Finalised System

[SaintGeorge]

Finnally i've finnished my list of bits for the new computer i'm building, accept for the HD which don't matter too much as I know what specs im going for. Tell me what you think. Should be able to oc to 2.4 no probs with 8 case fans and a ducting system

1. Pentium 4 Northwood 1.8a CPU (with AS3) $173
2. Epox 4G4A MB $102
3. 256mb of Mushkin High Performance Cas 2 2-2-2 PC2100 DDR SDRAM $89
4. Black 7bay case with 400W PSU from electroseller $60
5. 8 cheaps ass 30cmf Fans for $1 each (high cmf and low noise cant go wrong for $1) $15
6. 40gb (most likely) or 60gb maybe ATA100 7200rpm Hard Disk $80 most likely
7. Gainward Geforce 4 Ti4200 128mb $170

Total = 689 (£440 for me) ouch ouch ouch

*feels burning sensation in pocket*

I don't think there are many bottlenecks in the system, everything is about the same spec if you know what I mean, high performance low price, but not top of the range

Although the RAM is only PC2100 i've heard good things about it. Judging by some reviews it should make 133mhz easily at Cas 2 2-2 timings. And all I need is a 133mhz fsb and it should wack to CPU up to 2.4 straight away.

I'm still considering a stupid low price system on a shitty mb though, like a $136 XP1800 combo. It just depends on if i'm willing to pay for the extra performance.

Still, very likely to go for the P4 system though.

Any feedback would be appreciated

Thanks, Mark

 

[o1die]

If you go with the p4 and overclocking, I recommend the 1.6a or 2.26. I got 2 1.8a's that were duds, only overclocking by 10%. I would use fewer fans, and limit your cpu voltage to 1.75 or less. I noticed no performance improvement above that, just a hot cpu.

 

[BuddyAtBzboyz]

I got 2 1.8a's that were duds

Well I think you were just unlucky. Most 1.8A are good overclockers though not as good as the 1.6A.

 

[CrazySaint]

I would say the very recent 1.8As (June packing date or later) with the die shrink are OC'ing as well or better than the 1.6As.

 

[SaintGeorge]

Yeah I heard newegg are selling newer pack dates now and the newer 1.8a seem to be really good oc'ers apartently. I only need to make a 133mhz FSB to hit 2.4ghz which shouldn't be too hard. If I don't get a good oc can I order a 1.6a from newegg instead and send the 1.8a back if it's not damaged?

Thanks, Mark

 

[ceZium]

You should be able to hit 2.4 with no problems, but as you know, some just do not overclock very well at all. Just the nature of things, but you should be fine with that setup, hope it works out great

 

[Duvie]

My new 1.8a (w/ june packing) is doing 133fsb or 2.4ghz with 1.53v or close to default I can get with my mobo.....Running prime now for 5-6 hours....

I don't like the ram purchase.....get something in the pc2700 range...the epox has a 4:5 multiplier and if you can get to 150 you could have 375mhz ddr whereas the pc2100 is only 266mhz....

 

[blade2]

hey saint george, after readin ur posting with the GBP (£) i read your profile, since ur in the UK, how ru gettin the components named? im in the UK too and im just wonderin/interested

 

[SaintGeorge]

Thanks for your feedback everyone I'm going to San Francisco to stay for a couple of weeks there with a relative. He's gonna order some stuff and i'm gonna pick it up when I visit. Just wondering how customs will feel about me bringing back an entire computer minus monitor, mouse and keyboard.

The thingy I got with my tickets says i've got says I gotta pay tax on anything over $100, at 10%. But I think that may be for people bringing stuff into the US not the other way round. If I have to pay tax on taking the stuff, then tax on bringing it back i'm gonna be pissed...

I gotta look up the regulations. Anyone had any expirience with this sortof thing?

Thanks, Mark

 

[BuddyAtBzboyz]

No but I'm interested in what you find out. I'm making a trip myself and bringing my computer with me. I don't wanna pay customs both ways for something I already own.

 

[SaintGeorge]

Don't worry that won't happen, they're just interested in stuff that you've aquired in the US, even gifts are taxed for christs sake. I'm going to have my case in my normal baggage and everything else will be crammed into my hand luggage. The people on the x-ray machines have very beady eyes and a lot of stuff is stolen unfortunately. I'm still waiting for replys from certain organisations that could enlighten me on the situation. You won't be taxed at all on the computer though, unless its amazingly large. Thing is the idea of having ur pc bumped around a going through the jerky luggage system with all its components attached inside is not such a pretty one, you may want to dismantle it first.

Just a few, Mark

 

[BuddyAtBzboyz]

I would mostly worry about the heatsink especially considering mine is heavier then spec for an athlon system

 

[SaintGeorge]

Yeah im going to fit all my components in my hand luggage if I can, and keep the case in my suitcase(s)

OMFG I leave on friday arg. Frist time on a plan gotta get it on my own. I'll probably end up in russia lol.

Mark

 

[Vidclone]

You should get The Enermax 710B steel server case
The case to banish all other Cas's into nothingness this thing is awesome running my 1800+ AthlonXP with Alpha Pal8050 80mm Fan combo 4 case fans runs this baby overclocked @t 2100+ /35c Full load and 33c idle
whatever u get inside make sure this is on the out !
Pics of the case and price here

http://www.pccasegear.com/prod426.htm

About $60 US