Need performance tips for my new system

[Crisao23]

I'm finishing here my new system, just waiting for some parts to arrive. I would like some tips for more performance, like bios settings, best memo timings and so on.

Config is:

Processor:

Athlon 64 FX 55

Info on processor:

ADAFX55DEI5AS
AAA2C 0435UPCW

Cooler:

Zalman CNPS7000BCu

Motherboard:

Asus A8N-SLI Deluxe

Video Card:

PowerColor Radeon X800XL

RAM:

I got here 2 kits of Corsair TwinX 1024-3200XL. Don´t know if I can use it all without restrictions on motherboard and processor, but it's here. ;)

HD:

2 x Western Digital Raptors 74GB (Raid 0 on native Nvidia SATA)

DVDRW:

LG 4160B

Case:

Coolermaster CMStacker

Power Supply:

Zippy HP2-6500P 500W

I know that the post sounds a little "newbish" but I hope that you Xtremers can help me twek this little beast ;)

Thanks in advance,

Crisao23

[Crash_BFH]

Put those Raptors in a Raid 0 :)

[deception``]

1. Wait for the new Venice processors. There are already a number of reports of their overclockability, and they should more than likely rival your proposed FX-55.

2. If you're not going to use SLI, then there is no reason for an SLI motherboard. Also, Asus boards make for excellent stable systems, but a board such as the DFI NF4 Ultra-D will be best if you're looking to squeeze the most out of your system.

NOTE: If you do consider the DFI NF4, know that Zippy power supplies have issues with that board. Therefore, you'll either have to look into replacing the power supply, or look at something such as the MSI K8N Neo4.

3. Maybe it's just me, but I think that two 74GB raptors are a waste, even in RAID 0. Sure, the seek times are lower, but is it REALLY worth their high price. Of course, this may not mean anything if you have cash to burn, but I think a pair of high-volume NCQ drives would suit you much better. I don't know about you, but 140GB (less once XP and other O/S's are installed) isn't much to get hyped about :-/

deception``

[Crisao23]

Deception, I won the FX 55 on a contest along with the mobo :(

I'll try to sell both as soon as possible. :)

BTW, which problems Zippy PSUs have with DFI NF4 ? Can you detail it ?

Thanks a lot,

Crisao23

[deception``]

I know the Zippy 700W is incompatible, and I suspect that others might have the same issue, but don't quote me on this.

I think that selling the CPU and motherboard is an excellent option. With the money from the sale, you can easily purchase a nice Venice chip (when they arrive) along with a DFI (or other non-SLI motherboard), and use the funds left over to cover most/all of the remaining system parts.

deception``

[Crisao23]

actually, I can make a lot of money from the FX 55, they're extremely rare on my country and some people really want it.

I'll follow your tips man. Thanks.

I did a search just after replying for the zippy problem. It gave some results including this one: http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=53482&highlight=zippy

That issue only happens with voltage mods ? Or under stock settings ?

I had a nice server here powered by Zippy. Despite the "no fancy" look of it, it was extremely good and reliable.

Since I already bought the raptors, and I love it. It'll be my system boot drive as raid 0. But I plan to buy two good NCQ ones to build another raid. Just trying to find something better than Seagate ones.

Maxtors have really bad access times actually. Trying to find something better.

[conrad.maranan]

I know the Zippy 700W is incompatible, and I suspect that others might have the same issue, but don't quote me on this.
The incompatibility only comes into play once you enable the 4.0VDIMM jumper. Otherwise, the Zippy will work fine with the DFI nF4 boards.

[Crisao23]

thanks for the info :)