Overall PC Question...

F

[FX]Roman

Gawd
Joined
Apr 16, 2002
Messages
819
Hi All,

So, I've been out of the whole business of checking out components and such for PCs (less than usual), since I've built my last rig, which was about a year ago.

In any case, it's time to rebuild and I was definitely leaning towards a dual-core Intel system, but I feel a bit out-of-the-loop when it comes to RAM and Mainboards, as I've seen a lot of talk nowadays about getting certain RAM based on CPU, basically managing timings, etc.

Mind you, I'm coming from an AMD 3200+, nVidia 7800 GTX and a gig of RAM... How sad. :(


Overall, what I'm looking for is a solid Intel dual-core-supporting mobo (I don't really care for SLI), a solid CPU and RAM (DDR1/2/3, wtf... :confused::rolleyes:)


Thanks everyone! Any suggestions would be awesome!


---- Edit:
And my budget is about ~1000 (CAD), but overall, I'm looking at grabbing a case, ram, maybe a small/fast drive and cpu... The gpu could come later.
 
What will you be doing with this system? just gaming?
If gaming, what games and at what resolution/settings?
What else do you do with your system besides games?

Here's something to get you started...

Intel Core2Duo E8400
MSI P35 Neo2-FR
4GB DDR2-1000 F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ
WD6400AAKS
8800GT 512MB
Corsair TX550 550W
Cooler Master RC-690
Samsung SH-S203B

dunno CAD prices, and I'm too lazy to load up ncix.com. :p

EDIT: so I ran outa threads to read in GenHard... that list puts you at around $850 on ncix.com. So don't forget to add a cooler...

Xigmatek HDT-S1283
Thermalright LGA775 BOLT-THRU KIT

That puts you around $900CAD.
 
Yes, it will be a gaming rig... Mainly Age of Conan, lol... I'm squandering my early access do to my poor PC, lol.

That does look like a very nice list, though... Thank you for the awesome suggestions.
Can you tell me the reasoning behind the type of RAM purchase you made, however?


Thanks again! :)
 
If you'd like to save a few bucks, you could get an E7200 and overclock it.

E7200: 2.53GHZ, 3MB Cache, 9.5x Multiplier, 1066FSB (266), (CAD)$169.99 @ ncix
E8400: 3.0GHZ, 6MB Cache, 9x Multiplier, 1333FSB (333), (CAD)$239.56 @ ncix

DDR2 memory is currently priced very low due to a relative abundance of supply. DDR3 is still expensive since it's new and isn't being produced in as much quantity. DDR1 is old technology and is not supported by current systems. 4GB of DDR2 RAM is the sweet spot right now for cost/performance, and there are some good DDR2-1000 kits available for cheap prices. That's why this was recommended. DDR2-1000 is certainly not required for your system if you don't plan to overclock, but it's nice to know that your RAM is of good enough quality to be able to run at high speeds. With DDR2-800 RAM at 1:1 speeds, the E7200 can be taken to 3.8ghz with proper cooling and a little bit of luck while the E8400 can be taken to 3.6ghz. DDR2-1000 RAM would help you to reach the limit of the CPU which might be able to work at an FSB above 400mhz.
 
Or if your worried with cable management, You could get the Corsair HX-520 that has modular cables.
 
dhc014 said:
... DDR2-1000 is certainly not required for your system if you don't plan to overclock, but it's nice to know that your RAM is of good enough quality to be able to run at high speeds. ...
Click to expand...

Thats basically the gist of it... here's some math...

/*------------- <cut n paste> -------------*/
Formulas for Intel platform @ 1:1 settings: (base FSB speed is SDR, or single data rate)
c × [Base FSB speed] = CPU Clock speed (c = CPU Multiplier)
2 × [Base FSB speed] = RAM speed (DDR: double data rate)
4 × [Base FSB speed] = Effective FSB speed (QDR: quad data rate)

On Intel platforms, running the RAM higher than a 1:1 ratio with the CPU is, for the most part, useless, so don't bother trying to do so. If the BIOS does it for you, just let it. All you need is a 1:1 config, though. Here's some possible clock speeds (as always with OC'ing, your results will vary):

E8400: 9 × 333 = 3.0Ghz, DDR2-667 << STOCK
E8400: 9 × 400 = 3.6Ghz, DDR2-800 << Nice OC
E8400: 9 × 445 = 4.0Ghz, DDR2-890 << Good OC
E8400: 9 × 500 = 4.5Ghz, DDR2-1000 << Impossible OC?!?

You won't notice a difference between CL4 and CL5, unless you're running benchmarks (and even then, the difference is negligible), so don't pay a huge price premium for lower latency.
/*------------- </cut n paste> -------------*/
 
Again, thanks for all the help... And the math, makes more sense now. :)

Based on this info, do you think I should order the stuff now... or, since I'm going to Europe in a few weeks for a month, wait till then... I'm leaning towards the latter. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top