On 16 Oct 2005 20:18:12 -0700, "Cyde Weys"
<cydeweys@gmail.com> wrote:

>None of your suggested diagnostics have helped me get the computer
>working :-( At this point it looks like I'll be upgrading a bit ahead
>of schedule. Here's the tentative parts list (from NewEgg):
>
>EPoX EP-9NPAJ Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4-4X ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
>Model #: EP-9NPAJ $88.99
>
>MSI NX6800-TD128E Geforce 6800 128MB DDR PCI Express x16 Video Card -
>Retail
>Model #: NX6800-TD128E $194.00
>
>AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Venice 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Processor Model
>ADA3500BPBOX - Retail
>Model #: ADA3500BPBOX $219.00
>
>I'm just looking for suggestions, like if I can get something else with
>the same performance for a lower price, or if an upgrade that doesn't
>cost a lot is worth it, etc.

The price above on a regular GF 6800, 128MB, looks a bit
high but maybe I'm only contrasting to sale prices.
Regardless, I think you can get near same performance for
much less $ in a 6600GT, or if you look out for deals you
might be able to get a 256MB version for around $200, though
I don't know if it would o'c as well.

Never been a fan of Epox boards, but never tried that one
either. Harder to know if it's reasonable except in
retrospect.


>
>Also, I notice that the mobo says it uses DDR Standard DDR 400 (PC
>3200). The memory I currently have is DDR 333. Will it still work in
>the mobo or will I have to get new memory too?

For best performance, yes you will need new memory. Most
boards support async, slower memory bus but buying all new
parts just to underclock the memory bus for older memory
seems a bit limiting.

>
>Ugh, this is all looking very expensive.

Yep, you could always get another skt A board now and buy
the other parts a piece at a time, preferribly the
motherboard last so you had all other parts available to be
sure it isn't problematic- and motherboard is usually most
likely defective or unworkable in some way, IF anything
were.


>
>Also, if anyone has any suggestions on overclocking options, I'm
>receptive to those. Can I safely overclock the CPU and GPU? What
>aftermarket coolers would you recommend? Thanks!

"Safely"? Hard to classify really, but yes if you test
stability and monitor temps, including those of the
motherboard, it can be safe. No guarantee though, it's all
on you to make sure it stays within acceptible parameters.

Zalman and Thermalright make some nice 'sinks, get one that
takes a super-large quiet fan.