure which one of those mobo's at newegg to get in the links above- post 11..

Drakon · Feb 24, 2006, 09:40 PM

The Lanparty series are great mobos for oc'ing. If you don't want to do SLI, then I recommend this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813136152

If you want to do SLI, then I recommend: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813136157

Btw, where did you find the eVGA card?

BWX · Feb 24, 2006, 10:02 PM

Woot I just bought an EVGA 7800 GTX...
w/ACS3 256MB DDR3/PCI-E/VIVO/Dual-DVI (Retail Box)

http://www.evga.com/products/moreinf...7-AX&family=22

(specs on EVGA website)

Performance
NVIDIA GeForce 7800 GTX
470 MHz GPU
24 Pixel Pipelines
400 MHz RAMDAC

Memory
256 MB, 256 bit DDR3
1200 MHz (effective)
38.4 GB/s Memory Bandwidth

Interface
PCI-E 16X
DVI-I, DVI-I, VIVO
SLI Capable

Requirements
Minimum of a 450 Watt power supply.
An available 6 pin PCI-E power connector (hard drive power dongle to PCI-E 6 pin adapter included with card)

Got it here...
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merch...&AFFIL=pg&NR=1

Drakon · Feb 24, 2006, 10:06 PM

Congrats

BWX · Feb 24, 2006, 10:29 PM

Thanks man, that means in all probability I will be buying your CPU.. the only thing is I can get one with 1mb level 2 cache for 60 or so bucks more.. (minus shipping though- so it will be more than that actually)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103539

Plus- aren't the multipliers locked on all these x64 CPU's? How do you OC? Just raise the FSB speed? With the FSB being on the core- I dunno, just seems weird.

That SLI board is a lot more.. maybe I will just go non SLI- because I will probably never use it anyway. If I want to upgrade, I'll just buy a new card and sell this one.
Thanks for the advice .. I think this is going to be a fast gaming rig for sure.

BWX · Feb 24, 2006, 10:48 PM

I dunno, looking at some of the reviews to that ultra D it says the manual is very lacking and it is hard to flash the bios... doesn't it have a bios update utility- via windows? Maybe it was only for using it for an X2 CPU that was a pain to update bios because it won't work w/o the update with that CPU..
Not sure. I'm not a total noob but I like a manual in case I get stuck.

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EDIT
What does the Nforce 4 Ultra have that the regular Nforce 4 does not beside Sata 300 vs SATA 150?
Is it faster?
http://www.nvidia.com/page/nforce4_family.html

Thinking about just getting this one- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813136164

SLI if I ever want to use it.. (for cheaper than the non SLI lanparty ultra) no flashy extras, same performance. Unless I am missing something...

DFI nF4 SLI Infinity Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813136164

I don't even have a SATA drive.

EDIT- I see the lanparty has some extra little heatsinks scattered around the board.. those will help keep those power supply chips cool- that alone is worth it actually.

I looked at an Asus that I like too..
ASUS A8N-E Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131530
http://www.asus.com/products4.aspx?m...3&l2=15&l3=171

25 bucks cheaper... Hmmm..

Necrosis · Feb 25, 2006, 02:22 AM

I do have to say with your odd ram setup, you might think of going /w an Asus board.

BWX · Feb 25, 2006, 02:37 AM

LOL I just posted in your post in the E L... funny coincidence...

I wish I had my freaking PayPal working I could have possibly saved about 200 bucks.. Oh well. If I break the shit from being a dumbass I can return it to the retailers and or manufacturers easier that way.

Yeah I don't plan on running that ram like that forever, but for a while I guess I will have to. You think that Asus is ok? It seems like it will do the trick.

I think I am going to order the AMD 64 3700 with 1MB cache.. 2.2 ghz default - OC-able up to 2.5- 2.9 and beyond.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103539

I guess I'll just order that and the Asus and cross my fingers. I can't wait to run games on a 7800GTX and an up-to-date rig. I have some upgrading room with the 939 too I think.. This old Tbred 2.2ghz/ AGP isn't cutting it anymore.. it's "ok" but I need more.

Necrosis · Feb 25, 2006, 03:04 AM

Yes it's a very good board. Engineering at work just built a system around the board for ProE/Wildfire 2.0. Works great, and just a clean good board.

BWX · Feb 25, 2006, 03:27 AM

Sweet.. I think I'll order then. That GTX is going to tear up games. It has to be twice as fast as my X800XL, even at 425/545 mhz..
HL2 stuttering should be a thing of the past but I wouldn't doubt it still being there.