Final Advice Needed on These Upgrades

[Indecisive]

Heya,

This is my first post and first time being at this board but after browsing around it for a bit, this seems like a really, really informative community that isable to give some great advice.

So...here's my situation.

I am looking to upgrade to this:

X2 +4200 Dual Core (I've been reading that maybe I should consider the +3800?)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819103547

eVGA Geforce 7800GT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 VIVO PCI Express x16 Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130238

[and I need a suggestion on a motherboard]

Should I stay with the X2 +4200? I was reading that the X2 +3800 is the 'best bang for your buck' simply because it can easily be overclocked even with the stock heatsinks it comes with. If this is true, can a newbie to OCing like myself easily overclock it to where the processor will perform equal to a +4200 or better without having an extreme risk of destroying it?

If so...then what motherboard should I get for this project (one that will allow for the graphics card to work and the overclocking to be stable).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading this!

 

[Finns14]

Budget and whats your main use for this computer?

 

[Bobthelost]

Drop down to the 3800, it's easy enough to overclock CPUs a bit and the 3800 is a beauty to overclock. Getting it to equal a 4200 will be childs play.

DFI is the best for overclocking, although i'm a die hard Asus fanboy when it comes to mobos, i've no idea why.

 

[Indecisive]

Primary Uses:
Design: Photoshop CS2, Flash MX 2004, and Dreamweaver MX (need these all open at once. Right now, my current setup is killing me)

Editing: Premiere Pro 1.5, Encore DVD 1.5, Photoshop CS2 (Need these all open at once as well)

Secondary Use:
Gaming: I play World of Warcraft, Call of Duty 2, Counterstrike Source, and soon-to-be Battlefield 2.

Budget for these three items: around $780 (or cheaper if it's at all possible with your suggestions)

Fast response haha, thanks

 

[Finns14]

Well with that said put more money towards your CPU then towards your video card but at that budget you could happily get both. Don't get that combo get the deal on the eVGA thats <$300 and find a better mobo

 

[Indecisive]

Do you have a model or link to where it can be purchased? (The Motherboard)

Also, it will be easy to OC considering the fact I am new to OCing?

 

[Indecisive]

Originally posted by: Finns14
Well with that said put more money towards your CPU then towards your video card but at that budget you could happily get both. Don't get that combo get the deal on the eVGA thats <$300 and find a better mobo

Well I think I'll be sticking with that video card unless you have another suggestion. As for the motherboard, I need advice on that. Which one will allow easy and stable overclocking to the point where it's equal or a little better than a +4200?

 

[Indecisive]

Oh also, does anyone know where I can find a good, simplistic manual on how to overclock this +3800 to dependable speeds that will not cause any overheating problems?

 

[Bobthelost]

There are plenty around here if you look in the CPU forum.

The 3800 runs @ 2.0Ghz, the 4200 is the same chip, but it runs @ 2.2Ghz (4600 runs @ 2.4Ghz). To overclock the CPU by 200mhz is very easyily done. Although if you want to keep the CPU cool or get much improvement out of it (ie 400mhz+) you'll need to buy a new HS for it. (SI 120 is one of the best around).

The DFI range of mobos are all great overclockers, as is the asus A8N32 (and the soon to be seen A8R MVN). Check the mobo sticky in the motherboard thread for more information on them.

 

[Indecisive]

So I could save...$70ish dollars and get this +3800 then overclock it to the speeds/performance of a +4200 without having any worries?

Also, I shall check the mobo thread for information. Thank you for the direction

 

[Bobthelost]

Yes, a modest 200mhz overclock might even be doable with stock voltages.