abit vs abit vs abit :o

[-verTo-]

Nathan, u told me to get an IC7 in my question about which mobo to get. Then it hit me.. there are IC7, IC7-G, Max2, Max3. Which suits me best?

Im going to want to OC a 2.4C above 3.2ghz. Since im going to be overclocking to ~3.4ghz what would be the best suited memory for the dual channel supported on these mobos.

I was looking at Kingston Hyper-x 3500ddr 512mb ( 1 stick ) then i remembered dual channel = 2 sticks of same size. So that rises another question, is 2x256 ddr3500 kingston hyper-x better than 1x512 ddr3500 of the same kind?

So here they are
1. which is the best abit mobo for the 2.4c
2. what memory would be best for an overclock around 3.4ghz
3. is 1 stick better than 2 in dual channel?

Thanx
_________________
Aspire X-Alien 420W
ABIT IC7 875P
SP-94 w/ 64CFM
Pentium 4 2.6 @ 3.3 255FSB
Vcore:1.60 Vdimm:2.7
OCZ PC4200 Performance Series(2x256) 1:1
Maxtor 80gb SATA
Radeon 9800 Pro

Stock Video Card w/ OC proc:
3dmark03 - 5950
3dmark01 - 19593

[Google]

[[TN] Nathan]

The main difference is the prices, the SATA abilities and the cooling.

The prices vary quite considerably and I think for the money, the IC7 is the better option.

Check them out here:

http://tweaknews.pricegrabber.com/search_gen.php?topcat_id=1&topcat_search=1&form_keyword=ic7&ut=42ba437720ea334c

When it comes to ram, you NEED to use dual channel memory. You can't use these motherboards properly with single channel memory.

Anything by corsair or kingston would be a good choice.

Remember, memory doesn't guarantee whether you get to 3.4Ghz, it's whether the cpu can handle it and if you have good cooling.
_________________
Owner & Administrator
www.Tweaknews.net
www.Pocketbookpinch.com

[-verTo-]

so what part does memory play into overclocking?

isnt there something about matching the frequencies or something?
_________________
Aspire X-Alien 420W
ABIT IC7 875P
SP-94 w/ 64CFM
Pentium 4 2.6 @ 3.3 255FSB
Vcore:1.60 Vdimm:2.7
OCZ PC4200 Performance Series(2x256) 1:1
Maxtor 80gb SATA
Radeon 9800 Pro

Stock Video Card w/ OC proc:
3dmark03 - 5950
3dmark01 - 19593

[[TN] Nathan]

Not really, all you have to get is dual channel memory such as the Corsair TwinX or Kingston HyperX.

All you have to do is buy the fastest rating possible allowed by your budget.

That way you know it's not the memory holding you back.
_________________
Owner & Administrator
www.Tweaknews.net
www.Pocketbookpinch.com

[-verTo-]

_________________
Aspire X-Alien 420W
ABIT IC7 875P
SP-94 w/ 64CFM
Pentium 4 2.6 @ 3.3 255FSB
Vcore:1.60 Vdimm:2.7
OCZ PC4200 Performance Series(2x256) 1:1
Maxtor 80gb SATA
Radeon 9800 Pro

Stock Video Card w/ OC proc:
3dmark03 - 5950
3dmark01 - 19593

[-verTo-]

k im lookin at corsair twinx, thx man. but are u sure that the abit ic7 is gonna outperform the p4p800 deluxe? money isnt an issue. but anyway, here are my specs..

Abit IC7 or P4P800-deluxe ?
Pentium 4 2.4c
WD SATA Raptor 36gb 10k
Leadtek Winfast fx5900
Corsair 2x256mb pc3200 TwinX
Aspire X-alien 420w

now do what u do best, tell me the weak points
_________________
Aspire X-Alien 420W
ABIT IC7 875P
SP-94 w/ 64CFM
Pentium 4 2.6 @ 3.3 255FSB
Vcore:1.60 Vdimm:2.7
OCZ PC4200 Performance Series(2x256) 1:1
Maxtor 80gb SATA
Radeon 9800 Pro

Stock Video Card w/ OC proc:
3dmark03 - 5950
3dmark01 - 19593

[[TN] Nathan]

One thing you have to know is the P4P is a springdale and is a slower chipset than the IC7 which is the premier canterwood.

