Advice for my Core 2 Duo build - I'm almost there

[newbuildguy1030]

Hello everyone,

I am looking at doing a Core 2 Duo build and I'm looking for some opinions to see if I'm headed in the right direction. I've spent hours searching but I seem to be stuck now. I'm confident my post includes necessary information and I've done days of research so this won't be a "do all the work for me" post.

I have already decided on two components but I'm looking for some guidance on the other parts. I'm just looking at building the box. I already have keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers etc...

Here are the components I've already got from my last build that I would like to use:

Case: Antec P-160 - the length of the video card is 9 inches and I've measured it has room with some spare for the power cable so hopefully no problem here

PSU: OCZ Modstream 450Watt - this is the part I'm most concerned about. It's above the 400 watt minimum for the 8800GTS and has 26A on the 12 volt, but would like some other opinions

Harddrive: Seagate 7200.10 400GB (SATA)
DVD: Samsung DVD writer (IDE)
Sound card: Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS

If these parts won't work for my build I'm willing to throw some extra money at getting something else but I'd like to know if they'll work before I spend time researching replacements.

The parts I'm set on getting:

-Intel Core 2 Duo 6600
-8800GTS based video card (probably the EVGA)

The parts I'm currently stuck on are the motherboard and RAM. Right now the board that most appeals to me is the Asus P5B Deluxe. However, I'm a little apprehensive about another Asus board because my last two (A7N8X-E and K8N) suffer from terrible coil whine. Still I can't see anything comparable that I like. Something with the 965 chipset seems best for me.

Another possibility is the Gigabyte DS3, but I'm not as impressed by it. It is cheaper though I'm still leaning toward the Asus P5B Deluxe.

And that leaves me at RAM which seems very confusing. I think I should go with DDR2 800. Most of the memory threads I read dealt with overclocking so I don't know how that affects me. I don't plan to do any overclocking (though it is tempting and I may want to try it in the future since a lot of people here are big on Core 2 Duo overclocking).

This computer will be mostly for gaming, nothing else that will affect my part choices. My budget is around $1100 but it's not a hard figure. With the estimated $700 for the CPU and video card, that leaves around $400 for what I hope is a decent motherboard and 2GB of RAM.

Can someone give some direction on parts that will work with everything I've got and plan to use? Am I going in the right direction for this build?

Thanks!

 

[Roguestar]

I'm using the S3 and I can recommend it to anyone!

Also check out this thread for some ram info.
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=28&threadid=1966035

Otherwise, good choices all around. PS: Don't forget about an aftermarket cooler.

 

[LouPoir]

The GigaByte DS3 is a great board ----

 

[newbuildguy1030]

Thanks for the replies. I had seen that memory thread but it looked like it was more for serious overclocking. I'm worried most about compatibility but I'll keep searching for what will work. Does anyone know offhand if there is any that is known to work with both the Asus and the Gigabyte boards? Or are my compatibility fears unwarranted?

Also, shouldn't I be fine with the stock cooler? I'm not going to be overclocking anytime soon, I just want to get the thing up and running first.

I may have to take a closer look at the Gigabyte motherboard...

 

[xtknight]

I'm loving my Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3. It's been rock solid. The only thing I dislike about it is how the BIOS setup looks so ancient compared to ASUS's well thought-out and great-looking setup, but that's minor.

Make sure you get the 965P model, not the 965G one.

I can confirm that this Patriot RAM boots up without any tweaking needed to the DS3. It used to be on that big memory list but he took it down since it didn't use Micron D9* chips anymore. I think they use Elpida instead now. I didn't bother to look what mine was. It's still a great module if you're not OCing, and it definitely has a little OCing room on it if not a lot.

I skipped the ASUS P5B Deluxe due to lack of parallel port support. The DS3 was supposed to be better at OCing and it was cheaper.

I skipped Arctic Silver 5 and an aftermarket cooler and honestly I don't regret it. They give you thermal strips and a pretty decent HSF with the retail Core 2 Duo package. I'm getting temps of around 35C at idle just with the stock material. I haven't checked load yet. Most importantly, this board is pretty silent.

I've been running my P4 2.6 GHz at 3.4 GHz for ages using the stock cooler and it's been stable as a rock. I intend to push this C2D a little more than stock as well.

P.S. I chose the DS3 over the S3 due to the DS3's "ultra durability" (solid capacitor design).

 

[Roguestar]

My Crucial 10th anniversary runs at 2.1v and it had no problem with booting on the S3.

 

[newbuildguy1030]

I'm still undecided about the motherboard and I wish the RAM was a little easier but I'll keep looking.

Also, any thoughts about whether the PSU is enough? I'm hoping it will make it.