Picking out the right parts

[JamesL]

I haven't used a desktop in years, so sorry for sounding like the newbie I am, but if I'm thinking things through correctly, in order to get a 4ghz OC on the E8400, I'd need to OC my RAM from 800mhz to 888mhz.

E8400 with its 9x multiplier = 4ghz at 444 FSB speed. So I'd need to get another 88mhz out of the RAM for a 1:1 ratio.... am I right so far?

88 mhz is a minor overclock I hope, and poses no problems for the 800mhz crucial ballistix tracers I already bought.

I'm worried about the motherboard though. What kind of numbers should I be looking for?

Also, would a oc to 4.0ghz result in any stability issues, or a major heat problems? I have a fairly well ventilated case, and plan to purchase a cheap aftermarket cooler like a AC7, or refurbished zalman.

 

[Dangman]

E8400 with its 9x multiplier = 4ghz at 444 FSB speed. So I'd need to get another 88mhz out of the RAM for a 1:1 ratio.... am I right so far?

Correct. Yes the Ballistix RAM will OC that high. In fact, I've seen Ballistix RAM hit 500Mhz (DDR2 1000 speeds) or so on average..

As for motherboard, any decent mobo based on the P35 or X38 chipset will do fine. I've seen people get pretty high OC's out of the $90 Abit IP35-E, $140 Asus P5K-E and get even higher OCs out of the $200+ X38 mobos. Just find the mobo that best fits your needs features wise. and then go from there.

Here's a few recommended mobos by me:

Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L Intel P35 Motherboard - $90
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R Intel P35 Motherboard - $127
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3P Intel P35 Motherboard - $150
Abit IP35 Pro Intel P35 Motherboard - $168
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4 Intel P35 Motherboard - $175

Just to help you out: If you don't need RAID, more than 4 SATA ports or legacy ports, then the DS3L is a good choice. If you want 8 SATA ports, RAID, and legacy ports and high overclocks, than the DS3R is a good choice. If you want the DS3R but need Firewire, then go for the DS3P. If you want something that can overclock pretty damn high, than the IP35 Pro.

Shouldn't be any stability issues if you do the OC right. As for heat problems, not too sure if the AC7 Pro will suffice. So I'll have to get back to you on that.

 

[vanilla_guerilla]

the ram will be fine. make sure to set your vdimm to 2.1v or so. mainboard depends on your price range. any decent p35 board will do it. foxconn, abit, dfi, biostar. do your research and be sure that the board comes out of the box able to run 45nm cpus. a freezer 7 pro is prob the best cooler you can get for under $20.