Build Me The Best $500-$600 System

[Martimus]

Corsiar VX 430 or HX520 or Antec Trupower series greater then 600W [ask for advice, im not too familar in low end psu's which are reliable]

I would stay away from the TruPower series. I have had nothing but trouble from those, and I know that sentiment has been echoed many times in these forums. I generally just buy PC P&C now, just for peace of mind, but that is too pricey for your budget. The Antec Eathwatt series is known to be relatively good and inexpensive though.

 

[mlhm5]

Hi, still reading and the video work is mostly conversion. Need to be able to multitask when converting with no appreciable loss in performance.

This is about 20% of what I do, gaming 15% and graphics/presentations the rest.

In addition to OC I would like to be able to upgrade the CPU if needed in 2008 or 2009 so having a good to great MB that would support the newest chips is critical.

At this point with the 8800 cards coming down to reasonable prices, I am going for one for sure. I would never run 2 8800's.

I have had my first taste of vista and really don't like it at all so I am sticking with XP for the rest of the year, or until I read that everyone likes Vista.

I run numerous USB devices off the computer now i.e back up drives, photo, Zune, Ipod, etc. All are plugged in all the time. I run 4 internal HDs and two external back ups. The drives store video/graphics.

Other than that, I cannot think of more info.

 

[ArchAngel777]

Let me set the record straight. First, when Aigo said PCT2 or whoever, he meant me. Simply mistake, we all have it. Second, Aigo is 100% correct.

Only a few people are affected by IP35-E. Why you ask? Simple. Because most people do not have the cooling that allows for increased Vcore to where this board starts to take a shit. Also, I am not sure it is an actual voltage issue, more of a wattage issue, in my opinion.

From what I have seen, the G0's can take 1.5v just fine with the IP35-E. But that isn't because the G0's are better, but because they require less wattage. I am absolutely positive that a G0 at 1.55+ will shutdown the IP35-E in small FFT. The problem is, not many people will run a G0 at 1.55v. So, it is basically a non issue for a G0 owner, unless you are really pushing your chip the edge.

So, to clarify, if you have really good cooling and want some extreme overclocks, avoid the IP35-E. If you just want an 'average' overclock and a cheapo board to go with it, take the IP35-E, it will suite you just fine. Since this particular user is looking for a cheapo low end system, he should be fine with the IP35-E. But that doesn't mean that I particularly like the board. If I could do it over again, I would have never purchased the board due to the wattage/voltage limition.

I have verified this issue with 5 B3's, and one X6800 (dual core). The X6800 didn't experience these problems until 1.6v. Problem is, many people do run their dual cores at that voltage, even Dell offers a warranteed system of C2D (G0) at 1.6v. But, again, you have to understand that the reason this issue has not come up more is because most people do not have the cooling to push their CPU high enough to show the cracks in the IP35-E.

Keep in mind, many people who claim extreme overclocks do not often run hardcore stability tests. Many people tend to lie and or exaggerate what their computer wiull do and how stable it is. So, I'd believe someone who said he couldn't get a certain clock speed at a certain voltage over someone who said they can do it! People are less likely to make their system look less than what it really is, but are more likely to spout off in some forum that they can get some ridiculous numbers with *stability* which includes booting into Windows! Hah!

 

[Markfw]

P35-DS3R + Q6600 + Ultra 120 + any decent 2x1gig stcks = 3.5 ghz !

Who cares on the video card for encoding, but I did hear from Duvie that in some cases , the cheap 8600gs helps in encoding.

And as to ASUS motherboard, my P5K really bites(for quads, I put a C2D back in it, still lower OC than my S3 boards, sig is wrong, had to downclock it), my DS3R is cheaper and more stable and higher OC.

 

[hokiealumnus]

I know my E4400 doesn't have the power requirements of a Q6600, but FWIW I've run mine with small FFTs up to 1.565 set in BIOS. It delivers 1.56 at idle and 1.52 under load. I get the same .03-.04Vdroop from VID at 1.325v all the way up to 1.565v. I'm running 1.445 right now Folding away with 1.41v actual.

 

[chuckm]

Power supply, depending on your needs, this will probably be fine;
http://www.buy.com/prod/Corsai...loc/101/205466485.html
If not step up to this one;
http://www.buy.com/prod/Corsai...loc/101/205852646.html

 

[ArchAngel777]

Originally posted by: hokiealumnus
I know my E4400 doesn't have the power requirements of a Q6600, but FWIW I've run mine with small FFTs up to 1.565 set in BIOS. It delivers 1.56 at idle and 1.52 under load. I get the same .03-.04Vdroop from VID at 1.325v all the way up to 1.565v. I'm running 1.445 right now Folding away with 1.41v actual.

Which is why the issue is not related to voltage, but wattage. A dual core @ 1.56v requires far less power than than a Q6600 B3 @ 1.35v. If are you are truly interested in see what we are talking about, turn your Vcore to 1.65v (just for a 15 mins or so) and run some small FFTs in Prime. You will see your computer power off.

