Okay - once again - the question is coming back. BUT, the good news is that I might actually be able to afford the system courtesy of the contract.

k; I'm looking for a "gaming*" system, highly OC'd, but has to be fully stable even with an 80 F (26 C) ambient temp.

Preferably, it would be entirely self-suffiicent: i.e. I can run the entire system off it's internal power supply (as I am really pushing the limits of my electricals right now).

IF AM2/DDR2 gives me a better performance/OC, then we'll go with that. If DDR1 is still better; then we'll go with that.

Conroe will not be an option because it will not be able to fit within my power/thermal profile. (Remember that I do have other systems that I am running such as the quad running on a 850 W P/S).

I'm not exactly looking to set any records here for OCing or anything like that, but getting very very close to it couldn't hurt.

Asus motherboards will also not be considered unless here's an overwhelming majority that thinks that they're worth a second look and that they've finally cleaned up their act. (I still think that the engineers at Asus need to pull their head out from their ass.)

For the time being, assume that funds is a non-issue, but if there is a high performance system that can be built on a bargain budget; that would definitely score favor.

Other requirements/notes:
- min. 4 GB of RAM
- non-SLI configuration
- I will take care of the storage subsystem
- GbE required
- onboard audio will be sufficient

Any questions - ask.


NOTE: *gaming: The system will actually be used more so for some of the CFD pre- and post-processing tasks which are highly single threaded; thus rather CPU speed/system dependent. The idea to use a highly OC'd system is based on some of the results that I have seen in how far they're able to push their systems. The good news is that in addition to being able to work on the system; I would also be able to game on the system as well.

P.S. I am hoping that I would be able to get some help from Necro with the OCing aspect, given that he's recently been crowned king of (phasechange) OCing.

I haven't read any results from the DFI motherboards just yet (I am sure Necro has though), but to be the bearer of "mildly" bad news..... Asus is the current king of AM2 OCing right now unless the new DFI boards beat them out. The M2N32 line specifically.
I am pretty darned happy with my M2N32-SLi Deluxe Wireless Edition with a single core 3800+

Quote: Originally Posted by godfoot I haven't read any results from the DFI motherboards just yet (I am sure Necro has though), but to be the bearer of "mildly" bad news..... Asus is the current king of AM2 OCing right now unless the new DFI boards beat them out. The M2N32 line specifically. I am pretty darned happy with my M2N32-SLi Deluxe Wireless Edition with a single core 3800+

Well, I've been talking to Necro a bit lately, and seeing what some of the scores some people are pulling in with OCing their system has made me realize that as much as I can game with that system; I can probably make some of my work stuff go by a LOT faster without having to trip my breaker (again and again and again).

And while some people have asked me "why don't you just change the breaker to a higher amp one?" - the idea is that by keeping it where it is; I am forcing myself to be more cautious and aware of what my total power draw is and that is making me to be more efficient in how I am utilizing system resources.

"Consoldiation" (and I don't mean debt) is the "favorite word" that's being tossed around here.

Right now I am doing most of my gaming on my craptop and also setting up my work stuff with it as well; which then begs the question - if OC systems can be THAT fast - a) imagine what it can do for me, and b) so long as it's stable and meets my requirements for power and heat - I should be good to go.

Like here's what I'm thinking for the time being (and I don't know how the system configuration would perform when OC'd or how much I can OC it by.) I leave that to some of the experts here roaming around to answer those questions for me (or suggest another configuration).

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ AM2 ($250)
DFI Infinity NF UltraII-M2 ($100)
4x Kingston HyperX DDR2-800 KHX6400D2LL/1G ($173)
BFG GF7900 GTX OC ($481)

(as an example base configuration for the OC project).

Storage subsystem I'm taking care of.

The inifinity has been pulling in some respecatble OC numbers, but the bad boy will still be the Lan Party... but is twice the cost unfortuantely!

I realy dig the Lan party for the digital capacitors...that alone is worth it too me when I have to insulate it for "Phase Change" fun....plus it just makes it look so sexy!!!!

http://forums.pcapex.com/amd_cpu_mot...light=DFI+AM-2

Quote: My impression after tweaking my system for the past 2 weeks, it's a darn stable BIOS, with good compatibility with my Patriot Signature Line 1 Gb stick in single channel configuration. Very quick booting sequence indeed, hitting FSB 320 low multi with ease -but that's a standard for DFI product.

