Core two duo build recommendations

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Xeppo

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Jan 24, 2007
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I am trying to replace my current computer for (hopefully) under $800.

My current setup is as follows:
AMD64 3000+ Newcastle
DFI Lanparty UT nf3 250gb mobo
ATI x700 Pro AGP
1 Gig of Geil PC3200 DDR ram

Setup I'm looking at:
Intel's Bad Axe 2 OEM mobo - $210
OCZ Platinum Revision 2 DDR2-800 @ 4-4-4-15 - $204 after rebate
Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 - $187
XFX PVT73GUGD3 GeForce 7600GT - $110 after MIR

Total: $710 after MIR

I already have the Hard drives (2x WD raptor 74gig)
I'd like to be able to overclock to a decent speed (2.6+)
I'd like for the motherboard to be black

Should I switch motherboards? I basically need stability and ease of install. I'd like to be able to do SLI, but it isn't required. I think the graphics card is the best I'm going to find for the price range. I don't know much about memory. Are the OCZ Platinum r.2 good for overclocking? Any help would be appreciated.
 
There's some G.Skill RAM that's good for overclocking although a tiny bit more money. However, the Bad Axe mobos are for stability and don't overclock worth beans. May I ask what you use the system for? A C2D with Raptor drives and overclocked up the yin-yang seems weird to pair with a 7600gt... If you are gaming, a better GPU will be way more useful than a CPU, even if it's overclocked like crazy. I overclocked my e6600 and RAM by 33%, and got like a 2-4% performance increase in games. If you are a professional DVD encrypter, then spend the money on the CPU. If not, I'd still get a C2D-ready mobo so you can upgrade later, but a P4 or Pentium D could maybe get picked up for way less money, maybe even a used one, and put that money into your graphics. Without knowing what you want to use the system for, though, who really knows?
 
I want the core2duo for the dual core and VT support. I do a lot of CPU-intensive tasks (video encoding, usenet, FLAC ripping, etc.) and I want a C2D. Staying with a p4 would barely be an upgrade from my current PC. My current graphics card (the x700 Pro) will do almost everything I need it to do, so a 7600 GT will be good for me until I really need to upgrade. My monitor only does 1680x1050, and the 7600 GT should be fine for my purposes.
 
If processor intense is what you do, going from an A64 3000 to a C2D chip will blow you away! Have fun with it.
 
if you're going to upgrade make it a conroe you will not be disappointed
 
FYI- The BadAxe 2 is one of the top of the overclockers of all of the 975x Boards.


I have a QX6700 and am currently at 3.5ghz. Easy Ocing and a great board. Microcenter currently has these boards for $175.

This is one of the better Mobo's I have ever bought. Use it with a Tuniq Tower and OC it as fast as possible.
 
Consider trimming some cost off the mobo, there are several really nice ones in the $140 - 160 range and moving up to a 7900GS ($149 after MIR for an OC'd XFX from 'Egg).
 
I decided to go with:

Intel Bad Axe 2
Intel E6300
XFX 7900GT
2 gig g.skill ram @ 4:4:4:12

Thanks for all your input. I'm hoping to make this a stable 2.66 overclock when I get it.
 
You'll probably have to tweak the RAM to actually get it to run at those timings, but if you know much about overclocking/tweaking, it shouldn't be too bad.
 
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