New AMD XP2800+ system

[Juxu]

Hello!
I am building a new "interim" system, could someone help on the following:

Is the AMD AthlonXP 2800+ (Barton, 2083 MHz) 333MHz FSB likely to overclock to 400 FSB ? Does this require multiplier change? Better suggestions ? As i have read here, the AMD proc's may now be multiplier-locked and i would not like to have to settle with the 2500 (the best overclocker?) if locked & overclock unsuccessful.

I have 1 Gb (2x512) of OCZ Platinum Special Edition PC3500 memory coming...so mem shouldn't be a problem.
Power supply is also plenty (510W PC Power&Cooling DL).

Also, haven't yet decided between the ASUS A7N8X Deluxe rev. 2 or ABIT NF7-S v 2.0 mobos...The ASUS does not seem to have a PCI/AGP lock though. Is this necessary if going from 166->200 FSB (333->400)
Anyone with experience on these?

Thanks!
Jukka

 

[Peter D]

Definitely get the NF7-S Much better overclocking options IMO. Also, all nForce 2 boards have PCI/AGP lock, if memory serves.. :-\

BTW: Nice stuff..

 

[Juxu]

Thanks for your opinion!
BTW, is the Northbridge fan on the ABIT board of the soothingly silent type...or of the "howling tornado" -variety? The Asus does not have a fan on NB.

I would like to get the system running, but haven't been knowledgeable enough yet to decide on the processor and the motherboard...so any input is appreciated. I'd like to have the capacity to overclock...

Jukka

 

[Jeff7181]

I have no overclocking trouble with my A7N8X Deluxe. It does have a PCI/AGP lock. And it'll run my XP2500 with a 233 Mhz bus... now if I just had RAM that would run in sync...

 

[Juxu]

So, a vote for ASUS... Thanks, the choice is a tough one.

Jukka

 

[CarpeDiem99]

nf7-s definately, best ocing board out there

 

[Peter D]

Well I cant hear my NB fan over any of my other fans, but they're around 32-40dBA.

 

[Evdawg]

I like my asus... if you wanna just do easy oc'ing.. not push it too crazilly, then this is the board. I like it... the colors are sexy too

 

[pspada]

I had an 8RDA+ that was great, but I moved to an FIC AU13 and am even happier. I would never again use an Asus mobo even if you bought a new one for me.

 

[modestninja]

I've got an a7n8x-deluxe myself (which was purchased a while ago), but if I was going to make my decision again I'd grab the Abit. They're a little bit better for overclocking and they cost less. Also, Abit's tech support is much better than Asus's.

Also, with a decent heatsink and fan (is the $19.99 slk-900a deal still on at svc.com... check the hot deals it's one heal of a deal for one of the best coolers on the market) you should be easily able to hit 400mhz fsb without changing the multiplier. Right now my 2700+ is at 220*11 = 2420mhz without raising the voltage or having any issues with heat (42C idle, 50C load).

 

[Juxu]

Thanks, beginning to lean on the ABIT, especially after going through the VERY long "official mobo threads". The ASUS thread seemed to be filled with problems...and my goal is just to up the FSB to 400 and run the memory 1:1 since it (OCZ) should be capable of doing so with pretty tight timings.

All my previous boards have been ASUS, though. And i've been happy with them.

Thanks again,
What a great source of info this board is!
Jukka

 

[Jeff7181]

The only complaint I have about the A7N8X is it's touchy BIOS... if you change too many settings at once it won't POST and you have to reset the CMOS and change one thing at a time, which gets to be a pain in the butt when you want 15-20 things changed.