Been doing a lot of searching and reading fo recommended hardware type of posts, and seeing lots of opinions. Thought I'd seek just a couple more, specifically around the 2 red marked quesions below. This is my first PC to build...worked with PCs since 1979, but first one to build myself.
Been reading Toms Hardware Guide, and the Dec 2003 Processor comparison, left me feeling like I should go with the AMD Athlon 2600+
With further reading, I am planning on going with the Gigabyte 7NNXP motherboard . A little pricey, but good reviews, apparently good for overclocking, and lots of on-board components. ( Other recommendations around say to get as much on the board as you can).
That much being said, I had almost went for an AMD Athlon 64 3000+, but reading Toms Guide, it's performance wasn't that great, and is considerably more expensive (229 vs. 107).
Question 1:
I am wanting something I can grow with...is the 64 worth the difference, even if down the road?
Other thing I am working on now is the memory. I am considering overclocking this system (not sure I'll really need to, but I usually end up pushing my systems...with this being my first HTPC, don't know if I'll do that or not, but want to be prepared).
Reading here seems to say that the Corsair memory, while a little more expensive, is great to go with, especially if overclocking.
Question 2:
The question isn't so much about what brand (I will use a name brand) but what speed. I was looking at the Corsair DDR400 512 MB chip . Should I spend the money to go with that chip? Is it even the right chip?
(Like I said, my first build).
Thanks for your thoughts. Great forum, and group.
Roger
Been reading Toms Hardware Guide, and the Dec 2003 Processor comparison, left me feeling like I should go with the AMD Athlon 2600+
With further reading, I am planning on going with the Gigabyte 7NNXP motherboard . A little pricey, but good reviews, apparently good for overclocking, and lots of on-board components. ( Other recommendations around say to get as much on the board as you can).
That much being said, I had almost went for an AMD Athlon 64 3000+, but reading Toms Guide, it's performance wasn't that great, and is considerably more expensive (229 vs. 107).
Question 1:
I am wanting something I can grow with...is the 64 worth the difference, even if down the road?
Other thing I am working on now is the memory. I am considering overclocking this system (not sure I'll really need to, but I usually end up pushing my systems...with this being my first HTPC, don't know if I'll do that or not, but want to be prepared).
Reading here seems to say that the Corsair memory, while a little more expensive, is great to go with, especially if overclocking.
Question 2:
The question isn't so much about what brand (I will use a name brand) but what speed. I was looking at the Corsair DDR400 512 MB chip . Should I spend the money to go with that chip? Is it even the right chip?
Thanks for your thoughts. Great forum, and group.
Roger