P4 Northwood
Jul 31, 2003 at 4:51 PM Post #16 of 79
2.4A = 400FSB
2.4B = 533FSB
2.4C = 800FSB w/ Hyper Threading

You want the 2.4C with i865 or i875.

i875 w/ PAT has faster memory. I think it's not that big of a deal as some i865 mobo manufacturers have tweaked their BIOS to get nearly same performance. $55 can do a lot in a computer system. You can use it to get quieter fans or sound dampening material. Just overclock the i865 system if you're looking for more performance. I wouldn't even bother doing that as HTPC doesn't need that much processing or memory power.
 
Jul 31, 2003 at 4:55 PM Post #17 of 79
Actually, the HTPC does need a lot of processing power. I'm thinking of using a Thunderbird 1.3 for a couple months but it will only be able to do deinterlacing and won't drop frames if I'm lucky. To use any of the filtering, I'll need something faster. And this is just for standard def. stuff.

Thanks a lot for the info, though, Ian. I'm still bugged by that Asus NIC issue, though--probably not enough to spend the $55.
 
Jul 31, 2003 at 5:46 PM Post #18 of 79
Are there any benchmarks somewhere which shows dScaler's CPU usage with filters? I'd like to know exactly how much power is needed for this.

I was under the impression that high definition stuff need a LOT more power.

I guess I could do these tests myself... I have an old BT848 card somewhere.
 
Jul 31, 2003 at 5:53 PM Post #19 of 79
kelly, unless you're doing lots of encoding(which, from the sound of things, you're not), a slower pc will be fine for your duties. Software DVD players and cpu speeds have long advanced to the point that hardware ones are rarely necessary. Even with the filtering that you're doing, that p4 northwood C will be plenty.
 
Jul 31, 2003 at 6:30 PM Post #20 of 79
For standard def. deinterlacing and filters, 1.8G is recommended. Better filters are constantly in development though, so the odds of using more power to do other stuff in a short time is pretty high. I don't think it would be worthwhile to upgrade to less than something like that P4 2.4.
 
Jul 31, 2003 at 6:45 PM Post #21 of 79
Quote:

The LAN speed thing is odd. Was this reported by multiple sources? --Kelly


Hey Kelly--

Maximum PC reported this as did several other online sites. The issue is that the Asus doesn't use the Intel 8254EI Gigabit Ethernet Controller which bypasses the PCI bus and connects directly to the chipset via the CSA. The Asus, instead, uses a 3COM controller that hooks up to the PCI bus and this means that the Gigabit LAN input/output speed never reaches full bandwidth. Here's an excerpt from the digi-life website:

Quote:

It's obvious why the engineers had to make a dedicated bus for the 1Gbit network adapter (in fact, CSA was created for this task), which, at the same time, goes from the north bridge: it's because of the lack of throughput in the previous solutions. As you know, the maximum throughput of a PCI bus, which is used for data transfer in case if an external network card, is 133 MB/s (actually, it will be less if we account for service data). It can limit 1Gbit network adapters, especially because of other PCI devices. Besides, a data flow from the PCI bus must go through various "matching" processes at the level of interhub connection controllers (for Intel's chipsets) in both hubs. If a disc subsystem is active, the channel which transfers data from the network controller gets narrower, and even integrated Gigabit Ethernet chips get bounded since they are attached to the south bridge. That is why it's better to connect the network controller directly to the north bridge (closer to the memory) via the bus of excessive throughput of 266 MB/s.



I came across the 30% hit at some other review site that I've since forgotten. I'll try to dig it up and post the info. later--

Either way, though, the Asus is prob. the top -rated high perf. i875p board available and you can't really go wrong with it
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Jul 31, 2003 at 6:55 PM Post #22 of 79
Gee Kelly, I am also trying to upgrade, here is my lastest:

Intel Pentium 4 / 2.6CGHz 512k socket 478 Hyper Threading Technology 800 MHz FSB - RETAIL
Specifications:
CPU: 2.6GHz
Type: Pentium 4 Northwood
Cache: 512K
BUS: 800 Mhz
Socket: 478
Retail box (with Heatsink and Fan)
3-year MFG. Warranty- Model#: BX80532PG2600D
$216

Intel Pentium 4 (800 FSB) Motherboard Model BOXD865PERLL - RETAIL
Specifications:
CPU:Supports Intel Pentium 4 processor with a 400/533/800MHz (mPGA478-pin)Supports Hyper-threading
Chipset: Intel 865PE
IDE:2x IDE
RAM: Double Data Rate DDR400 support
Slots:1 x AGP 8X, and 5 x PCI
Ports:2xPS2, 4x USB, Firewire (see pics)
Onboard SATA:2
Onboard LAN: 10/100 Intregrated
Onboard Audio: Intergrated 6 Channel Audio More... Model#: BOXD865PERLL
$128.00


What do you guys think of that Set-up? Remember I don't have too much money and I don't play games.

