need help choosing mainboard

[jg109]

Ok, straight to the problem. I'm looking at upgrading my current PC and have chosen an Athlon 64 3400+(Newcastle 2.4G) and Gforce 6600GT and now all I need to choose is a Mainboard and memory. I am upgrading for gaming purposes (Doom 3, Rome, Brothers in Arms). So, what are your recommendations for the MB and mem? Thanks in advance!

 

[Rugger]

Either the DFI Lanparty UT NF3 250
<A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-136-147&depa=1" target="_new">http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-136-147&depa=1</A>
or the Abit NF8 will work great:
<A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-127-190&depa=1" target="_new">http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-127-190&depa=1</A>

"He who will not risk, cannot win"
- John Paul Jones

 

[jg109]

Thanks, Rugger. Do either of the boards support PCI Express? It does'nt explicitly say in the descriptions. Also, I know there is another forum for this, but what about memory? Which do you recommend?

 

[Codesmith]

Those are AGP.
For PCI-e you'll want an Nforce 4 board.

I prefer Corsair XMS. I love their support forum. They have great technical support and a lifetime waranty.

I recommend you read the memory reviews at www.anandtech.com.

But you should also balance in price, waranty and support.

 

[Rugger]

You'll have to go s939 to get PCIe - you're Newcastle core is s754. Todays AGP boards are as fast as their PCIe counterparts. The advantage to going PCIe now is the ability to upgrade - most mfrs will start emphasizing PCIe in their products. If you aren't a frequent upgrader or don't plan to upgrade within the next 18 months or so, then it's my opnion that the best route is the s754 and an AGP vid card. Concur with code - balance price, warranty and support on your mem purchase. If you're not going to OC, then you should be good with Kingston Value select (2X512 for $140 on Newegg).

Have you read the FAQ? Looked for previous posts on this topic?

 

[jg109]

Hmmm, think I'll just put in the extra cash and get a 6800. Ok, so here's what I'm thinking, A64 3400, Gforce 6800, the NF3 mobo as suggested above, now for Mem. I'm looking at PC3200, but I also see PC4000 available, which will give me more bang for the buck?

 

[Rugger]

Are you going to OC?

Have you read the FAQ? Looked for previous posts on this topic?

 

[jg109]

No, I am not OC'ing and yes I have gone through the faqs. I'm just trying to get the best price/performance ratio.

 

[dhlucke]

price/performance for a non-overclocker would be a 754 board and an AGP videocard.

</font color=red><i><font color=red>GOD</font color=red> <font color=blue>BLESS </font color=blue><font color=red>AMERICA

 

[Rugger]

If not OCing, then I would recommend something like <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-146-299&depa=1" target="_new">Mushkin Dual Pack</A> or <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-141-423&depa=1" target="_new">Kingston ValueRAM</A>.

BTW - below the line is my siggy...

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[jg109]

I seem to have found a s754 board that has PCIe.
http://www.partspc.com/store/product4918.html
What do you guys think?

 

[Rugger]

1. I wouldn't pay for onboard video I wouldn't be using...
2. I don't know about the SiS 760GX chipset, but I would stick with NF4.
JMHO

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[jg109]

Ok, I think I've got my system:

Athlon 64 3400+
Abit NF8 Mobo
XFX Gforce 6600GT(AGP)
Mushkin Dual (2x512) PC3200

Whadaya think? Now all I need is a PSU...

 

[Rugger]

I know I've posted a link to a good PSU somewhere...here it is again: <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-103-459&depa=0" target="_new">Enermax Noisetaker 420W</A> ATX12V v2.0 model EG425P-VE SFMA 2.0


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[jg109]

The ones Rugger recommended in an earlier reply. They total $ 135 at Newegg.

 

[Rugger]

There was a clicky in the post...

Mushkin Dual Pack 184-Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 - Retail

Model# 991145
Item # N82E16820146299
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Mushkin
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184-Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 2.5-3-3
Support Voltage: 2.5V-2.6V
Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
Organization: two 64M x 64 -Bit
Warranty: Lifetime


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