I'm going to buy some new parts in a few days. I've narrowed my selection down to an Abit NF7-S (2.0) and Barton 2500+ (retail and I'll pick up an SK-7 HS shortly). I'm just not sure where the best place to pick them up at to get the best stepping, etc.
Here's what I've researched so far (MB + CPU + Shipping):
1. Newegg: $116 + $92 + $0 = $208
2. ExcaliberPC: $111 + $101 + $3 = $215
2a. ExcaliberPC: $111 + $92 (OEM CPU) + $3 = $206
3. GameVE: $109 + $92 + $0 = $201
Here's the pros/cons of each:
Newegg - Pros: My fav online retailer, I've seen some good Newegg Bartons in recent posts here. Cons: Won't guarantee rev 2.0 of the NF7-S, no guarantee in stepping
ExcaiberPC - Pros: Guaranteed rev 2.0 NF7-S, guaranteed stepping (AQXEA 0329VPHW /0328SPQW for Retail box and AQXEA: 0330VPMW or 0330UPMW for OEM). Cons: I'm not sure if these are good steppings or not, price.
GameVE: Pros: Best Price. Cons: No guarantee of CPU stepping. I don't have any experience with this retailer.
I'm leaning towards the retail CPU & MB from ExcaliberPC.
Any comments to help me decide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Here's what I've researched so far (MB + CPU + Shipping):
1. Newegg: $116 + $92 + $0 = $208
2. ExcaliberPC: $111 + $101 + $3 = $215
2a. ExcaliberPC: $111 + $92 (OEM CPU) + $3 = $206
3. GameVE: $109 + $92 + $0 = $201
Here's the pros/cons of each:
Newegg - Pros: My fav online retailer, I've seen some good Newegg Bartons in recent posts here. Cons: Won't guarantee rev 2.0 of the NF7-S, no guarantee in stepping
ExcaiberPC - Pros: Guaranteed rev 2.0 NF7-S, guaranteed stepping (AQXEA 0329VPHW /0328SPQW for Retail box and AQXEA: 0330VPMW or 0330UPMW for OEM). Cons: I'm not sure if these are good steppings or not, price.
GameVE: Pros: Best Price. Cons: No guarantee of CPU stepping. I don't have any experience with this retailer.
I'm leaning towards the retail CPU & MB from ExcaliberPC.
Any comments to help me decide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!