Best Cpu/Mobo/Cooling for $250

[icedogg9999]

Hey guys,

I just bought a BFG GeForce 6800 GT OC off ebay, and it should arrive this weekend. I'm getting paid this week or next, and I'd like to upgrade my system to release the full potential of my new 6800 GT OC. I'm only gonna have around $250, and I'd like to get the best chip to overclock, I'd like to stay with AMD, but if anyone knows of a good Intel chip, I'm open to a change. Here's my current system specs:

Athlon XP 1700+ JIUHB DLT3C @ 2.1ghz (12.5x166, 1.5v)
SK-7 w/ 119.0 CFM VANTEC (SUNON) TORNADO FAN 92 X 38 MM
MSI KT4V
2x256mb Centon PC2700 2.5cas, 1x512mb Centon PC2700 2.5cas
Western Digital 200gb 7200rpm 8mb
Maxtor 160gb 7200rpm 8mb
BFG GeForce 6800 GT OC
Optorite 48x16x48 CD-RW
Lite-On 4x DVD-R/W
400w PowMax PSU

I'm thinking of getting an Athlon XP Mobile with a SP97, but I'd like to know what the best chip to overclock is right now.

Thanks,

Jordan "The IceDogg"

 

[dicecca112]

AMD Mobile XP 2500 or 2600 80-100$
SP-97 Heatsink - 60$
DFI Ultra Infinity - 92$

Just through the Tornado on the heatsink or your all set.

 

[icedogg9999]

Awesome, that sounds like a great combo. Oh, and one more thing, will my PC2700 memory hold me back from achieving high fsb speed? My KT400 boards is lousy when it comes to those issues, but do you know if I can achieve over 200fsb with my current memory, maybe by setting the speed to 266mhz, and then o/c'ing? Thats just my though

Thanks for your help

 

[dicecca112]

might hold you back a little. But if you can hit 200fsb stable, you should be fine with the mobile

 

[cujo]

you've barely tapped into your chip it seems. 2.1 at 1.5v is pretty damn good. why not get a new mobo and see how high she'll go.

i would definately upgrade your ram and/or mobo before cpu and cooling.

 

[icedogg9999]

I've been able to hit 185 fsb stable at around 1.55v, but if I go any higher, it won't post. I might just get a new DFI Ultra Infinity like dicecca112 said, and see how fast my 1700+ will go. And I might as well get the SP97 to replace my SK-7.

Heres the thing with my ram though, I has 256mb, and then I just bought 768mb at Circuit City like 2 weeks ago, but if theres some good <$100 512mb stick of PC3200+, I'd get it. My V-Data stick can do 380fsb stable, with my old 1.33 T-Bird, and I have the Thermaltake Heatspreader w/ Fan.

I'm hoping for 2.3-2.5ghz for my 1700+.

Thanks,
Jordan "IceDogg"

 

[scavok]

AMD Mobile XP 2500 or 2600 80-100$
SP-97 Heatsink - 60$
DFI Ultra Infinity - 92$

Just through the Tornado on the heatsink or your all set.

I'm about to get this setup, but I was wondering what other heatsinks are recommended. I can't imagine spending $60 on one. I don't plan on overclocking it really high, I just want it around 2.4ghz. What speeds are possible for the 2600 to overclock to?

Right now my system is:
Athlon XP 2100+
MSI KT4 Ultra
Radeon 9700 PRO 128MB
1x512MB pc2700, 1x256MB pc2700

 

[matttheniceguy]

I think most mobiles on good air are doing something around 2.5. With a SP-97 and a tornado you might be able to get a little more, but who knows.

The Abit NF7 or NF7-S is the other board you might want to consider. Both it and the DFI can do insane fsb (in the 250 range) with a hacked BIOS. From what I have read though, the Abits have higher performance for the same FSB.