nForce2 vs Via KT600

  • Thread starter Thread starter NS
  • Start date Start date
N

NS

I built my current machine 3 years ago. It's time for an update.
However, there have been a lot of changes in the industry since my last
build. For example, nVidia now makes chipset for the AMD platform and
Via has several updated versions.
Here is what I would like to do. I would like to build a machine that
can use some of my old parts as I slowly upgrade. My current machine
has a DFI mobo with Via 133 chipset, Duron 1.2, ATA 133 IDE drives, PC
133 memory.

I am interested in the most advanced mobo that can take the Duron, has
Serial ATA and ATA133, USB 2, and IEE1394.

Some questions:

Can I run both SATA and ATA133 hardrives in the same machine at the same
time?

How does the nforce2 compare to the KT600? (most of the information I
find on the net is "where to buy" not valid reviews.)

Will my current case power be enough? I think AMD has reduced the power
needs of their chips but I'd like to start by keeping the 1.2 duron for
while.

Which memory is recommended?

I am not a gamer but used my machine for AutoCAD, CorellDRAW and other
graphic programs.

Thanks
 
NS said:
I built my current machine 3 years ago. It's time for an update.
However, there have been a lot of changes in the industry since my last
build. For example, nVidia now makes chipset for the AMD platform and
Via has several updated versions.
Here is what I would like to do. I would like to build a machine that
can use some of my old parts as I slowly upgrade. My current machine
has a DFI mobo with Via 133 chipset, Duron 1.2, ATA 133 IDE drives, PC
133 memory.
Click to expand...


You will need PC3200 DDR RAM on any of the new boards. PC133 will not work.
I am interested in the most advanced mobo that can take the Duron, has
Serial ATA and ATA133, USB 2, and IEE1394.

Some questions:

Can I run both SATA and ATA133 hardrives in the same machine at the same
time?
Yes.

How does the nforce2 compare to the KT600? (most of the information I
find on the net is "where to buy" not valid reviews.)
Click to expand...

Before buying anything, run a potential retailer by www.resellerratings.com

Newegg, Mwave, and Zipzoomfly.com (was Googlegear) are three good choices.

Pretty close in performance. The Nforce2 boards allow for easier
overclocking due the lack of traditional frequency dividers. Higher end
boards have SoundStorm audio which is quite impressive. OTOH, the Asus
A7V600 packs in a good number of features for ~ $88US.
Will my current case power be enough? I think AMD has reduced the power
needs of their chips but I'd like to start by keeping the 1.2 duron for
while.
Click to expand...

Budget for a good quality brand name PSU of no less than 350W. Enermax,
Sparkle/Fortron, Antec and Seasonic are a few.
Which memory is recommended?
Click to expand...

PC3200, rated for 200MHz. Why ? Because it's only slightly more expensive
than PC2700. Crucial is a fine product if you don't plan to overclock memory
past 200MHz.
 
no point hanging onto your duron processor.

amd processors now are pretty cheap. go for an Amd xp 2400+.
 
zalzon said:
no point hanging onto your duron processor.

amd processors now are pretty cheap. go for an Amd xp 2400+.
Click to expand...

A 2500+ is *MUCH* better for the little extra in cost, will run as a 3200+!
 
S.Heenan said:
PC3200, rated for 200MHz. Why ? Because it's only slightly more expensive
than PC2700. Crucial is a fine product if you don't plan to overclock memory
past 200MHz.
Click to expand...

When I bought memory recently Twinmos was rated with a higher CAS latency
and also reviewed as a reasonable overclocker at a cheaper price than
crucial. This is in the UK mind.
 
tHatDudeUK said:
When I bought memory recently Twinmos was rated with a higher CAS
latency and also reviewed as a reasonable overclocker at a cheaper
price than crucial. This is in the UK mind.
Click to expand...


TwinMOS is hard to find here in Canada. In my limited experience with it,
I'd say it's as good as Crucial/Micron and often overclocks better, with
better timings at a given frequency.
 
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