Can the FX5900 and go with a 9700pro or 9800pro. A much better card for the money.

Also, get a little faster memory, TwinX is available in PC3700 and PC4000 flavours if you want to overclock to the max.
_________________
Owner & Administrator
www.Tweaknews.net
www.Pocketbookpinch.com

[-verTo-]

Ok, the reason i wanted to get the winfast fx5900 is because its cheap... 220 cheap.. plus it runs games better than the 9700pro and is equal with the 9800pro.. to top it off.. its got dual fans in a contained case around it.. making it cool, great overclocking ability. 70°C at full load..

Yeah, im still debating on the memory, i think the twinX's are more expensive than the hyperX's yet i hear twinx's are godly and worth the money.. nathan if u were in my shoes what exact mem config would u purchase?
_________________
Aspire X-Alien 420W
ABIT IC7 875P
SP-94 w/ 64CFM
Pentium 4 2.6 @ 3.3 255FSB
Vcore:1.60 Vdimm:2.7
OCZ PC4200 Performance Series(2x256) 1:1
Maxtor 80gb SATA
Radeon 9800 Pro

Stock Video Card w/ OC proc:
3dmark03 - 5950
3dmark01 - 19593

[[TN] Nathan]

I deem the Kingston and Corsair to be equal.

In your shoes? Teheheh, I can't open your wallet can I? Hehe.

Get what ever you can afford, I have already given you the guildlines.

I honestly would still lean towards the ATI end for the videocards. Just remember, you are getting the vanilla 5900 and not the ultra.

Not to argue, but where did you hear that the FX5900 is faster than the 9800?
_________________
Owner & Administrator
www.Tweaknews.net
www.Pocketbookpinch.com

[meobius]

Personally i prefer corsair, i've had better o/c'ing results from it... but that's just me.

I agree about the ATI... from what i've seen the 9800pro256megs kicks the 5950(which is the new top of the line nvidia card) and if you get the non ultra version... well than you might as well go for a nvidia 5700 or a 5600, or an ATI 9600XT...
Another point for ATI is that the games Nvidia's 5900 did manage to run faster than the 9800(there are some) the visual quality was nowhere near the ATI. All in all the ati is the better buy...

[-verTo-]

Actually meobius.. the 9800pro 256mb is a major waste of money.. it has the same performance as the 128mb version in modes such as 1024x768, 1200x1024, and 1600x1200 (which are the modes u actually play in). The only place the 256mb version beats the 128mb version is in the modes that produce 18 fps MAX. We are talking about resolutions that nobody plays at anyway. So when 128 gets 10 and 256 gets 18.. are u even gonna play in that resolution? didnt think so..

Article on r9800pro256:

http://www6.tomshardware.com/graphic/20030604/index.html


Here are some benchmarks done comparing the latest graphics cards this is the newest benches to date on the 9800pro XT / fx5950, the front runners:

http://www6.tomshardware.com/graphic/20031023/nvidia-nv38-nv36-32.html


Now, regarding the picture quality.. the nVidia forceware drivers have sharpened the image very nicely, some equal and some better than the ATI's catalyst. The tests are done with a fx5950 and a 9800pro XT.
Here is the site:

http://www6.tomshardware.com/graphic/20031023/nvidia-nv38-nv36-17.html


It is true that the ATI's are more compatable with DirectX9.. thats because they've had more time with dx9. nVidia is just starting out and are almost catching ATI. The nvidia cards will be pumping out insane framerates as soon as nvidia FULLY corrects the dx9 flaw. Proof is where nvidia cards spank ATI's in directx8 quality, because they are capable of using their full clock frequencies due to their full compatablilty with dx8. Since the nvidia cards are being held back by their dx9 flaws, they arent able to use their full potential in their mad fast clock frequencies.

