EPoX motherboard, memory, heatsink, and overclocking

[socalcaz]

I am planning on purchasing the following components for my new set up:

EPoX EP-9NPA+Ultra motherboard:

AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Venice

I am looking for recommendations for economical memory that has good overclocking potential for this board. Do I need to replace the stock fan and heat sink that come with the processor if I want to overclock? If yes, with what? Thank you.

[Lith1um]

People swear by patriot xbl,

http://www.newegg.com/OldVersion/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-220-033&depa=1

It's supposed to be tccd on brainpower pcb's, perfect for a64's.

For a mild overclock you dont nesc have to replace the factory heatsink, they aren't total crap. But I highly recommend an xp90c by thermalright.

http://www.thermalright.com/a_page/main_product_xp90C.htm

When I need new sticks I usualy see what the current buzz is here,

http://www.ocforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=22

Just noticed a good thread,

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=400612

I would also like to say it might be wiser for an a64 user to run 2x1gb sticks rather than 4x512mb sticks. Something to consider for the future.

[Snake101]

Don't get that motherboard! Please don't! I had that one before and the power connector was faulty. Half of people with that board have the same problem and have to RMA it! Get the MSI...after I RMA'd my Epox I got the MSI and have had no problems :)

[socalcaz]

Would you recommend this MSI board instead?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130484

How is the overclocking potential? Is this board relatively straght forward to install? What memory is best for this board? Thanks!

[Snake101]

Well...that board is good if you are getting a PCI-E graphics card. Are you? If you are...then yes get that
but if you have an AGP card...get this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130468

You can also get the F version...which is much cheaper and the only difference is that it doesn't have firewire :)