 

[hokiealumnus]

I really wish I could test that out, but I'm on air. 1.565v takes me to 77c My little CPU wouldn't hold up with Small FFTs at that Vcore.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: Markfw900
P35-DS3R + Q6600 + Ultra 120 + any decent 2x1gig stcks = 3.5 ghz !

Who cares on the video card for encoding, but I did hear from Duvie that in some cases , the cheap 8600gs helps in encoding.

And as to ASUS motherboard, my P5K really bites(for quads, I put a C2D back in it, still lower OC than my S3 boards, sig is wrong, had to downclock it), my DS3R is cheaper and more stable and higher OC.

Here's another couple of votes for the DS3R. I have two of them and they are running just swell.

Btw, I wouldn't recommend juicing your CPU with 1.65v, even for just 15min.

 

[GZDynastar]

Originally posted by: RaptureMe
Intel C2Q Q6600 = $269 MWave
Ip35-E = $60.00 - $10,00 MIR MWave+Newegg
Evga 8800GT 512MB $240.00 Newegg
G.skill PC6400 2x1GB Neon Green Sinks = $49.00 Newegg
Total = $608.00
This is the very best system money can buy!!

I would go with this system. You can even go to a 6750 to save some more money and get a better mobo/ram. But I dont overclock.

Thats a damn good setup though.

 

[PCTC2]

Originally posted by: ArchAngel777
Let me set the record straight. First, when Aigo said PCT2 or whoever, he meant me. Simply mistake, we all have it. Second, Aigo is 100% correct.

Only a few people are affected by IP35-E. Why you ask? Simple. Because most people do not have the cooling that allows for increased Vcore to where this board starts to take a shit. Also, I am not sure it is an actual voltage issue, more of a wattage issue, in my opinion.

From what I have seen, the G0's can take 1.5v just fine with the IP35-E. But that isn't because the G0's are better, but because they require less wattage. I am absolutely positive that a G0 at 1.55+ will shutdown the IP35-E in small FFT. The problem is, not many people will run a G0 at 1.55v. So, it is basically a non issue for a G0 owner, unless you are really pushing your chip the edge.

So, to clarify, if you have really good cooling and want some extreme overclocks, avoid the IP35-E. If you just want an 'average' overclock and a cheapo board to go with it, take the IP35-E, it will suite you just fine. Since this particular user is looking for a cheapo low end system, he should be fine with the IP35-E. But that doesn't mean that I particularly like the board. If I could do it over again, I would have never purchased the board due to the wattage/voltage limition.

I have verified this issue with 5 B3's, and one X6800 (dual core). The X6800 didn't experience these problems until 1.6v. Problem is, many people do run their dual cores at that voltage, even Dell offers a warranteed system of C2D (G0) at 1.6v. But, again, you have to understand that the reason this issue has not come up more is because most people do not have the cooling to push their CPU high enough to show the cracks in the IP35-E.

Keep in mind, many people who claim extreme overclocks do not often run hardcore stability tests. Many people tend to lie and or exaggerate what their computer wiull do and how stable it is. So, I'd believe someone who said he couldn't get a certain clock speed at a certain voltage over someone who said they can do it! People are less likely to make their system look less than what it really is, but are more likely to spout off in some forum that they can get some ridiculous numbers with *stability* which includes booting into Windows! Hah!

QFT. Aigo did mean ArchAngel777, however at one point I did have the same problem.
I have owned (recently):
Abit AW9D 975X
Abit IP35-E
eVGA 680i

I pushed them to their maxes with an E6400 and I got my eVGA 680i stable at 1.65v BIOS (1.58v Windows) @ 3.733GHz with max temperatures around 65C. My AW9D had a little problem overclocking and I didn't push it too hard. Then came the IP35-E. I bought it for a friend and he wanted me to test it out before I used it in his rig. I tried the same settings in the BIOS as my 680i and I couldn't get it stable. I kept the voltage and backed it down to 3.49GHz and still couldn't get it stable. (Heat was not a problem). Until I read the thread with Aigo and ArchAngel777, I never knew about the wattage problem with the power circuitry.

I've used plenty of current 775 board. I'm a little overzealous with voltages sometimes and wanting the maximum overclocks, but I can say that the IP35-E okay, but not great.

Anyways, I say:

Core2Duo E4500 $127
Asus P5K-E $140
eVGA 8800GT 256MB ($215)
Team Xtreem 2x1GB DDR2-800 CAS4 $65
Corsair 520HX and CM690 $200

Sure, it's about $750, but it's a nice system. You could go with a cheaper E2180 and Gigabyte P35-DS3L and save yourself $100. But whatever you do, have fun with your new computer.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: PCTC2

Originally posted by: ArchAngel777
Let me set the record straight. First, when Aigo said PCT2 or whoever, he meant me. Simply mistake, we all have it. Second, Aigo is 100% correct.

Only a few people are affected by IP35-E. Why you ask? Simple. Because most people do not have the cooling that allows for increased Vcore to where this board starts to take a shit. Also, I am not sure it is an actual voltage issue, more of a wattage issue, in my opinion.

From what I have seen, the G0's can take 1.5v just fine with the IP35-E. But that isn't because the G0's are better, but because they require less wattage. I am absolutely positive that a G0 at 1.55+ will shutdown the IP35-E in small FFT. The problem is, not many people will run a G0 at 1.55v. So, it is basically a non issue for a G0 owner, unless you are really pushing your chip the edge.

