Question about my comp upgrade.

[Dracknem]

All right, as it stands right now I am upgrading my computer this summer and I have a few questions. First off, what I currently have is:

A MSI mobo that only handles 2200+ and below
Athlon 1800+ T-bred A
512 mb of Crucial PC 2700
SLK-6 Heatsink (Or is is SK? I always forget)
450w FoxConn powersupply. (It came with my Chieftec Case)

Ok, I am planning on upgrading the motherboard to a NF7-S and the chip to a Barton 2500+. Now onto the questions:

#1) Do you think it would be better to get a 1700 T-bred B with a better heatsink instead of the Barton?
#2) I was wondering if you guys have any comments on the FoxCon powersupply, is it good? (I don't wanna have to get a new powersupply right now)
#3) Well, I know I have a number three, but I forgot it.

Thanks in advance.

[Graphic67]

1. T-bred B 1700's are getting harder to find. NEW T-bred A's are showing up in stores. For overclocking, the 1700 B will be more fun, but will probably yield the same MHz as the barton and due to the effect of cache, lower performance.

2. If your voltages are stable and within 2 or 3% of the ratings with your present configuration you will very likely be alright until you upgrade some more (video, hard drive, etc...) Take a look at the lead post in this forum by Larva: http://forum.oc-forums.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=150384

3. (My interpretation of your unstated question) Even though your MSI board only officially handles 2200+ XP's, you might want to research some more and consider TRYING the Barton out in the board (if the model goes up to 333 fsb and has a 5:2:1 divider).

By the way, what sort of overclocking were you able to achieve with your 1800+ T-bred A? (See my sig)

[c627627]

Cheapest guaranteed T-Bred B? $49 free shipping
http://www.gameve.com/store/gameve_viewitem.asp?idproduct=267

2. Heatsink: all copper Thermalright $10-$15 SK6+ or $20-$30 SK-7, shipping extra.
Saw this on a hot deals forum:

http://www.case-mod.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=21_22&products_id=350

You will not find a better value than $14.99 SK-7, look no further.

3. Don't forget a fan, nothing too loud, but pretty much any 80x25mm will do with SK-7.
http://www.svc.com/thersmarcasf.html
Look for directions on how to apply thermal paste (it comes with sk-7) but this is a good one:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_alumina_instructions.htm


Although not using SK6+ and spending extra $ on SK7 may not be the wisest thing to do.

[Dracknem]

Yeah, I have an SK6+, always forget the name. I have arctic silver 3 and at least a decent fan on the SK6+. I think I'll go with the Barton, since it will run at 2500+ even without overclocking.

Oh, my currend 1800+ isn't that great. It runs really hot and as soon as I got over stock speeds of 2200+ my comp wouldn't boot. I had it running at 170 x 10 pretty stable, but it was running at 47 degrees or higher.

[c627627]

Good choice + newegg had them super cheap the other day 2500+ retail (that's with 3 year warranty).

1800+ T-Breda A is better than Palomino but T-Bred B & Barton are current champs.

You know 50 C is just fine and 47 C is great, IMHO, by the way.

[snvpa]

I agree tmeps 50c and 47c are goleden especially for a board that is notorious for accurate readings. Don't worry about the temp worry about stability. either a barton or a tbredb would be an excellent choice. i might pick up the barton this weekend as I'd be interested to see if i can get it to 2.5 like my tbred b. I gotta say though. There is nothing like getting a 1ghz+ overclock on a chip. And I run on only moderate aircooling slk-700 that is whisper quiet.