Need help with first P4 for Gaming/Benching

[#ball3r]

I've decided to give the darkside a chance and get a P4 800fsb for my main gaming rig. The I would like to get something that will be a lot faster then my current rig...
-1700+ DLT3C 0310WPMW running 2425mhz prime/memtest stable.
-Abit NF7-S 2.0 Stock no mods, not even AS3 on nb yet.
-Hercules 9700 Pro Red 390/702 (Still trying to decide what drivers I like using. 3.4's w/rage3d or the Omega 9800 modded drivers.
-Twinmos 3200 BH-5 2x256 220fsb 2,2,2,3 (one stick just went bad on me with a new one on the way) I was running 227dcsync before that though.
-Maxtor 40gb ata133
-Thermalright SLK-800 w/TT Smart Fan 2

I'm looking to get the best overall speed, high fsb, and stability to run 24/7 possibly and game at the same speeds for benching, which I do on my current rig. I've been planning on getting a water cooler with blocks for the cpu, nb, and vga so I would have that for it, or at worst get an slk-900 with a good fan. I'm going to be using the current system on a network with this one for my gf/backup, so i'll still make good use of this system. This is what i'm thinking of getting and will start a vote to get some imput from you guy's.

-2.4C or 3.0C
-Abit IC7-G or DFI 875P Lanparty (http://www.dfi.com.tw/Product/xx_pro...GORY_TYPE=null)
-Either the 9800 Pro 256 or 128
-2 WD 36gb Raptor SATA
-Either 2x512 OCZ 3700 DC Gold, 2x512 Twinmos CH-5, 2x512 OCZ 3500 Platinum DC, or 2x256 of the same choices.

Oh and I forgot I will be using UV lighting and other assorted effects so if the DFI UV board is a good performer I would like to get that one.

How about instead of a vote you peeps just list your suggestions here .

Thank you and have a great day.

[Major]

#ball3r Looks good !

P4C800 or IC7-G would be my mb suggestions
I think the 2.8c is the "sweat spot" with air cooling
Why no Corsair XMS3500 ?

[#ball3r]

have had better experiances with ocz and twinmos.

[BrainStorm]

Originally posted by Major Slaughter
#ball3r Looks good !

P4C800 or IC7-G would be my mb suggestions
I think the 2.8c is the "sweat spot" with air cooling
Why no Corsair XMS3500 ?

Major, isn't it hard to max out the FSB on a 2.8c with air?

#ball3r, I hate to say avoid the DFI since you seem to want it, but their past rep re overclocking is :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:. I'd do like Major suggests and go with the Asus or the Abit. Hard for me to say about the ram since I don't have any direct experience with those brands.

[Peen]

I wish i would have gotten atleast 2.6c cause im maxing my board out an crappy air. Its an IS7 at 285mhz fsb, thats like the boards max on this and not the CPU.

[zakelwe]

I'd not go for the 256MB 9800 I'd go for a cheaper 128MB version ( Crucial now do a cheap on in the UK so I assume they are cheap in the US as well ).

The money you save going for that can be put towards your P4. I'd personally get the 3.0C as you will not need to worry about the board being a limitation and whereas most 2.4 or 2.6C's get to 3300 - 3500 you should be able to hit 3700 on air with any luck with a 3.0C.

I'd rather have an extra 150-300Mhz cpu speed than extra FSB to be honest. Though I am probably totally wrong on that !

Regards

Andy

[Major]

Originally posted by BrainStorm
Major, isn't it hard to max out the FSB on a 2.8c with air?

Your right about the fsb, I was just thinking in terms of OC.

[#ball3r]

I'd like to get a good mix or max oc and max fsb. I'd like to hit at least 250fsb so i'm thinking more now either 2.6c or 2.8c. This is gonna be for gaming so whatever works best.

[#ball3r]

I just read a mobo review for the DFI board and anandtech got it too 282fsb with a 2.4c. They also said it was a great board. What about the 865 abit board, will it give me the same performance as the 875? What about the new feature on the 865, I can't remember what it's called but is this a good option to consider for me?