Tom's Hardware Reference System

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RadXge

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http://channel.tomshardware.com/2008/02/28/toms_benchmark_system/index.html

This is Tom's Hardware reference system:
Processor: E6850
MB: Asus P5E3
RAM: Curcial Ballistix DDR3-1600
Processor Cooler: Zalman CNPS9700LED
Graphics: Radeon HD3850
Hard Drive: Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500GB
PSU: Coolermaster RS850-EMBA

I have the following comments
- DDR 3 is not ready yet for prime time. Still to expensive for most users.
- The suggested Processor Cooler is not very good. Tuniq, Thermalright, Noctua, Scythe,... offer much better solution.
- The dual core processor is not a bad choice considering that quad core support not yet popular.

What do you think?
 
my comments:
processor: waste of money, get e8400 instead for same ghz more cache and 45nm
mb: get p35 instead or wait for x48; x38 is not a wow must get type of motherboard
ram: ddr3 waste of money get ddr2 800mhz instead and oc
cooler: theres alot of better ones like the ZEROtherm Nirvana NV120 and thermalright 120 extreme w/ scythe s-flex fan.
graphics: 9600gt is the new midrange card although it has like 50 ish stream processors?
harddrive: as long its not a raptor its good :D
psu: corsair and pc power&cooling the way to go
 
Never use Tom's reference systems. Try Ars or Anand instead. Then, come here and we'll help you tailor it to your needs. :p
 
I agree that the E8400 would be a better option but it does not seem to be widely available.
You get my thumbs up for your mb and graphics recommendations.
I would add to your psu list: Seasonic. I also really like the new ABS Tagan unit (see sig).
 
i would also go with the q6600. prices for it dropped to the $250's and at microcenter you can get them for $200. my reasons behind the p35 and not x38 is because the p35 is a great board for its price. you can also easily oc with it. prices for it starts at the $80 area for budget builders. x38 mobo's dont a whole lot faster so there i see no rush into why ppl should get it unless they want to crossfire right now with a board like the asus maximus formula.
 
Quad core would be nice, but like other said before me, support is lacking so you really won't see a huge benifit across the board.
 
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