Quote: welcome to the street! if you are gonna go with a dfi board, then you should get a psu from the recommended list. here is the link: DFI Recommended Power Supplies (UPDATED June 14th, 2006!) - DFI Forums minimum requirements for a dfi board are a 480 watt psu. the ocz gamextreams are the most recommended psu's here on the street. you'll definitely want a more powerful psu if you are gonna be ocing.

This is also a good thread..the above were random quotes from different threads in the AM-2 section at DFI Street
Infinity Nf Ultraii-m2 - DFI Forums

Reviews:
Overclockers Online :: Start Your Engines

Well...will you look at that.

There is a LP for AM2. I missed that. And it's only $182; which isn't bad.

So far, I've also currently spec'd out Kingston HyperX memory. If there is something else that I should go with, please let me know.

Just keep in mind that system stability is as important as being able to push it as close to the limit as possible.

Necro - if you have any suggestions for a "budget" OC'd system - that could work too.

I'm always a sucker for a good deal.

AM2 AMD Athlon X2 4000+ EE---$196 @ ZipZoomFly

And you get a $5 rebate if you write a review on Pricegrabber.

As for the mobo I personally prefer Biostar for more budget builds---they're pretty good at overclocking as well. Theres a pretty sweet thread over at Xtreme Systems about the Nforce 550 here.


EDIT: Did Godfoot just delete a post? I coulda sworn he was recomending the X2 4000??

Kingston is among the slowest performers these days...the top 2 names in ram for overclocking are OCZ and Corsair...Corsair having a slightly beter rep for reliability, and OCZ being the slightly beter performer.

This is what I would get if I could afford it..pre sets are programmed in for Overclocking (SLI Ram) and specially designed for the LP...and even has your name on it!



OCZ Technology | Products | Memory | OCZ PC2-9000 Titanium Alpha VX2 DFI Special Edition

OCZ Titanium Alpha VX2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail at Newegg.com

OCZ Technology | Products | DDR2

Or
http://www.corsairmemory.com/corsair...8-8888C4DF.pdf

Corsair Memory - XMS2 Series

I have this power supply..OCZ 520 SLI...it has adjustable voltage rails (And in service since 2005!) and is the best around IMO and only 99$


OCZ]Newegg.com - Once You Know, You Newegg PowerStream OCZ520ADJSLI 520W Power Supply - Retail at Newegg.com


520W: +3.3V(28A),
+5V(40A), +12V(33A)

The 4000+ X-2 would also be my CPU choice as mentioned above..but the Opteron series CPU's may also work and even OC better! (Not sure)

I can't advise you on what you should use, only one that you shouldn't use. Abit AN9 Fatality. I've been trying to help a co-worker build his system on one and the first one had issues with the power circuitry, second one blew caps upon power application, third one had a fried bios out of the box, and the fourth has issues with the primary graphics slot..

Quote: Originally Posted by eascarface EDIT: Did Godfoot just delete a post? I coulda sworn he was recomending the X2 4000??

Yes I did, and was. I deleted it because I nearly gave out some erroneous extra info.

My AM2 3500+ and DFI Infinity nF4 is noticably better clock for clock than my 3200+ Venice and nF4 Ultra-D. I had good RAM for each.

Quote: Originally Posted by $SOLID$ Necro Kingston is among the slowest performers these days...the top 2 names in ram for overclocking are OCZ and Corsair...Corsair having a slightly beter rep for reliability, and OCZ being the slightly beter performer. This is what I would get if I could afford it..pre sets are programmed in for Overclocking (SLI Ram) and specially designed for the LP...and even has your name on it! OCZ Technology | Products | Memory | OCZ PC2-9000 Titanium Alpha VX2 DFI Special Edition OCZ Titanium Alpha VX2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail at Newegg.com OCZ Technology | Products | DDR2 Or http://www.corsairmemory.com/corsair...8-8888C4DF.pdf Corsair Memory - XMS2 Series I have this power supply..OCZ 520 SLI...it has adjstable voltage rails (And in service since 2005!) and is the best around IMO and only 99$ 520W: +3.3V(28A), +5V(40A), +12V(33A OCZ PowerStream OCZ520ADJSLI 520W Power Supply - Retail at Newegg.com The 4000+ X-2 would also be my CPU choice as mentioned above..but the Opteron series CPU's may also work and even OC better! (Not sure)

If you were to build a system that you were going to OC for your daily drive (i.e. highest performance, best bang for the buck); what would you get?

