Abit NF7 V2.0 nForce2 for overclocking,is it worth it?

[johnnr892]

Hi, I was thinking for christmas maybe getting an abit nf7 v.2.0 and overclocking my xp2600 barton in it. I currently have a mobo that won't overclock because it can't lock the pci/agp bus. I think i have exhausted all option of updating bios etc... to get it to lock but it wont. So will i see a good increase in performance of playing latest games (especially half-life 2 ) if i get a volcano 12 heatsink and this board and overclock it? Also how high do you think i will get it, running 4 80mm fans in a roomy case . Finally, how do you upgrade a motherboard. Do you have to re-formatt the hardrive beforehand in preparation for the new board? Thanks again,John.

p.s Here is the board:
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/produ...duct_uid=63166

[ed^chigliak]

PC2700 RAM is rated for 166 FSB. For best performance you should aim for highest FSB speed with lower multipliers. Typical OC of 200-220 FSB but your RAM probably isn't going to make the grade. If your barton 2600+ is multiplier locked then you have additional problems. I expect HL2 will run fine on your system anyway.

[johnnr892]

but i thought 166 were just pc3200s that didnt make the grade, surely they must be able to clock pretty near them and my cpu is only rated for 333 so both would go up together?

[johnnr892]

yeah i think it is locked

[johnnr892]

how high do you think i could get the clock speed with my ram

[ed^chigliak]

Worth it?

My system 2500+ @ 11x166
3dmark 2001 14500
3dmark 2003 4800

My system 2500+ 11x200
3dmark 2001 16000
3dmark 2003 5000

I guess around 3-4% and if your RAM will reach 200 FSB. I don't know what speed your RAM will reach so you need to test it in another PC if you can or find others who have the same RAM who can offer you advice. OK NF7 is cheap but how long will you be happy with XP or is it better to save for A64.

[Zak33]

the guys all talk sense.

A: PC2700 runs 166DDR/333 chips (like yours) and wont make it to 200
B: PC3200 is 200DDR/400 ram.

Its not worth it anyway..a 2600 on PC2700 is more than man enough for the job.

The mobo you have thought of buying is a great board....but the extra ram prices will leave you somewhat short changed, especially to buy a Gig of ram as you have now.

Rest assured....your PC is uptot he job

[Agent]

When the heck did Ebuyer start selling Abit's !
Never thought id see the day.

[johnnr892]

thanks again guys, i think i will save for the time being and see what develops over the year.Gotta say the nforce 4 does look pretty amzing. Cheers,John.