I don't know too much about hardware, but this set-up seems pretty good, but I have been wrong before, so let me know.
 
Jul 31, 2003 at 9:59 PM Post #23 of 79
KR,

how much is the model with the built in video? Do you need FireWire? (It's optional on your model. Just in case you're using a FireWire port, like those on Audigy cards). (You can't see the pics if you have not provided the links).

http://www.anandtech.com/memory/showdoc.html?i=1828
http://www.anandtech.com/chipsets/sh...tml?i=1823&p=6
http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.html?i=1831 (20 boards compared).

What usually matters most to me is layout - where the drive and power connectors are, the number of RAM slots, etc. Quick question - do you need 5 PCI slots? Does anyone make a 3 PCI slot mobo, and for that matter, a 4 board slot case?

When it comes to servers, overclocking is the last thing on my mind. I just want stable performance and reliability. As a pure server, I would probably go with an Intel board - only because their drivers have to work with their chipsets, and are more likely to be included in all OS distributions. Yeah, the Intel board doesn't have overclocking tweaks, but if you are into overclocking, why not just buy a 3.0 cpu instead of 2.4 or 2.6?
 
Jul 31, 2003 at 10:00 PM Post #24 of 79
I'm not sure the 2.6 is worth the price difference over the 2.4. *shrug*
 
Aug 1, 2003 at 1:28 AM Post #26 of 79
Quote:

how much is the model with the built in video? Do you need FireWire? (It's optional on your model. Just in case you're using a FireWire port, like those on Audigy cards). (You can't see the pics if you have not provided the links).


I am going to buy a special pro video card for PS so I don't want one with built in video. I wanted a Motherboard that supported the 800 FSB and Hyperthreading of the Intel Pentium 4 / 2.6CGHz and was fully loaded with more slots that I knew what to do with, "just in case". This one fits the bill pretty good.

Here's a pic of this Motherboard :

13-121-184-02.JPG


Quote:

Yeah, the Intel board doesn't have overclocking tweaks, but if you are into overclocking, why not just buy a 3.0 cpu instead of 2.4 or 2.6?


Cause a 3.0 plus CPU cost about three times as much as a 2.4/2.6.


Quote:

I'm not sure the 2.6 is worth the price difference over the 2.4. *shrug*


The difference is in the specs :

Intel Pentium 4 / 2.4GHz Northwood 512K Socket 478 Processor 400MHz Processor Bus
Specifications:
CPU: 2.4 GHz
Type: Pentium 4 Northwood
Cache: 512K
BUS: 400MHz
Socket: 478

Intel Pentium 4 / 2.6CGHz 512k socket 478 Hyper Threading Technology 800 MHz FSB
Specifications:
CPU: 2.6GHz
Type: Pentium 4 Northwood
Cache: 512K
BUS: 800 Mhz
Socket: 478
 
Aug 1, 2003 at 1:45 AM Post #27 of 79
Quote:

Originally posted by KR...
The difference is in the specs :
Intel Pentium 4 / 2.4GHz Northwood 512K Socket 478 Processor 400MHz Processor Bus

Intel Pentium 4 / 2.6CGHz 512k socket 478 Hyper Threading Technology 800 MHz FSB


The 2.4C is also 800FSB and has hyperthreading. What you are listing is the 2.4A which is kind of "old"now.
 
Aug 1, 2003 at 1:59 AM Post #28 of 79
Quote:

Originally posted by lan
The 2.4C is also 800FSB and has hyperthreading. What you are listing is the 2.4A which is kind of "old"now.


Ah, I didn't see that one, see this is why I post here before buying anything
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This one right?