(Just list the CPU, motherboard, RAM, and video.)

I would break it down into "Stage 1" and "Stage 2" levels of performance:

Stage 1- Ultra Budget
DFI Infinity
X-2 3800+ 512k Cache
DDR-2 800 1GB

Stage 2-Premium Budget
DFI Lan Party
X-2 4000+ 1MB cache
DDR-2 1066 2GB

The most difficult thing to chooes would be the ram...There is not any "leading" brand or type here that screams at me other than to get what you can afford...just look at size, speed rating, timings and voltages and pick the best in class...I would look at DDR-2 1066 if you are going for heavy duty OC's

My top picks in order from New Egg

2x1GB

OCZ DDR2 1000 Titanium Alpha XTC 4-4-4-15 (2.3V) 439$
OCZ Titanium Alpha VX2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail at Newegg.com

GeIL Ultra DDR2 1000 4-4-4-12 (2.4V) 305$
GeIL Ultra 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail at Newegg.com

2x512MB

G.SKILL DDR-2 1000 4-4-4-5 (2.2-2.3V) 180$
G.SKILL 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Dual Channel Kit Standard System Memory - Retail at Newegg.com

Quote: Originally Posted by $SOLID$ Necro I would break it down into "Stage 1" and "Stage 2" levels of performance: Stage 1- Ultra Budget DFI Infinity X-2 3800+ 512k Cache DDR-2 800 1GB Stage 2-Premium Budget DFI Lan Party X-2 4000+ 1MB cache DDR-2 1066 2GB The most difficult thing to chooes would be the ram...There is not any "leading" brand or type here that screams at me other than to get what you can afford...just look at size, speed rating, timings and voltages and pick the best in class...I would look at DDR-2 1066 if you are going for heavy duty OC's My top picks in order from New Egg 2x1GB OCZ DDR2 1000 Titanium Alpha XTC 4-4-4-15 (2.3V) 439$ OCZ Titanium Alpha VX2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail at Newegg.com GeIL Ultra DDR2 1000 4-4-4-12 (2.4V) 305$ GeIL Ultra 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Dual Channel Kit System Memory - Retail at Newegg.com 2x512MB G.SKILL DDR-2 1000 4-4-4-5 (2.2-2.3V) 180$ G.SKILL 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Dual Channel Kit Standard System Memory - Retail at Newegg.com

So, for Option 1, we're looking at:

DFI Infinity ($100)
X-2 3800+ 512k Cache ($156)
(Total: $256)
(A note on memory later)

Option 2:
DFI Lan Party ($206)
X-2 4000+ 1MB cache ($194)
(Total: $400)

I tried looking for comparable performing DDR2-800 memory and didn't really find anything that was actually worth it. (The Newegg DDR2-1000 was cheaper than the DDR2-800 that I found).

So, I guess that I'm going to be going with that.

Which also means that the remainder of the system will be common between the two.

Video card: 2x ATi Radeon X1900XT Crossfire ed. ($385)

Right now the DDR-2 situation pretty much sucks! (And also for DDR-1)

Prices have gone nuts in the last few months, it seems to be a cycle..I would bet the prices come back to normal after X-Mas (Shopping season) and drop down to a low point towards summer (Slow part of the year for PC sales)

Right now there is just no "Great Deals" out there when it comes to the high performance stuff...it's pretty sad when you have to spend 400$ to get 2GHB of the top end ram, when you only spend 200$ for a good CPU!

