bupkus-
Let me explain a bit about how overclocking works. There are typically three ways to o/c a CPU. First is the FSB. Simply put, raising the FSB speed will also increase the processor speed. When you get a CPU, it has a set multiplier, depending on what speed and FSB it is rated at. Let's take a 1600+ for instance. It's normal clock speed is 1.4ghz, or 1400mhz on a 133mhz FSB (266mhz DDR). Also, CPU multipliers are in .5 increments...like 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, etc. Now, a 1600+ has a 10.5 multiplier set by default from the factory, so it runs at 1.4ghz (10.5 x 133 = 1400 (1397) ). Now, if you raise the FSB to say 140mhz, you would make the CPU run faster as well..1.47ghz (10.5 x 140mhz = 1470).
The second way is with the multiplier alone. If you unlock a AMD CPU, and your motherboard supports changing the multiplier ( the Epox does), you can manipulate that to change your CPU speed without changing the FSB. For instance, you could change your 1600+'s 10.5 multiplier to 13, and the CPU would run @ 1.73ghz (13 x 133 = 1729), or 2100+. You would basically be making your 1600+ into a 2100+.
The third way is to use both to maximize your overclock. For instance, you might find the fastest raw speed your CPU would run by changing the multiplier only first, then finding out your max FSB and work out a combination of multiplier and CPU so both your raw CPU speed and FSB speed were maximized.
Now, the KT333 chipset normally works with the memory running 166mhz (333mhz) and the FSB running 133mhz (266mhz). Now, if the setup is run that way, it is not much faster than a good KT266A board. However, where the performance benefit really comes in is running the FSB and the memory @ 166mhz (333mhz) When you run both FSB and PCI synchronously, you gain much more performance than running them asynchronously. Asynchronous operation introduces latency, which wipes out most of the performance boost gained from running the memory faster.
Now, here's where the Epox, 1600+ AGOIA, and PC2700 come in to the picture. To change the multiplier on the 1600+, you would need to unlock it. This requires some extra materials and patience, but it's not needed with the 1600+. The beauty of the 1600+ is that it will easily run the speed of a 2100+, 1.75ghz, and higher, without the need for extra cooling or extra voltage. So, when setup a system with the 1600+, Epox, and PC2700, you can simply set the FSB to 166mhz, and boom, you are done. It's simply a matter of changing the FSB setting in the bios from 133mhz to 166mhz, hitting F10, and rebooting. You are now basically running a 333mhz FSB 2100+...simple as that. Since the Epox board has the correct AGP and PCI ratios, you are not o/c anything but the CPU, which makes for a stable system.
So, IMO, yes, it is worth the extra $$$ for some decent PC2700. PC2700 is fairly mainstream now, so there really isn't that much of a premium for PC2700 over PC2100. I hope this clears up your confusion.