Best Bang For Buck Core 2 Duo System?

[Zim]

I'm going to build a Core 2 Duo system and so far I have an Antec P180 case. I want to overclock so am looking for the best bang for my buck. I'm currently considering an E6400 (rather than an E6600) and am not sure about the motherboard or memory. I'm keen to get a motherboard with good chipset cooling which sorta leaves me at the $150+ end of the range. Also, considering I'll be paying $200 for 2GB of memory, I may as well spend a few more bucks and get some good (D9) stuff. So...

Is the E6400 likely to provide the best value? Any suggestions for memory and motherboard?

EDIT: how did this end up in Cases and Cooling?! :disgust:

 

[Howard]

What kinda OC you looking at?

 

[Zim]

Originally posted by: Howard
What kinda OC you looking at?

3.2GHz I guess. Needs to be 100% stable without huge cooling requirements.

 

[Howard]

3.2GHz doesn't even need DDR2-1000 memory, not even with the E6300. Some DDR2-667 memory can get up that high (DDR2-914 with the E6300, DDR2-800 with the E6400).

Is there a specific reason why you want a motherboard with "good" chipset cooling? I mean, as long as you get the OC you want.

 

[Zim]

Originally posted by: Howard
3.2GHz doesn't even need DDR2-1000 memory, not even with the E6300. Some DDR2-667 memory can get up that high (DDR2-914 with the E6300, DDR2-800 with the E6400).

Is there a specific reason why you want a motherboard with "good" chipset cooling? I mean, as long as you get the OC you want.

Cool = stable. I found that out the hard way with my current setup.

From what I can see, DDR2-914 is no mean achievement. Some DDR2-800 won't hit that. E6400 give me a margin of safety.

 

[Howard]

http://anandtech.com/memory/showdoc.aspx?i=2862&p=2

 

[zagood]

I'm using the e6400, Gigabyte DS3, and 2x1gb OCZ Platinum Rev. 2 DDR2 800. 1:1 4-4-4-12. 3.2 with stock cooling...hot but stable - 46C idle 62C load under dual prime. I think the DS3 still has a problem with the D9 memory though if you're thinking of going that way.

If you do go DS3 and are worried about northbridge cooling, get a new NB heatsink like the Zalman ZM-NBF47.

Just an example. There are tons of mobo choices out there now but you can cut those down with your price range. If I had to do it all over again I'd get one of the new 680i mobos, in your case might be worth it to wait for the 650i mobos (closer to your price range).

-z