Looking to build an Intel testbed..

Hey guys,

I'm looking to build a test bed, but Intel based. I am not Intel saavy in the least, so I'd like to get to know them better. Besides the CPU and mobo, the rig would include:

PCI-e BFG 6800GT OC
250GB Seagate S-ATA
Chaintech AV-710
Lite-On DVD+RW DL
Watercooling
DDR2 Memory

What I need help with, is choosing a CPU and a motherboard, since I really have no idea what's considered decent with Intels (I do want to learn!).

So far, I have looked at these three CPUs: 630 3.0Ghz ($215CAN), 640 3.2GHz ($260CAN) and 820 2.8GHz Dual Core ($303CAN)

I do want to be able to overclock, so would love a CPU that's great for that. I also would love recommendations on a motherboard, one that supports SLi preferably, even though I don't have a need yet.

Thanks in advance for any help!

I'm actually looking to build an Intel testbed too, and here's what I'm going with:

Motherboard: Asus P5N32-SLI Deluxe

Processor: Either P4 660 Or PD 840

Ram: Corsair XMS2 5400UL (From my current rig)

Video card: 7800 GTX

That's what I have in mind at the moment. I'll add other parts to my list when I get a chance.

I agree on the mobo The Doc is using, having looked at several nForce 4 based Intel boards (SLI) that's one of few that offers true 32 lanes to the 2 x 16x PCI-E slots.

Personally I'd go with a 820 for a little SMP action especially since nV has released the WHQL 8X.XX series drivers to help leverage the bonus found from having 2 physical processors to work with.

madmat said:

Personally I'd go with a 820 for a little SMP action especially since nV has released the WHQL 8X.XX series drivers to help leverage the bonus found from having 2 physical processors to work with.

Click to expand...

I never heard of that before.. do you happen to have a link where I could read more? And, do you know if the 820 overclocks well? If it does, I will be sure to get that one then, seems like a smart move.

Chix4mat said:

I never heard of that before.. do you happen to have a link where I could read more? And, do you know if the 820 overclocks well? If it does, I will be sure to get that one then, seems like a smart move.

Click to expand...

Borrowed from nVidia's driver dowlaod page for the 81.85's
Release Highlights:

* WHQL Certified driver.
* Adds support for GeForce 6600 VE, GeForce 6150, and GeForce 6100.
* Mixed vendor support for NVIDIA SLI.
* TV-Out/HD-out support for NVIDIA SLI.
* Added support for VSync on Direct3D games when running NVIDIA SLI.
-> * Performance enhancements for dual-core CPUs.<-
* PureVideo high definition MPEG-2 de-interlacing support.
* Usability enhancements when connecting to an HDTV.
* Microsoft® DirectX® 9.0c and OpenGL® 2.0 support
* For a full list of fixed and known issues please view the Release Notes.

Hmm, I'm there. I really would like to see how that compares to my current setup.

I think I'm decided on that one then. Thanks man!

I've been snooping around a fair bit and it's looking like the 2.8GHZ 820D is good for ~4GHZ so you should be able to go in for some good OC lovin'.