I am glad to hear you have found the NF4 a solid platform. Did you install
the nVidia IDE drivers or are you just using the Windows drivers? What
about the nVidia firewall? Any other tips for me when I begin my build?
I installed the nvidia IDE drivers--no problems at all. I've even flashed my
optical drives with this driver (which seems to be the most common problem
theme). I tried to get the nv firewall running, but was unable to get it
operational (and didn't have enough time to jack with it....) and I'm using
RMclock to do my dynamic clock throttling, as I prefer more customized clock
control than CnQ offers.
But yes, this platform has been rock solid. I'm very impressed.
As far as specific components, here's what I would look at...
CPU: Single Core San Diego....or, if X2, the 3800+ is probably the best bet,
and attempt to overclock it. (My 4400+ 2x1MB Toledo only went to 2.45GHz
from 2.2GHz)
Mobo: MSI K8N Neo4 Platinum (or SLI version)...this is what I run, and
absolutely love it. I definitely disagree with the Asus
recommendation...Asus is out of the picture when it comes to K8 boards. The
second alternative would be the DFi LanParty board...retarded name, but
appears to be a very solid board.
Video: Just whatever...6800GT
RAM: If you want to do memory overclocking, and need 2GB, get four 512MB
sticks of PC4400 or something. I am very serious when I say that 1GB modules
do not overclock for shit. If you do want 1GB modules, I'm very fond of my
2x 1GB Corsair XMS3200C2PRO stuff.
Greg
