Budget 3.0 ghz build help needed

[Dreamweaver]

Speed vs $$.

I'd like to build a OCed c2d or x2 system at 3 ghz on a microatx platform.

Need cpu/motherboard suggestions and RAM suggestions.

Can I use DDR2 667 or will I need 800?

So many MB/cpu choices and I need to get it right the first time.

Thx

 

[The-Noid]

Good luck, MicroATX PSU's/fans can't handle that much W.

 

[Dreamweaver]

I'm new to all this, couldn't tell could you

Would a 400 watt ps handle this overclock and a 1950 pro?

 

[The-Noid]

Originally posted by: Dreamweaver
I'm new to all this, couldn't tell could you

Would a 400 watt ps handle this overclock and a 1950 pro?

It would be close. Microatx cases do not vent heat that well though, so you would have mighty hot parts inside the case.

 

[BladeVenom]

Originally posted by: Dreamweaver
Speed vs $$.

I'd like to build a OCed c2d or x2 system at 3 ghz on a microatx platform.

Need cpu/motherboard suggestions and RAM suggestions.

Can I use DDR2 667 or will I need 800?

So many MB/cpu choices and I need to get it right the first time.

Thx

My understanding is that there are very few choices when it comes to overclocking on a micro-atx board. Most are budget boards with few overclocking options and integrated graphics. All of which inhibit overclocking.

I don't know what the good choices are for Micro-atx, but have seen the Abit Fatal1ty F-I90HD recommended a couple of times.

 

[MrPickins]

While micro-ATX used to mean little overclocking, this is becoming less and less the case.

While they may have less expansion slots, many micro-atx boards will hit the same FSB/HT speeds as their larger brothers.

As for the case, well, cooling depends on which you buy. My X-Qpack has adequate cooling for all but the highest overclocks.

 

[cprince]

You can use either DDR 667 or DDR 800. DDR 800 will give you more room for overclocking and the price is not that much higher than DDR 667. As far as processor, I suggest the Core 2 Duo E6XXX series. In my opinion, the E6600 is easiest to overclock to 3GHz by just increasing the Front Side Bus(FSB) to 333MHz and keeping the CPU multiplier at the default 9x(333x9=2997MHz, close enough). Keep the CPU voltage at default 1.35V. If you have DDR 667, then set the memory multiplier to 2x(1:2 ratio)(333x2=667, no memory overclocking). If you have DDR 800, set the memory multiplier to 2.5x(4:5 ratio) (333x2.5=833MHz, slight memory overclocking).

 

[f4phantom2500]

You should opt for a 7900GS or GT instead of an X1950 Pro since they're much cooler and perform similarly. Personally I would go for the GS since it's cheaper and can overclock very well. As for processor and RAM, I agree somewhat with cprince; if you get a CPU with a 9x multiplier then bringing it to the default RAM speed (assuming DDR2 667) will put it at 3GHz. However, I would just go for the E4300 as most of them make it that high. Or you could just go with the E4400.