what a way to go... sigh..

[OneManArmy]

well Long story short, My computer was hit with lightning about a few weeks ago and It blew half the motherboard (Ethernet port and the USB ports) and the powersupply. I could still use it but to limited capacity (obviously) and well it finally croaked last night. so I am Ordering:

Epox EP-8RDA Motherboard
AMD 2500+ XP CPU
Coolmaster HAC-V81
Arctic Silver 3 thermal Compound
400w PowerSupply (my old one is only 300w :()


Its cool that I finally get to upgrade but damn I could of done without the death of the old MOBO and/or CPU.... :mad: (not to mention I've got a lot of work to do and with Overnight shipping it still wont get here untill monday... :mad: I never thought I'd say it but I hate fridays....

[Psyklone]

No computer all weekend long??? Ouch! I feel you pain!

[SpaceDrake]

Ouch. You're sure nothing else was fried when the lightning hit?

Also, you might want to invest in a surge protector unit. :p

(Nice choices for the replacement parts, BTW, even if I do prefer the Asus A7N8X for AMD processors.)

[Strygun]

Aww poor OMA

[OneManArmy]

nope, well a few more small thing on the MOBO wouldn't work but I got lucky (i guess:rolleyes: ) my 9500 PRO and everything else seem to work just fine.

[CDL Full Otto]

I can't say this enough, if you spend a fortune on nice gear, get an UPS for your system (doesn't have to be that elaborite just something nice)

A UPS doesn't just protect your machines from power outs, it also moderates the voltage so that it doesn't fluctuate and you get clean even power to your machine.

As an example, my PC is on an UPS and has been 5 years, same power supply and case (course MB and stuff has changed through the years) I have the UPS set up to shutdown the machine if it get's near end of battery life on outage. I run an APC Smart 700 which is more than you really need but it has kept me going good.

Another thing is a seperate line for power (I know this is not feasable to most people) but if you have the opportunity, like have at this house, put your computer system on it's own circuit.

Otto

[OneManArmy]

I know, I know.... I will get one now. I never had a chance, The storm came and left literally in 10-15 minutes. Basically hit me then left.

eh changed the heatsink/fan

total comes to $300 + shipping. all form newegg (not bad!)

I can sell my old powersupply (antec 300w almost new) and a stick of 256mb PC2100, and possibly my old 1600+ CPU if that didn't die as well (will have to test when I get home) so that should lessen the blow a tiny bit..

[Synergy]

if the processor works and depending on the stepping on it i may be able to throw a few dollars your way for it

[Navaron]

Go with the Asus A7N8X man, you won't regret it (if you still can).

I've got one of those power supplies that gives you up to 5 g's if your comp gets fried.

[Sentrosi]

Actually, if you still haven't ordered yet, get the 8RDA+. On board Firewire and USB ports. For a little extra you can rid yourself an extra card inside.

If you do order the 8RDA, check and bookmark this site: http://www.8rda.com. It's a wonderful site dedicated to this and the 8RDA+ board. Lots of helpful hints on cooling and the popular VDD mod as well. If you have any problems with this board, let me know.

[OneManArmy]

yea, I have already Ordered (need it here fast) I simply found a mobo that was good at overclocking and was cheap enough. I am not one to care about features as I never use any of 'em.


Thanks a lot for the site!!!! very nice.

[Sentrosi]

You'll love it. Post your specs when you have it tweaked out. I'd love to compare, even though I only have a 2200.

[OneManArmy]

iiiitt'sss iiiit's IT'S ALIVE!!!!! MUAHAHA!!!


Just finished building it.... updating everything right now, I'll post some numbers and other stuff later... :D

[OneManArmy]

so far I've been able to OC it to 2.1GHz (11.5x183)

but 3dmark2003 would lock up on me.
I'm almost positive its my ram (its only rated to 166, cheap samsung/kingston) so I was actually happy that it could handle that.

I might try some more (need cooling for the chipset) or get some better ram... :)

but great board!!

[Sentrosi]

how did you manage to do that? Adjust the voltages in the bios? Or did you do the VDD mod to the board?

I would use 3dmark2001se myself.

[OneManArmy]

nope I used stock voltage, and 3dmark2001se ran like a charm, it was just 2003 that crapped out on me...

[Hunter83]

Do you ever increase the voltage beyond what the CPU is rated for?
I personally don't as I try to preserve the life span of my CPU.

Of course of this board that means I can't go that high(143FSB)