Best MB and memory for e6600?

[pshooper]

This will be my main machine and I compress a lot of video to MPEG2 and MPEG4. I am not a gamer at all. I WILL be overclocking on air only. The machine must be stable, so I won't be trying to get the greatest overclock ever, just close to it.

I have decided that the e6600 is the best chip for my budget. Now I need to decide on a motherboard and memory. I am considering the Asus P5W DH Deluxe for the MB, but I have no need for dual video cards. Is there a better board for my purposes than this one?

I have been trying to figure out what memory will be best to use in this or a similar board. I see a lot of people using the G.Skill (2x1gb) (pc2-6400) F2-6400PHU2-2GBHZ memory, but I also see people using OCZ OCZ2P800R22GK memory and other makes as well. I will have 4GB of memory in my system. What really works best, especially in a 4GB setup?

I am also interested in why you think a certain setup is the best, so I can understand your reasoning. Thank you for your suggestions.

 

[imported_gybp]

if you need to be stable and safe dont overclock mam...

 

[pshooper]

I appreciate that warning and I would never overclock another person's business machine. However, I've run sensibly overclocked CPU's starting way back with the Celeron 300a, and these machines have been as stable as any I've been on. The AMD 3800 X2 box I'm using now is overclocked by 20% and has 4GB of memory in it, and it has been so long since I had to mess with the settings on the board I had to look to remember what I had it clocked at to write this. Cutting edge overclocking is not what I am going for, but if I can get a stable 20%, why not?

 

[Baked]

Asus P5B. Corsair RAM.

 

[n7]

Best - Asus P5B Deluxe
Budget options - Asus P5B-E; Asus P5B vanilla (if you can't get the P5B-E), or Gigabte DS3.

I'm sorry i don't know the US RAM market that well, or i'd recommend some RAM.
I'll mention this stuff though
http://www.tankguys.biz/ddr2-3338-p-167...sCsid=49bdaf573422ad8b0f78f2a5b8739456

Will likely happily hit DDR2-1000+ 5-5-5 for OCing

 

[Shimmishim]

Originally posted by: n7
Best - Asus P5B Deluxe
Budget options - Asus P5B-E; Asus P5B vanilla (if you can't get the P5B-E), or Gigabte DS3.

I'm sorry i don't know the US RAM market that well, or i'd recommend some RAM.
I'll mention this stuff though
http://www.tankguys.biz/ddr2-3338-p-167...sCsid=49bdaf573422ad8b0f78f2a5b8739456

Will likely happily hit DDR2-1000+ 5-5-5 for OCing

i concur.

its crazy how much that set has gone up in price though.

it was under the $230 range last time i saw it!

 

[Skott]

Any of the mobos mentioned will allow you to get a safe overclock (no increased voltage on anything) of 25%. For a E6300 thats 2.28GHz, For a E6400 thats 2.66GHz and for a E6600 thats 3GHz. Basically thats using 333fsb. Start to go higher and then you'll need to increase voltage and alot of other things. So if you are going for a 'safe' overclock like I mentioned then shop by features and price. Once you decide on the mobo then find the RAM best compatible with it. Even for a safe overclock I'd choose PC6400 (800) RAM. Just my two coppers on the subject.

 

[lopri]

DDR2 prices are out of control and there is no sign of improvement in near future, knowing that ONE freaking company produces the ICs that everybody wants. I purchased 2 sets of the above DIMMs only 2 months ago, for $187 per set. A quick NewEgg search says you need to pay at least $250 for 2GB of DDR2-667 RAM, be it Micron or not. It's just crazy.

 

[lopri]

OH forgot to mention the RAM is great. Should do over 1000MHz / CL4 @2.2~2.4V easily.

 

[pshooper]

Originally posted by: lopri
OH forgot to mention the RAM is great. Should do over 1000MHz / CL4 @2.2~2.4V easily.

Which RAM?

 

[lopri]

Team Group Xtreem DDR2-667.

But honestly now, what you want to buy are the sticks that employing Micron D9 chips. (D9GMH and D9GKX, to be specific) Team Group RAM was extremely attractive when I got them because of the price tag. It is still attractive but it lost quite some of its competitive edge. (Again, It is still very competitive. It's just not a steal any more) Search google with the terms like "Micron, DDR2, XXXX", "Micron, D9, XXXX", etc. (where XXXX=brand name).

 

[pshooper]

Okay, I have researched more based on suggestions I have heard here and read in several forums. I am thinking of going with the Asus P5B deluxe board for my E6600 rig. Still searching for the best memory for this. Prices are so high right now I am in shock, but good memory is soo important. SO the search is on! Google here I come!

 

[RandomUser]

One thing to double check is the ability of the P5B Deluxe to recognize 4G of memory.

In the manual it states that it if you install 4 1GB manuals on Win XP 32-bit version, it may recognize less than 3G of memory so they recommend installing <3G.

I have the P5B Deluxe board and I love it, but I only have 2G of memory. I bought the Corsair XMS2 Memory back when it was 'only' $277 for 2G. Right now it is up to $308 for the CAS4

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145034

or $256 after rebate ($296 up front) for the CAS5

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145590

This is one of the most popular choices of late, but the price increase is reflecting that.