A7N8X Questions (more or less)

[Moeken]

I'm in the process of putting together a new system and have the usual type of concerns:

I like the features of the A7N8X, but at present I'm not sure which processor to add.
Do I buy a cheaper XP 1700+ and wait for Barton or do I get a XP 2800+ now?
My current system is a TBird 1.33 Ghz with an A7A266 mobo.

Are there any advantages to using PC3200 DDR as opposed to PC2700? I would assume
that running memory at the same speed as your CPU fsb would be better even if the
memory speed is lower.

What would be the optimum memory for WinXP? I'd like to run two sticks of mem in the A7n8X,
but 512 sticks are fairly pricey. Would two 256 sticks suffice?

Does anyone have the inside scoop on SATA drives? I'd like to incorporate RAID with the A7N8X,
but it looks like I have to settle for a single parallel drive for now and wait for SATA drives
to come out... (prob. in a couple of years when I need a new comp again

)

 

[compudog]

Well, I just ordered the A7N8X myself. I expect it Monday, 12/2. Anyway, I did a lot of research, joined a lot of forums and asked tons of questions. Since I don't have my stuff yet, I can't give you any specific info, but here's what I'm doing... I got two 256MB stick of PC3200 (DDR400) XMS RAM. I'll probably get a 333MHz DDR FSB AthlonXP (2800+) in a few months. The more ram you give XP, the better it runs, but two 512's are out of my budget. Two 256 DIMMs should do just nicely. SATA drives are just starting to be available (Check Here) for 120GB Seagate. Until SATA is supported natively in the chipset you are limited by the PCI bus (any correct me if this is wrong) speed.

Hope this helps.

My new (soon to be) rig
AMD Athlon XP2100+
Asus A7N8X
2 (256) PC3200 XMS CL2.0 DDR
Albatron Ti4200p Turbo
WD 800JB (Special Edition) HDD
Sony 16X DVD
Acer BenQ 48x16x48 CDRW
3com 10/100 NIC
Chieftec Aero Mid-Tower ATX
Antec 400W

<<EDIT>>
Looks like the the SATA Seagate drives are still NOT available (expected 2-weeks)

 

[KameLeon]

Do I buy a cheaper XP 1700+ and wait for Barton or do I get a XP 2800+ now?

That's the route I went. I got an A7n8x with XP 1700+ ($60). I'll wait and get the Barton when available.. This should do fine till then.

 

[GonzoDaGr8]

Do I buy a cheaper XP 1700+ and wait for Barton or do I get a XP 2800+ now?

Even a 2100+ retail @ newegg is only $103..Still fairly cheap and a lot of bang.

Would two 256 sticks suffice?

More than sufficient

Are there any advantages to using PC3200 DDR as opposed to PC2700? I would assume that running memory at the same speed as your CPU fsb would be better even if the memory speed is lower.

Current AXPs' really don't benefit that much from the added bandwidth of 3200 over 2700.

The more ram you give XP, the better it runs

More physical RAM yes, But the RAM speed needn't be higher than the AXPs' FSB. I see no need to spend the big bucks on DDR400 RAM, when DDR333 fits the bandwith needs of the AXPs' very nicely.

 

[dnihilist]

Correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't Barton need a completely brand new socket ala Hammer?

 

[mechBgon]

Nope, thank goodness It's SocketA, aka Socket462.

 

[Moeken]

More physical RAM yes, But the RAM speed needn't be higher than the AXPs' FSB. I see no need to spend the big bucks on DDR400 RAM, when DDR333 fits the bandwith needs of the AXPs' very nicely.

This statement is true, but the reason for purchasing DDR400 ram now is to more effectively use the increased FSB of a Barton (333 or 400?) or for overclocking the XP2700+ and XP2700+

Until SATA is supported natively in the chipset you are limited by the PCI bus (any correct me if this is wrong) speed.

You are probably right, however RAID is not supported on this board unless you use SATA. Is the SATA controller going to be used I wonder?

I'm leaning towards getting an XP2100+, unfortunately Newegg does not ship to Canada. I found a supplier that ships for C$164 (which is around US$104 )have to shop around. I have an Asus A7A266 with a 1.3 Ghz TBird that I could put the XP2100+ in if I upgrade to the Barton. (Although I still have to figure out if my Rev 1.03 board will run an XP2100+)

Does anyone know when AMD will start making XP2100+ with the "B" Tbred core?

 

[TourGuide]

My first experience with the A7N8X wasn't good.

The first board arrived DOA. I plugged everything in and go to power up and hear this POP! Board goes back for RMA tomorrow. Hopefully the next one will be better.

 

[GonzoDaGr8]

go to power up and hear this POP!

:Q

 

[Regalk]

The A7N8X and TBred 1700 is just awesome. I got mine stabilized as follows:
169 FSB
2 x 256 Samsung PC2700 at 6 3 3 2.5 speeds DUAL
O/C to 1860 at 1.575volts (can do 1945 at 1.75v but not worth it)
Onboard 3COM AND most excellent Sound Storm

 

[AnandtechViolator]

Originally posted by: Regalk
The A7N8X and TBred 1700 is just awesome. I got mine stabilized as follows:
169 FSB
2 x 256 Samsung PC2700 at 6 3 3 2.5 speeds DUAL
O/C to 1860 at 1.575volts (can do 1945 at 1.75v but not worth it)
Onboard 3COM AND most excellent Sound Storm

good advice. concentrate on the ram.