Intel Pentium 4 / 2.4CGHz 512k socket 478 Hyper Threading Technology 800 MHz FSB - RETAIL
Specifications:
CPU: 2.4GHz
Type: Pentium 4 Northwood
Cache: 512K
BUS: 800 Mhz
Socket: 478
Retail box (with Heatsink and Fan)
$173

Cool, I think I will just get that. Now maybe I can pick out a cheaper motherboard...

Bootman suggests this one :

MSI Motherboard for Intel Pentium 4/800mhz FSB Processors, Model 865G Neo2-LS - Retail
Specifications:
Supported CPU: Intel Pentium 4, socket 478
Chipset: Intel 865G
FSB: FSB800/533/400 supported
RAM: 4 x Dual Ch. DDR400 up to 4GB
Serial ATA controller on board
Slots: 1xAGP8X, 5x PCI
Full specs : http://secure.newegg.com/app/specifi...tem=13-130-422
pics : http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage....130-422-04.JPG

$109.00

So that's $282, which my wallet likes a lot Better
biggrin.gif


Now about that case
confused.gif
 
Aug 1, 2003 at 2:09 AM Post #29 of 79
Yeah that's the CPU. 800FSB P4 + i865 makes a super platform. I havn't been following up on the computer stuff much so I don't know what's up with that mobo. If you aren't into overclocking and tweaking to the max, I think they're nearly all the same.

I don't know about the cases but I like aluminum ones since they're so light.
biggrin.gif
 
Aug 1, 2003 at 2:25 AM Post #30 of 79
Well, I am a hardcore sofware guy, so I don't know much about hardware (duh). All these different specs just make me feel dizzy. So wonder most hardcore software guys just say **** it and buy Macs
wink.gif



Here are some cases I was looking at, why do you guys think?

Dynapower Model# METIS CS-I3ASB.701 (Silver Black) ATX MID-TOWER CASE w/ 300W POWER SUPPLY - 2 x USB RETAIL
Specifications:
Material:Steel
Form Factor: ATX size up to 12" x 11".
Bays:4 x 5.25", 2 x 3.5" external 5 x 3.5" internal
Expansion Slots:7
Fans:1 x 80mm optional fan (included)
Power Supply:300W ATX12V support Intel P4 and AMD CPU
Dimensions: 8"(W) x 18 1/4"(D) x 17"(H)
Retail box (see pics for details) Model#: CS-I3ASB.701
FedEx Saver Shipping $15.00
$22.00
Pic : http://images10.newegg.com/productim...138-001-01.JPG

Foxconn Super Case Model# PC-146 w/400W Mustang Power Supply -with front USB ports Retail
Specifications:
Material:Steel
Form Factor: ATX/Micro ATX
Bays:7 Full Size
Expansion Slots:4x 5.25", 3x 3.5" and 4 3.5" Internal
Power Supply: 400W Power Supply
Dimensions: DxWxH 18.75 x 7.25 x 16" Model#: PC-146 400W
Special FedEx Saver Shipping $6.00
$30.00
Pic : http://images10.newegg.com/productim...154-021-08.JPG

Pro Source Koala Silver Mid-Tower Case w/350W Power Supply & Side Panel 80mm Fan, Model 508U-SL-SF - Retail
Specifications:
Form Factor: AT, Micro-ATX, ATX, P4
Drive Bays: External 4x5.25", 2x3.5" Internal 5x3.5"
Expansion Slots: 7
USB/IO: Dual USB + Audio/Mic (front panel see pics)
Case Fans: 1 x 80mm (side panel see pics)
Power Supply: 350W
Approx. Dimensions: 7.8" x 17" x 17.3" Model#: 508U-SL-SF
FedEx Saver Shipping $15.00
$30.00
Pic : http://images10.newegg.com/productim...132-018-01.JPG

FOXCONN SUPER CASE (BLACK) Front USB MID TOWER CASE 1150-P4-BK **300W Power Supply AMD Listed***
***INTEL Approved Chassis*** Dimension (DxWxH) 18 x 7.75 x 16.25 Inches Drive Bays 3 + 2 + 1 Motherboard ATX, MICRO ATX Expansion Slots 7 Full Size Switching Power Supply ATX12V 300W AMD Listed Cooling Fan Rear Included USB Ports 2 Front Description *Ideal for P3, P4 & AMD System *Spacious Internal Space *High Efficiency Power Supply *Excellent Cooling*
Model#: 1150P4BK
FedEx Saver Shipping $15.00
$37.00
Pic: http://images10.newegg.com/productim...154-003-09.JPG
 
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