If you are just building this for "Benchmarking" then go with the 1GB kit, capacity means little when it comes to that as long as the benchmark uses less than 1GB of the memory...and all the 3DMARK programs use less than that.

When it comes to gaming though..2GB is the only way to go..and speed has little value, even craptastic DDR-2 400 will give a better "Gaming Experience" in 2GB form over 1GB of DDR-2 1066...not having enough ram will lead to using "Virtual Ram" from the hard drive, and you know that is slower than a Pentium D trying to run Super Pi!
(He he..that was a cheap shot at Digital Worlds Intel rig...get a Conroe boy!)

The framerates may be slightly higher with fast 1GB kits when standing perfectly still and looking at the ground, but the slow load times and "Lag" it will have when transitioning to a different "Scene" or multiple bad guys makes it pretty much unplayable in newer games like Oblivion and BF-2

Also..you should alwasy go with the highest FSB ram you can find for "Optimal" scores in benchies...low latency ram is not quite as important as it used to be when it came to DDR-1

Idealy though..you want the lowest timings at the highest FSB, wich are polar opppsites when it comes to Ram in most cases...BH-5 based DDR-1 was one of the few chips that could do both relatively well.

My old KHX DDR 360 could hit 270FSB (DDR540) at 2-2-2-7, wich always scored better in benchies (Other than the purely synthetic Sandra Memory test) than my GSKILL DDR 600 at 300FSB running 2.5-3-3-8!

Quote: Originally Posted by $SOLID$ Necro Right now the DDR-2 situation pretty much sucks! (And also for DDR-1) Prices have gone nuts in the last few months, it seems to be a cycle..I would bet the prices come back to normal after X-Mas (Shopping season) and drop down to a low point towards summer (Slow part of the year for PC sales) Right now there is just no "Great Deals" out there when it comes to the high performance stuff...it's pretty sad when you have to spend 400$ to get 2GHB of the top end ram, when you only spend 200$ for a good CPU! If you are just building this for "Benchmarking" then go with the 1GB kit, capacity means little when it comes to that as long as the benchmark uses less than 1GB of the memory...and all the 3DMARK programs use less than that. When it comes to gaming though..2GB is the only way to go..and speed has little value, even craptastic DDR-2 400 will give a better "Gaming Experience" in 2GB form over 1GB of DDR-2 1066...not having enough ram will lead to using "Virtual Ram" from the hard drive, and you know that is slower than a Pentium D trying to run Super Pi! (He he..that was a cheap shot at Digital Worlds Intel rig...get a Conroe boy!) The framerates may be slightly higher with fast 1GB kits when standing perfectly still and looking at the ground, but the slow load times and "Lag" it will have when transitioning to a different "Scene" or multiple bad guys makes it pretty much unplayable in newer games like Oblivion and BF-2 Also..you should alwasy go with the highest FSB ram you can find for "Optimal" scores in benchies...low latency ram is not quite as important as it used to be when it came to DDR-1 Idealy though..you want the lowest timings at the highest FSB, wich are polar opppsites when it comes to Ram in most cases...BH-5 based DDR-1 was one of the few chips that could do both relatively well. My old KHX DDR 360 could hit 270FSB (DDR540) at 2-2-2-7, wich always scored better in benchies (Other than the purely synthetic Sandra Memory test) than my GSKILL DDR 600 at 300FSB running 2.5-3-3-8!

Well, I've started to really notice with some of my programs that it does tremendously better with more RAM.

Like, my craptop originally had 512 MB, and I bumped that up to 1.25 GB and it made a HUGE difference. It was able to do stuff that it originally couldn't. And now, once again; I am hitting that limit again; so I do want to move to 4 GB.

While games and benchmarks probably won't make much use of it, the fact that it's there probably wouldn't hurt (other than cost).

I think that if I do decide to go for this system, that I am going to go to with Athlon64 X2 4800+ AM2 ($250 from Newegg). Might as well if it's only like $50-60 difference.

Quote: Originally Posted by alpha754293 While games and benchmarks probably won't make much use of it, the fact that it's there probably wouldn't hurt (other than cost).

Well, you can get the 4 gigs and then take out 2-3 of the sticks for gaming/benching. Seems logical.