So, to clarify, if you have really good cooling and want some extreme overclocks, avoid the IP35-E. If you just want an 'average' overclock and a cheapo board to go with it, take the IP35-E, it will suite you just fine. Since this particular user is looking for a cheapo low end system, he should be fine with the IP35-E. But that doesn't mean that I particularly like the board. If I could do it over again, I would have never purchased the board due to the wattage/voltage limition.

I have verified this issue with 5 B3's, and one X6800 (dual core). The X6800 didn't experience these problems until 1.6v. Problem is, many people do run their dual cores at that voltage, even Dell offers a warranteed system of C2D (G0) at 1.6v. But, again, you have to understand that the reason this issue has not come up more is because most people do not have the cooling to push their CPU high enough to show the cracks in the IP35-E.

Keep in mind, many people who claim extreme overclocks do not often run hardcore stability tests. Many people tend to lie and or exaggerate what their computer wiull do and how stable it is. So, I'd believe someone who said he couldn't get a certain clock speed at a certain voltage over someone who said they can do it! People are less likely to make their system look less than what it really is, but are more likely to spout off in some forum that they can get some ridiculous numbers with *stability* which includes booting into Windows! Hah!

QFT. Aigo did mean ArchAngel777, however at one point I did have the same problem.
I have owned (recently):
Abit AW9D 975X
Abit IP35-E
eVGA 680i

I pushed them to their maxes with an E6400 and I got my eVGA 680i stable at 1.65v BIOS (1.58v Windows) @ 3.733GHz with max temperatures around 65C. My AW9D had a little problem overclocking and I didn't push it too hard. Then came the IP35-E. I bought it for a friend and he wanted me to test it out before I used it in his rig. I tried the same settings in the BIOS as my 680i and I couldn't get it stable. I kept the voltage and backed it down to 3.49GHz and still couldn't get it stable. (Heat was not a problem). Until I read the thread with Aigo and ArchAngel777, I never knew about the wattage problem with the power circuitry.

I've used plenty of current 775 board. I'm a little overzealous with voltages sometimes and wanting the maximum overclocks, but I can say that the IP35-E okay, but not great.

Anyways, I say:

Core2Duo E4500 $127
Asus P5K-E $140
eVGA 8800GT 256MB ($215)
Team Xtreem 2x1GB DDR2-800 CAS4 $65
Corsair 520HX and CM690 $200

Sure, it's about $750, but it's a nice system. You could go with a cheaper E2180 and Gigabyte P35-DS3L and save yourself $100. But whatever you do, have fun with your new computer.

That's a great list. But I think the OP not being much of a gamer, $200+ on a video card is super overkill. He could get 4GB of good memory, a better cpu, and something like an X1950Pro ($100ish), and aside from high-end gaming, everything would be better across the board for him.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: Arkaign

That's a great list. But I think the OP not being much of a gamer, $200+ on a video card is super overkill. He could get 4GB of good memory, a better cpu, and something like an X1950Pro ($100ish), and aside from high-end gaming, everything would be better across the board for him.

LOL... i think most of the people on this forum(including me) is now offically on the just grab a 8800GT card and forget it bandwagon.

The card for 256 megs can be bought for 215, which is a DAYAM good deal considering it benches near my GTX which i paid 3x more.


But yeah, the OP doesnt need a monster card. Maybe something with just hardware H.264 playback.

Also a medium class should hold him out. If he's video encoding a no processor will beat a quad.

 

[Martimus]

This might help you wmake your decisions:
Computer Pricing Spreadsheet

 

[PCTC2]

Originally posted by: aigomorla

Originally posted by: Arkaign

That's a great list. But I think the OP not being much of a gamer, $200+ on a video card is super overkill. He could get 4GB of good memory, a better cpu, and something like an X1950Pro ($100ish), and aside from high-end gaming, everything would be better across the board for him.

LOL... i think most of the people on this forum(including me) is now offically on the just grab a 8800GT card and forget it bandwagon.

The card for 256 megs can be bought for 215, which is a DAYAM good deal considering it benches near my GTX which i paid 3x more.


But yeah, the OP doesnt need a monster card. Maybe something with just hardware H.264 playback.

Also a medium class should hold him out. If he's video encoding a no processor will beat a quad.

Fine. We'll drop the "get an 8800GT and forgettaboutit" bandwagon.

Q6600 $260
Asus P5K-E $140 or Gigabyte P35-DS3L $100
8600GT $100, 8600GTS $140, 8800GS $165? (It'll be out soon enough)
Team Xtreem 2x1GB DDR2-800 CAS4 $65
Corsair 520HX and CM690 $200

That's $725-830. not bad at all for a nice quad system.

EDIT
But you can't forget about cooling! Thermalright Ultra120-eXtreme $60.

 

[chuckm]

Here's a list I put together for a friend of mine on the same budget. Rebates add up to $97.00. Don't know if you need the keyoard/mouse for it. Good luck.
[https://secure.newegg.com/NewV...hDetail.asp?ID=4347949