RAM 512 and 1gb + Upgrading Questions

[Redroar]

OK, my first question is can I mix two dual-channel 512mb PC3200 Corsair Values that I already have with a new stick of 1gb PC3200 Corsair Value? I've got an MSI K7N2 Delta MoBo. I feel fairly sure that I can, but I know how picky systems can be about RAM.

Also, I plan on upgrading to PCI-e and Athlon 64 this summer and want to know your opinions on what I'm looking at:

CPU: Athlon 3500+ Venice OR Athlon 3700+ San Diego

Motherboard: MSI K8N SLI-F (I've had good luck with MSI and I know it's BIOS, which is why I'm leaning torwards this. I also want the ability to go SLI in the future.)

RAM:
2x 512mb Corsair Value from old system + maybe a 1 gig stick

Video Card:
XFX 7800 GT OR eVGA 7800 GT

Power Supply:
Aspire 680w SLI Power Supply

Just wondering for your opinions.

[Seperah]

Well, if you mix and match, your memory will be defaulted to equivalent timings and latency.

As your motherboard, try Epox or DFI. They make the best 939 boards available. Then again, your going to be waiting until summer, this means M2 will be out, and prices will be down considerably by then. Problem is, 939 isnt schedualed for discount...its gonna be phased out. So, your better off looking @ your budget and components more towards the end of spring. This way you
know what you'll be able to get, with the cash you'll have.

I own an eVGA 7800GT...love it. But considering some of the benchmarking and gaming results with the end result (tweaking, overclocking) I would select the X1800XL over the GT. Ask Cadaveca...look @ his sig for gods sake, how high he pushed that card. I wouldnt be able to achieve those scores on my GT, even if I could throw a damn good water block on.

Bottom line: Wait and see, check your wallet, and when spring rolls around.
Look for the best bang for the buck.

EDIT: Forgot a few things.
Dont mismatched sticks on a 939 = bad idea.
Not running in dual channel = another bad idea.

Look for 2x512 or 2x1GB something like 2-2-2-5, 2-3-3-6, 2-3-2-5.

As for your PSU. Thats nice. But I tend to lean towards PCP&P, Antec or TT.

[Redroar]

Thanks. I have decided to revise my motherboard and video card, plus add RAM to this list. I just looked at some benchmarks, and the X1800XL is great. Since it's ATI, I no longer need an SLI board so I went with this one.

The RAM I'm looking at is here

And the particular X1800XL I've come across as the best deal is here

I think I'll buy stuff right after the M2 is released-939 stuff will still be around, but hopefully much cheaper.

I'm still open to suggestions, and this certainly isn't a final list.

EDIT: Also, I may hold on the PSU if I'm not getting SLI. I have a 420w ThermalTake that works well for me, and hopefully can power the X1800XL

[Exile69]

Enermax makes pretty high quality PSU's. Look at a Liberty (modular, 120mm fan) or a Noisetaker, both very nice. I would use a more trusted company for the RAM, such as Corsair, OCZ, G.Skill, Mushkin, Crucial, or Patriot. As for the video card, great choice but it's refurbished. Never a good idea to buy refurbished item. Last refurbished item bought from Newegg was defective. The retail X1800XL's go for like $360-370, so the price jump from a $300 7800GT may not be worth it. I say don't worry about SLI, that motherboard is a great choice, if it's worth the extra $25 the 9NPA+ is pretty nice as well.

[Redroar]

How about OCZ

I've heard good things about OCZ so I may try them.

In the past I've had good luck with refurbished items, but it would really suck if it came DOA...

Will my 420w ThermalTake power a 7800GT?

I've got two IDE Hard Drives, a DVD-Burner and a CD-Burner. 2 80mm fans and one 120mm fan. And a floppy.

[Redroar]

Question: What about an Opteron s939? There's a 148 on Newegg for a bit over $200 OEM. Should I get that instead of an A64?

[Seperah]

Originally Posted by Redroar

Question: What about an Opteron s939? There's a 148 on Newegg for a bit over $200 OEM. Should I get that instead of an A64?

Yeah. The 146 or 148 Caybe's have the best chance of hitting 3Ghz. I thought it was like 0543? Something like that...anywho, yes it would be a better buy.
Just NOT OEM

[Redroar]

Alright, I didn't see the retail version of the Opteron 148 for $233. I would certainly like to get one but I don't quite have the cash right now. And also I hear that they are canceling the s939 Opterons next month? Is that true? If it is I'm going to have to find that money somewhere cause the Opterons look really nice. Also, will that epox board that I'm looking at be compatible with it?

[Redroar]

...I don't think that I'll have the money to get an Opteron before they stop making them

Oh well. But after some reading I'm fairly certain that socket 939 A64s will continue to be manufactured for a few months after the M2 is released to smooth the transition. Also, what is the difference between a 3500+ Venice and a 3500+ ClawHammer? Plus, is it worth the extra $20 for the 3700+ San Diego?