Oc My Amd 2500

[AmThx]

Hi guys.

I'm going to purchase this PC next week. I'm low on a budget ($400-500).

-AMD Athlon XP 2500+ (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-379&depa=0)
-ATI Radeon 8500 128 MB DDR (http://www.ati.com/products/radeon8500/radeon8500128/index.html) (getting 9800 pro later this year)
-Kingston 512 MB PC2700 RAM (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-144-202&depa=0)
-Gigabyte GA-7VT600-L Mobo (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-128-193&depa=0)
-CREATIVE LABS SB230 Speakers (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-116-125&depa=0)
-LOGITECH Extreme PC Gaming Headset (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=26-106-931&depa=0)
-HITACHI 160 GB 7200 RPM 8MB CACHE HD (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-145-051&depa=0)
-LITE ON DVD-+RW 851S 4X (http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=27-106-923&depa=0)
-LITE ON CD-RW 52X32X52 (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-106-939&depa=0)
-PHILIPS 17" CRT MONITOR (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-133-120&depa=0)
-RAIDMAX SCORPIO 868 CASE (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-156-139&depa=0)
-MICROSOFT INTELLI OPTICAL (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=26-105-122&depa=0)

I am going to use this PC for Gaming / Web Design / Converting Movies / Burning / Music (I know many of you will say 8500 is not good for the latest games but i will play CS until later this year when i get my 9800 Pro and play some real games).

Could you guys rate this build? Is it good? Are there any problems?

Im also looking for a nice black color keyboard with a NICE volume control. I HATE controlling volume on computer. It has to be under 30 bucks, black color, have some extra keys including a nice volume control.

I want to Overclock my AMD 2500+ to about 2800+ Speeds. How could i do this? I have heard that AMD heatsinks / fans suck. So what is a good heatsink and how much will it cost? Should I get the retail or OEM?
When I overclock it to 2800+ Speeds, I want it to be at 40-50 degrees.
I have no knowledge of heatsinks/cooling though. Could you guys help me? Keep in mind the case will be a RAIDMAX Scorpio 868 and I am on a tight budget.

[Timmybighands]

Actually, I think you have a great little setup there for the price you wanted to spend. You can easily upgrade the components you want in the future (like the video card), and the 2500 is a great choice for overclocking potential (even with the now-locked multipliers).

If I may suggest, though... you should reconsider getting the Gigabyte GA-7VT600-L as it's based on a Via KT600 chipset (which still has no 1/6 divider, making your FSB overclock stretch out your AGP/PCI clock with it, potentially damaging HDD's or video cards). Instead, have a look at this (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-127-144&depa=1). The Abit NF& is a GREAT overclocking board, and has all the features that the Gigabyte board does PLUS with the NF2 chipset you get dual channel ram support (but if you want to benefit from that you'll have to buy 2*256 sticks of your ram instead of the 1*512 you linked to, but that's no biggie)... Poke around these forums a bit, and you'll find RAVE reviews from us all on it.

As for the Retail/OEM situation, if your worried about having to replace the CPU then go with the Retail version. It's only a few bucks more expensive then the OEM version and the warranty is much longer. However, you are right - if you plan to OC the 2500+ you will need a better HS/Fan combo. I realize that you are on a tight budget, so for now you can run your setup on the stock HS (which really DOESNT stink unless you plan to OC)... But have a look at almost ANY Thermalright heatsink when you save up some extra dough. I suggest this one (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=35-109-011&depa=0) since your a little tight on $$ right now... You would do well to pair it up with any high-cfm, yet low-dba (noise) fan.

Nice job on the buildup, and let us know how it works out for you.

[Xenocide]

eh about the headset. splurge a little and get the logitech usb 300, the sound quality is amazing (digital) and its not a plastic piece of crap 19$ one heh