Back again for something faster

Hey guys! About this time last year I began researching a new computer system. I used Sharky Extreme almost exclusively. The computer system I built should be in my profile still, though no longer OCed. I've added a 512 Mb stick of Crucial too (768). It has worked flawlessly over the year, but it of course, it's time to get something a little faster :)

Last year I capped my budget at about $1,000. This year I want to move up to ~$1,500. I moderated my spending last year on the CPU and the video card, sticking with the newer, but slower XP 1.4 GHz and the Ti200 instead of the Ti500. This year I'd like to put out a bit more for on the video card and CPU. This is where I'd like some pointers.

I play EverQuest almost exclusively, with an ocassional simulation game. I don't use DVD, CD-R/W (heavily), nothing with video editing or any sound-type software. I'm going to built a system that focuses on sheer internal performance over external peripheals. I've been out of the computer lingo now for about a year - basically once I built my system I completely abandoned this forum. So as to what is hot and what is not, I'm almost clueless.

I'm leaning somewhat to the Intel chip, as non-OC performance is what I'm after. My current system, even though it is AMD is very quite. I built it with that in mind, using the 80mm HSF. I often leave the computer on overnight so quite is good. So I'm not looking for an 8000RPM cooled 2800+. I'm sorta figuring about 400 on the chip and 400 on the video card, which leaves 700 for the rest including shipping/tax. I bought everything except the HD through NewEgg, and was very happy with the speed of delivery and the quality of the components. So I have every intention of buying once again through them.

I'll be buying the components within the next 3 weeks and assembling the unit during my 2 week vacation starting December 21st. So this is the time for research and any help I can get from you guys would be appreciated!

P.S. I will be using Windows XP Pro, my old 19" Hitachi, and networking the three computers together for CD/CDRW access. I will not use RAID 0 for reliablity reasons, and I'm not looking to spend much on the case (though I will not buy a cheap one).

Check out the Asus P4T533-C mobo, the new 3Ghz P4, and the 9700 Pro vid card. Check out Antec case and PSU. Regards . . .

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Originally posted by OS-Wiz
Check out the Asus P4T533-C mobo, the new 3Ghz P4, and the 9700 Pro vid card. Check out Antec case and PSU. Regards . . .

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:eek: Good big $$$ start OS-WIZ. Maybe the new NFORCE 2 board?

Thanks OS-WIZ. The 9700 Pro so far sounds like the card for me. But that 3.0 GHz is tripping the 700 mark, so that's a no go. I'm leaning towards the 2.4 GHz chip as the best price vs performace. And that P4T-533C I'm researching still. So far I have:

RADEON 9700PRO 128: $345.00

And a case I found in another SE forum:
CHIEFTEC Server Chasis Model DX-01BD for $69.00 and comes with a PSU, so that's kinda nice.

Still looking at the MB/CPUs, and hopefully will get some more input from y'all. Thanks again!

I'd get a mobo with the PE chipset, unless you wait for granite bay. Also if you buy quality ram and go with the 2.4z on the 400mhz fsb and can get it to run at 133 (which it SHOULD as most chips made after the B revision came out are capable of the 133 bus) it would be at 3.2ghz.

Granite bay, not sure what that is. I did find that PE board though, and it's quite impressive! OCing is not something I had planned on, but certainly 3.2 GHz is compelling enough to try! Hmm, 2.4 GHz and a ASUS P4PE board, good prices too at NewEgg. Adding all this up I can't get to my $1,500 cap, so that's really cool too!

Question though: will the 3.2 OC require a non-stock HSF? Or is the stock fan sufficient? Can I clock it down to say 3.0 or around there in case temps are too high? (remember I don't want some 8K RPM fan) And what would be the best memory selection for this combo? Man, you go absent from computer news a few months and everything is new! Thanks again for the help :)

Granite Bay is a new kind of mobo that uses dcddr(i think). If you overclock that high I would definently get a new HSF. Also I would go with 512 MB of pc3200 corsair DDR. I'm currently in the process of researching for my new comp and we're pretty much making the same thing:) So i think you made pretty good choices.
-Greg

yes, the corsair xms ddr pc3200 would be my recommendation. Also, the stock Intel hsf is really quite awesome, but you may want something like an Alpha if that is within your budget. From the way you are talking, the PE chipset performance would be good enough for you, I wouldn't wait for granite bay. Just make sure you have a good case with good air flow, and you may be well on your way go 3ghz+ although o/c'ing is never a 100% thing, but it'll be fun trying :)