New build - MB, Memory, USB, CPU questions

[DB1959]

What does PC 3200 memory rating of CL 2.0 vs. CL 2.5 vs. CL 3.0 mean? I have read that to get maximum performance from the nVIDIA nFORCE2 Ultra 400 that one needs two DIMMS of PC 3200 with CL=2.0 and that even using PC3200 DIMMS with CL=2.5 will decrease performance equal to a CPU change from XP 2200 to XP 2100. Is that true?

Do any or all these new motherboards come with connectors for USB ports on the front of the case:

ASUS A7N8X Deluxe, ABIT NF7-s, Aopen AK79D-400 MAX, DFI LAN PARTY NF 11 Ultra, EPOX EP-8RDA 31+, Gigabyte GA 7NNXP, Leadtek K&NCR18D Pro 2, Shuttle AN35N ultra, Soltek SL 75-FRN 2, Soltek SLNV400-L-64

Does the hardware to make that front USB connection come with the motherboard and/or the case? I am looking at building two systems one with Enlight EN72500AZ and the other with a Prosource Model 606LUNA case. I need working front USB ports on both systems.

I am thinking of using XP 2700+ processors at stock speed for both systems as the best processing power for the price at this time. Would you recommend that or getting two XP 2500+ processors and over clocking them to get the advantage of the Barton core and better performance at about the same price? Should I use the information in the Feb 10, 2003 Toms Hardware article, " Barton's Here: Athlon XP 3000+ vs. P4 3.06 GHz" to prepare the processor to unlock for over clocking? If not how then? If over clocking then to what speed should I over clock to still get stable maximum performance? (What BIOS settings?). I want to use just a cooling fan. What fan do you recommend for over clocking?

Thanks I realize that this is a lot, and I really appreciate any help that you can give.

DB1959

[Cricket]

Originally posted by DB1959 What does PC 3200 memory rating of CL 2.0 vs. CL 2.5 vs. CL 3.0 mean? I have read that to get maximum performance from the nVIDIA nFORCE2 Ultra 400 that one needs two DIMMS of PC 3200 with CL=2.0 and that even using PC3200 DIMMS with CL=2.5 will decrease performance equal to a CPU change from XP 2200 to XP 2100. Is that true?

I'm not sure about the performance decrease, but the lower CL number does mean the RAM is "faster" (lower CAS latency mean the RAM spends less time waiting around before doing something).

Originally posted by DB1959 Do any or all these new motherboards come with connectors for USB ports on the front of the case: ASUS A7N8X Deluxe, ABIT NF7-s, Aopen AK79D-400 MAX, DFI LAN PARTY NF 11 Ultra, EPOX EP-8RDA 31+, Gigabyte GA 7NNXP, Leadtek K&NCR18D Pro 2, Shuttle AN35N ultra, Soltek SL 75-FRN 2, Soltek SLNV400-L-64

I haven't checked out every single motherboard model you listed, but most current motherboard do have at least 1 header for 2 front USB ports.

Originally posted by DB1959 Does the hardware to make that front USB connection come with the motherboard and/or the case? I am looking at building two systems one with Enlight EN72500AZ and the other with a Prosource Model 606LUNA case. I need working front USB ports on both systems.

The hardware will come with the case. The motherboards may provide you with a rear slot cover with 2 USB ports and connector for the motherboard.

Originally posted by DB1959 I am thinking of using XP 2700+ processors at stock speed for both systems as the best processing power for the price at this time. Would you recommend that or getting two XP 2500+ processors and over clocking them to get the advantage of the Barton core and better performance at about the same price? Should I use the information in the Feb 10, 2003 Toms Hardware article, " Barton's Here: Athlon XP 3000+ vs. P4 3.06 GHz" to prepare the processor to unlock for over clocking? If not how then? If over clocking then to what speed should I over clock to still get stable maximum performance? (What BIOS settings?).

Sorry, I don't overclock as I don't want to deal with the hassles involved. Personally, I'd just get the faster CPU and run the system at stock speeds...I feel it's less of a hassle to build and run a system that way.

Originally posted by DB1959 I want to use just a cooling fan. What fan do you recommend for over clocking?

Are you talking about case fans or the heatsink fan?

Cricket

[glc]

The Enlight 7250 has 2 front USB ports with cables to put on standard USB motherboard headers.

[sakeo]

I'd suggest to get bartons 2500 since you'll save money on them.
And since you could make a 2500 a 3000 in 3 seconds... and stable, i don't know any 2500 that wasn't able to do it right of the box with stock vcore and hs.... so get 2 2500 and good ram you'll have fun with em