[sudo]

Hi all. I'm ordering parts for a Christmas box this weekend, and I was hoping to get some advice. This rig will be replacing my ailing Opteron setup, and I plan on putting some of my current componants in the new box. As such, I will not need a PSU, HDD's, disk drives, or a video card.

I'm looking for a quiet Core 2 system(although I do plan to overclock

) to replace the harrier sitting under my desk right now, and so far, this case appeals to me most. I have up to 800 USD at my disposal, but 700 is the sweet spot. Thoughts?

 

[riddler2k6]

u want a quiet good case get an nzxt apollo i have one atm even tho my pc dead
but im installing windows atm on it and i still cant here it

good case

 

[Ste]

That's a fantasic case and one of the quietest about as well. The only problem is that the psu sits in the bottom of the case, so you either need a psu with long connectors, or you'll need to buy extension cables for it.

 

[Chozart]

My take:

• CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Conroe 1.86GHz LGA 775 $181.00
• MoBo: GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express $134.99
• RAM: SUPER TALENT 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) $277.99
• Case: Antec Performance One P180B Black $129.99

Total: $723.97

The RAM isn't cheap, I know... but Micron D9's

Can't get better than that atm.

I have had the Antec TPII and now the FSP Epsilon in the P180, and no problems with cable length

 

[sudo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chozart My take: CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Conroe 1.86GHz LGA 775 $181.00 MoBo: GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express $134.99 RAM: SUPER TALENT 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) $277.99 Case: Antec Performance One P180B Black $129.99 Total: $723.97 The RAM isn't cheap, I know... but Micron D9's Can't get better than that atm. I have had the Antec TPII and now the FSP Epsilon in the P180, and no problems with cable length

Sounds great. Cable length shouldn't be an issue with my psu, either. I am kind of curious as to whether I might be better off with a 180 dollar memory set and a more expensive cpu? Also, supposing I took out a 100 dollar loan, would it be worth it to get a better mobo, and if so, what would you recommend? I've heard great things about those asus boards unlocking the multipliers and having pretty good overclocking potential. Thx for the help so far!

 

[Chozart]

I think with an E6300 and good RAM, you will have great overclocking potential, even on the Gigabyte DS3 (not a bad board at all). The CPU can hit over 3.0GHz fairly easily, and I have seen one at 3.5GHz on air cooling (I think Thermalright).

The advantage of the E6400 is the higher multiplier, making overclocking easier, but so far the E6300 seems to be the better overclocker when you put some time and efford in it.

Again, the DS3 is a pretty good board in it's own right. Don't be confused about the 'unlocked' multiplier; this works only downward (thus, when the multi of the CPU is x7 (E6300), you can go down to x6, but NOT up - this is determined by the CPU, and all have a locked multi in that regard, except the very top-end CPUs) However, the Asus P5B Deluxe is a better overclocker (actually the best there is for Core 2 Duo), and is definately worth the extra money, also given its extra features (RAID on the southbridge).

 

[sudo]

Excelent. I understand that the multi is only unlocked downward, but I figured the chip would top out before the memory. Sounds like I'm wrong.

Wish I could rep you, but it looks like you're past that point, and I'm not sure I have enough posts to do it regardless. Thx for the advice!

 

[Chozart]

You can rep others... just not me and other forum directors

Good luck. And with a good board (either the DS3 or the P5B), you should hit an easy 400MHz FSB, at which RAM is at stock, and the CPU at 2.8 GHz. As I said, 3.0GHz is fairly easy for that CPU, at which point you overclock the RAM already (those Supertalents have Micron D9's and should be able to hit DDR2 1000 speeds or something like that).

 

[adam144]

I'd get the P5B deluxe if you plan on using D9's..

 

[Chozart]

That's true actually. The Gigabyte board does not always play nice with them . I overlooked that.. sorry. If the Asus P5B Deluxe is a bit too expensive, look at the Asus P5B E.

Thanks Adam. Good call

 

[sudo]

Anyone else have any suggestions? I'll be ordering all this by the end of tomorrow. ^^