New Rig...

[datacable]

I'm to the point of assembling myself a new rig and started doing a little researh on the latest developments in the biz. (I pay almost no attention until it's time for me to upgrade) I threw together the following stuff from NewEgg:

http://secure.newegg.com/app/WishR.asp?ID=772159

I've seen there are supposed to be certain memory issues with AMD chipsets, is this applicable to the K8T800? Are there any known issues with the Corsair memory listed? And speaking of memory, I notice they list two-packs of memory modules which are a bit more expensive than two single modules of the same model would be. Are these supposed to be "matched pairs" which would (hopefully) avoid timing conflicts?

My current system is running on a 300W PS (AOpen FSP300-60BT). Given what I have listed there, plus all my current drives (2 Maxtor 7200rpm HD's, a DVD-ROM and a CR-RW), should I upgrade that as well? AMD used to have a list of "approved" PS's for the Athlon XP's (from which I selected my current PS) but I've poked around on their website and couldn't find an updated equivalent. Is PS stability no longer a major issue?

Any thoughts on IDE->SATA converters? I was thinking of putting my current HD's on SATA so my opticals could each have their own IDE channel. Any discernable performance hit or other strange side-effects?

Anyhow, that's about all I can think of at the moment. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanx, all.

[_dangtx_]

take a look at the chaintech mobo as well,u need a beefer psu,dont think there will be a problem with the memory...sata converters?

[notdrugged]

There are memory issues more with many AMD platforms, probably moreso than Intel Built By Intel. But really, it's a quality and defualt programming of memory sticks vs. the individual mobo ideal needs. That said, no it's not necessary to buy memory in "matched" pairs ever. I haven't really found a comprehensive configurator for Corsair, so if I were you, I would check Buffalo Technology's (get Winbond, not Samsung or Micron), or OCZ's websites for OC RAM, and consider Crucial for decent non-OC RAM. There is a decent configurator list in the local memory forum in the first few threads. Last I checked, for such high-end systems as that, 450W about was ideal headroom for longevity. Power information on system components still seems to be few and far-between. Just remember that if you pay twenty bucks for a 400+ watter there was a reason for that. It's a relabled and underpriviledged unit almost certainly. Finally, never use IDE~SATA converters. Never, ever, ever.....Nevah, evah, evah!!!! They are BAD!

I hope your opticals don't need their own IDE channels. That is, I hope you can find a way to work around that. That is a better option aside from just getting new SATA drives.

[Drisler]

You'll most likely be overclocking that 2800+? In that case, you should probably pick up a nForce3 250GB or a cheap nf3150 that does have pci/agp lock.

[_dangtx_]

like the an50r used,someone was selling it for like 60 shipped or something in here

[datacable]

Just remember that if you pay twenty bucks for a 400+ watter there was a reason for that.

No worries there, I'm real skiddish about low-priced, no-name PSU's. Heard too many horror stories about them just up and going <pop> <fzzzt> in relatively short order.

While on PSU's, is there any significant distinction between the 1.1 and 1.3 specs on ATX +12V?

Finally, never use IDE~SATA converters. Never, ever, ever.....Nevah, evah, evah!!!! They are BAD!

Point taken.

I hope your opticals don't need their own IDE channels. That is, I hope you can find a way to work around that.

I'm currently running my HD's on one IDE channel and the Opticals on the other, and they seem to work just fine, so it's not a huge concern.

[notdrugged]

While on PSU's, is there any significant distinction between the 1.1 and 1.3 specs on ATX +12V?

http://www.formfactors.org/developer...X12V_1_3dg.pdf

[MustangSVT]

Can I make a few suggestions? Get either Mushkin or TwinMOS 512MB PC3200 ($85-$87 per stick) with CAS 2.5-3-3-8/2.5-4-4-8 instead of Apacer, just my opinion. I wouldn't mind using the regular cooler for A64, never heard of "ALPHA" cooler though.

Ye sure you want that AIW? I mean, you could get a 9800 Pro for $100+ less and still have performance (if you want performance) and invest that $100 in a A64 3000+ and a nForce 3 250Gb mobo instead. Just my 0.02$.

[datacable]

http://www.formfactors.org/developer...X12V_1_3dg.pdf

Danke.

Can I make a few suggestions? Get either Mushkin or TwinMOS 512MB PC3200 ($85-$87 per stick) with CAS 2.5-3-3-8/2.5-4-4-8 instead of Apacer, just my opinion.

I'd previously had Corsair CAS 2.5 modules on the list, but switched it to the Apacers (same price) since they're on MSI's reccommended modules list.

I wouldn't mind using the regular cooler for A64, never heard of "ALPHA" cooler though.

I'm using the PAL8045 in my current system, nice huge chunk of aluminum that doesn't require a 747 engine of a fan to keep cool. Alpha PAL8150 review

Ye sure you want that AIW?

As a matter of fact, yes.

I mean, you could get a 9800 Pro for $100+ less and still have performance (if you want performance) and invest that $100 in a A64 3000+ and a nForce 3 250Gb mobo instead.

I was originally looking at a 3200+ minimum, since that 1mb L2 cache looked mighty appealing. However, as they're fond of saying over on the BABB, There's a whole website attached to this message board. The 2800+ seems to occupy the performance/dollar "sweet spot" at the moment.

[_John_Lennon_]

Whats BABB?

[datacable]

Whats BABB?

I just knew somebody was going to ask. The Bad Astronomy Bullitin Board.

[_John_Lennon_]

What a great forum, very interesting reads.

[notdrugged]

Enermax currently have best ratings for 12v rail than any available power-supply. There are 460W supplies that have 33A and there is a 550W supply with a 36A rail. Nothing else is even coming close. The 9800 card, and you'll no doubt be OC'ing the CPU. It might be a hair overkill but better than "underkill". You'd be future-proofed on upgrading considerably as well, and it won't even break a sweat while doing it. Best protection for a system is a damn good PSU.