devster

I'm converting my current machine into a server and want to build a machine that is better suited for the gaming and graphics work I do. I'm leaning toward a Q6600, mainly because it's cheap and easily overclocked. Because I often run multiple VMs simultaneously, a dual-core is not really an option. The $600 limit isn't too strict, but I do want to have plenty of cash left over to get a pair of video cards (probably two 4870s) and a pair of Velociraptors. Any suggestions or build experiences are greatly appreciated.

Mobsta21

are you looking for crossfire or sli or neither?

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Penicilyn

Sorry, a fast dual core is going to be better then a slower quad core.


Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037
$189.99

DFI LANPARTY DK X48-T2RS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813136047
$224.99

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231166
$89.99

Under $600 too

Mobsta he mentioned he wants dual 4870s

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Mobsta21

Q6600 is outdated. The wolfdale's are the best for the $250 and under for CPU. IF you are looking at going all out and spending your money on a processor get the Q9450 $300
http://www.mircocenter.com/single_pr...uct_id=0287628
same 4gb ram as above. and a p45 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128345

__________________

E6400 @ 3.5ghz http://valid.x86-secret.com/show_oc.php?id=367401

http://www.speedtest.net/result/290984482.png

3dmark 06 11842 http://service.futuremark.com/home.action

The Black Mesa Survivors Club

devster

Either SLI or CrossFire is fine - I just figure that since two 4870s outperform a single 280 and cost roughly the same amount, I might as well go CrossFire. Would there be a significant advantage in getting a DDR3-capable mobo (upgradability, etc?) I usually do a complete rebuild every two years, replacing and upgrading components every six months.

A Russian :D

are you nuts? the Q6600 is far from outdated. the Q6600 can oc more then the 9450 even. for less than the price of the Q9450 you can get a Q6700 and get 3.8+

kaivorth

Q6600 is PERFECT. People these days.... faster doesnt always mean better. q6600 can be overclocked pretty easy to 3.00ghz IF the speed is needed at all. I would also wait for the "Super R770"
Super R770
It needs to be watercooled, but I would get one of those, and another later if your budget can afford it.
300gb Velociraptor will be $300, 74gb and 150gb will be out soon though.
And if you do take the plunge into watercooling, your rig will be silent, and also the temps will be nothing to sneeze at

kazakia

Q6600 is better than the Q9450 if you overclock and its the cheapest quad out there but i would spend extra and get the Q6700 to OC higher. your current ram should be fine just get an CF x16x16 mobo if you want CF in the future.

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devster

I've got a while to wait — I probably won't buy anything until right before classes start back up in September. I might get a case before then, since those don't really fluctuate much in price, but all of the other components can only get cheaper over the course of the next two months.