Quick question about FSB

[Parker89]

I was looking to get a intel core duo quad core q6600, but I realized that I don't really know much about FSB. I've built a computer before, but i only used DDR RAM, so I didn't have much trouble with that.

the q6600 link has a FSB of 1066 MHz, so I was wondering what kind of mobo and RAM I should get. From my understanding since I'm getting a quad core, I divide the 1066 by 4 to get 267 MHz which I then multiply by 2 to get the FSB of the DDR2 I need, which would be 533 MHz. Should I just go ahead and get 800 MHz DDR2 RAM? or would it matter as long as it's more than 553 MHz? I was planning on buying a 2x2gb ram set, if that helps

I am also unsure what to do for my mobo. what FSB should I look for when deciding what mobo to get? all I know is that I need a mobo with at least 3 SATA 3gb/s slots and RAID 5 capabilities


Also, here are my planned specs so far in case anyone has any suggestions or comments or places where I can get components for cheaper:

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor - OEM
$255

ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail
$22

3 x Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
$105 each for $315 total (RAID5)

Video card I'll be using a 7800GT, I don't want to upgrade that just yet
I haven't decided on a case or dvd burner yet


Oh, and how does this monitor look, it seems like a good deal to me
Acer AL2016WBbd Black 20" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail


Thanks for all your help!

 

[engiNURD]

Since DDR2-800 is so cheap, go with that instead. Its all you need for OCing a Q6600...

/*------------- <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):

Q6600: 9 × 266 = 2.4Ghz, DDR2-533 << STOCK speeds
Q6600: 9 × 333 = 3.0Ghz, DDR2-667 << Nice OC
Q6600: 9 × 378 = 3.4Ghz, DDR2-756 << Good OC, near max for B3 stepping w/ good air cooling
Q6600: 9 × 400 = 3.6Ghz, DDR2-800 << Great OC, near max for G0 stepping w/ good air cooling
/*------------- </cut n paste> -------------*/

The OEM version of the Q6600 only has a 90-day warranty. Go with the retail version from clubit.com instead, since they guarantee the G0 stepping. G0 requires less voltage, so the chip runs cooler. Thats a good thing regardless of whether or not you plan to OC.

Go for any P35 board that fits your needs. Since you want RAID, go with either the Abit IP35 non-pro for $120 - $25MIR, if you can find it in stock. If not, the Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R is also good. The higher end boards are the Asus P5K-E, Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3P or DS4, and the crowd favorite, Abit IP35 Pro.

The AC Freezer7pro is slightly better than stock. If you want to OC, go for one of these instead:
$35 - Scythe SCNJ-1100P Ninja Plus Rev.B CPU HSF (optional $7 Thermalright LGA775 Bolt-Thru-Kit; recommended if using w/ quadcore)
$45 - Tuniq Tower 120 CPU HSF
$46 - Thermalright Ultima 90 CPU HS + FBA09A12M - Z ($3)
$55 - Thermalright Ultra 120 eXtreme CPU HS + Scythe S-Flex Fan SFF21E ($15)

I'd go for a 22" monitor instead... same res as that 20" wide.

Case suggestion is the Cooler Master RC-690 for $40AR at zzf. DVDRW drive, go for SATA... samsungs are quiet and only $30 shipped at the egg right now.
$75 - Cooler Master RC-690-KKN1-GP Mid Tower ($35MIR)
$30 - Samsung 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S203N

 

[Parker89]

Thank you so much for all of your help, that really cleared things up for me.

I've decided on this setup, but I'm still open for suggestions:

SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S203N - OEM
$30

3 x Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
$105 each for $315 total
RAID5

A-DATA 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model ADQVE1B16K - Retail
$85

ABIT IP35 Pro LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
$150

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 G0 Stepping Kentsfield 2.40GHz 8MB L2 LGA 775 Processor Retail BX80562Q6600 SLACR
$278 from clubit

And I found this 22" monitor for only $30 more than the 20" monitor I was considering getting earlier, so I think i'll pay for the upgrade.
Acer AL2016WBbd Black 20" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor - Retail
$200
VS
Acer AL2216Wbd Black 22" 5ms DVI Widescreen LCD Monitor with HDCP support - Retail
$230

However, I still haven't really decided on a PSU. I'll still be using my current EVGA 7800 GT card for video. I'm thinking I'm just gonna get the retail package for the q6600 since I do want the longer warranty (thanks for alerting me to that) but I think i'll just overclock it in a few months when I purchase a new heatsink.

How much wattage do you think I'll need for my PSU if I'm running all of this stuff? I'd think my three harddrives would mean that I need a lot of power.

Once again, I really appreciate your help.

EDIT:
I think I've decided on this case:
COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Computer Case - Retail
$50

 

[Dangman]

Any of these power supplies would be a good choice for you:
Corsair 550VX 550W PSU - $95
Corsair 520HX 520W PSU - $109
Corsair 650TX 650W PSU - $143
Corsair 620HX 620W PSU - $147

 

[Parker89]

Corsair 550VX 550W PSU - $95

I think I'm gonna get this one. My friend bought one a little while ago and he likes it enough. Thanks!

 

[engiNURD]

The HX models from Corsair are modular, if you like that sort of thing. It helps keep clutter out of your case.