The fx5900 non-ultra: core=400mhz mem=800mhz
the fx5900 ultra: core=400 mem=850mhz

Im looking at the Leadtek fx5900(1337 stock cooling).. if this thing doesnt have overclocking potential.. wtf does. Ive read reviews that people have gotten this card 540/1010mhz(ultra version, but still..). Thats insane, if i can get my card to 450/900 it would be better than a fx5900 ultra, and like i said before.. the extra 128mb of ram only give u higher framerates in resolutions that u wouldnt play in normally.


I do understand that at stock.. this card isnt going to perform as a top runner, but hey, its VERY close. At 220$ and the OC'n potential.. its a great deal.

look at the performance.. when ure this close to the toprunner, and can surpass with overclockage, and not have a hole in the wallet.. man i dont get it

benchmarks with radeon's top, nvidias top ( pre fx5950 / XT ):

http://www6.tomshardware.com/graphic/20030714/vga_card_guide-12.html

Im definately not trying to be a smart ass to u meobius.. im just showin u what ive read, if u've read something else, i'd love to read the other reviews, im wide open to knowledge.

thanks
_________________
Aspire X-Alien 420W
ABIT IC7 875P
SP-94 w/ 64CFM
Pentium 4 2.6 @ 3.3 255FSB
Vcore:1.60 Vdimm:2.7
OCZ PC4200 Performance Series(2x256) 1:1
Maxtor 80gb SATA
Radeon 9800 Pro

Stock Video Card w/ OC proc:
3dmark03 - 5950
3dmark01 - 19593

[[TN] Nathan]

You really think you are getting an UNBIASED opinion at toms hardware?

Don't trust anything they say, they have been bought out by so many people.

Show me some other places other than toms that backs up your claims.
_________________
Owner & Administrator
www.Tweaknews.net
www.Pocketbookpinch.com

[-verTo-]

nate, i dont think its too biased when they have the benchmarks right there.. they dont say.. the FX IS BETTER.. they are saying its about the same. They dont favor either side.. well, there is more nvidia advertising on that site :/ . I think they are pretty reliable though. They are a big company that can buy and test many of the items.. im sure u are too, just not as big.

but heres why im leaning fx5900 non-ultra (leadtek winfast a350)

1.The thing performs ABOUT as well as a fx5900 ultra.. its cheap.. half the price (220)
2. The thing can be overclocked, exceeding other graphics cards
3.Did i mention its cheap
4.I know nvidia is having a hard time w/ dx9 but they need some time with it.. forceware has almost gotten them back to the top w/ the 9800 XT but it can be fixed even more. Im willing to wait.
5. did i mention its half the price
_________________
Aspire X-Alien 420W
ABIT IC7 875P
SP-94 w/ 64CFM
Pentium 4 2.6 @ 3.3 255FSB
Vcore:1.60 Vdimm:2.7
OCZ PC4200 Performance Series(2x256) 1:1
Maxtor 80gb SATA
Radeon 9800 Pro

Stock Video Card w/ OC proc:
3dmark03 - 5950
3dmark01 - 19593

[-verTo-]

btw, i know u know ure s***, this is nothing against u. i just want the top of the line at a cheap price, which is difficult
_________________
Aspire X-Alien 420W
ABIT IC7 875P
SP-94 w/ 64CFM
Pentium 4 2.6 @ 3.3 255FSB
Vcore:1.60 Vdimm:2.7
OCZ PC4200 Performance Series(2x256) 1:1
Maxtor 80gb SATA
Radeon 9800 Pro

Stock Video Card w/ OC proc:
3dmark03 - 5950
3dmark01 - 19593