Help Choosing A64 Setup & watercooling

SouperComputer

original post is below

I have my cpu sorted 3200+ and im going for a DFI board from either Jes or Comtech.

Now, I need to pick a case.... I was thinking of putting this watercooling kit in: http://www.comtech.de/product_info.php?pID=2191 as gline seems quite happy with it. Although no mention of S939 support???

Can I cram this into this case: http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=301965&cks=SER Or should I choose somthing else and keep my credit with komplett for good RAM?

okay, I have some credit with Komplett, and I am picking out a S939 board.

Ive picked the 3200 Chip (cheapest that is in stock!)

Ive narrowed it down to these two guys:

EPoX EP-9NPA+ : http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=307396&cks=PRL

Abit AN8: http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=307144&view=detailed

I plan on overclocking, and Im wondering is the NF4 Ultra chipset on the Epox of any benefit in terms of this or longevity against the NF4 Non-Ultra on the ABIT?

At the end of the year I plan on running a dual core chip, so that is important also. Reading reviews on the internet is fine, but its not the same as being able to ask a few locals who have tried the boards in question.

My gut says the Abit... what do you guys think?

Also.....

How good\loud are the standard A64 coolers? Is there a better, reasonable value air cooler that you would reccomend? Water cooling is up on blocks (forgive the pun) for a couple of months.

I currently have a an AGP 9600XT, I cant run this with the boards above. I have an X300 lying about, and I am wondering how big of a jump down will it be in performance. I will get a better PCI-EX card in due course (probably sell the XT), but this X300 will have to do me for a while

Any thoughts or suggestions welcomed!

I am currently using a slot A Athlon 800mhz with 32MB onboard TNT2, so anything is an improvement. Although it does a great job of keeping the office warm when the side of the case is taken off!

[devil's advocate] On a side point, is the NForce the way to go? I just assumed it was as I was really happy with the NF2 boards I used befoere [/devil's advocate]

WizZard

nF4 is the way to go. VIA have a cheaper chip out for use with 939 boards, but nF4 has proven better for overclocking.

Have you looked at the DFI boards? I know a lot of users on boards have them, and AFAIK everyone is happy. They are definitely the best choice if you plan to overclock. The other contender is ASUS, can't remember the model, but IIRC Komplett stock it. It's an nF4 SLi board and is one of the best currently available.

BTW, I have a 3200+ Winchester that is spare - I used it until I got my Venice. PM me if you're interested

SouperComputer

hmm, found this on JES.....Looks very nice. Shame komplett don't do DFI!

http://www.jes-computer.de/product_info.php?pID=20185

looks cools, DIMMS on top which I have never seen before. Well other then Pentium Pro machines.

SLI, I might not use in the immediate future, it would be a very cheap way of upgrading the graphics in the future. I tend to keep my systems for 2-3 years.

Do ATI have any plans to release a simlar architecture?

WizZard

Yes, ATI have a similar architecture called AMR which will be debuting this summer, I think.

jozi

I got a dfi after reading lots of forums and lots of recomendations.
Only problem i had (sofar) was that i was randomlly rebooting but that was down to the memory voltage being to low (i hope anyway).
Only tried oc-ing once (so far) got the fsb up to 300 (up from 200) nearlly windows stable with 3200 winnie.
The nb (or is it south) fan is quiet, only does max rpm at over 45C (bios setting).
For cpu cooling i have a xp90 (komplett has them to) and a 92mm fan and average about 27-30C idle about 10C more for load (no oc)
You need a fairly decent psu to if your going over clocking

SouperComputer

yea, looks like ill be keeping my credit from Komplett and buying a DFI from jes. How are they for shipping, reliable?

PSU I have a Fortron FSP400-60THN-P I got off komplett a while back nd is shamefully gathering dust. https://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=301418

that XP90 is a monster, what is the noise like from it?

I was considering one of these Zalaman puppies for cooling: http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=302754&cks=PRL

would the xp90 is any better?

Ill probably get the Artic ceramic paste too, is it really better or is it just marketing goop?

jozi

The xp 90 is big alright. Noise depends on the fan you have on it, i use a 92mm papst fan and i cant hear it.
They are meant to be one of the best heatsinks you can get (xp120 even better) i wont say they cool better than that zalman cause i dont know.
Jes are not bad but if you can get it else where....
(i had some trouble with rma's and them)

jozi

padraigf

If youre buying a zalman heatsink get the 7700 not the 7000. The 7700 should give an XP-90 or XP-120 with an average fan a run for their money.

sionnach

the xp120 is the best heatsink out there atm, check your motherboard for compatibility with it before you fork out for it though.

Jammer

You can check out Gline's review on the Bigwater here : http://www.custompc.ie/reviews.php?id=16&page=1

Thinking about gettin one myself for the GPU!