Can someone help me pick the cheapest possible parts for an X2 6000 build?

[Arkitech]

I've been waiting a long time for the prices on the q6600 to drop or either find a killer deal on a pre-built system that already has one. So now I'm thinking that instead of waiting for the 6600 to drop below 200 I'll just go with x2 and save a few bucks to put towards the new 8800 . So I guess my first question would be "will I see a decent performance improvement if I oc the cpu and the memory"?

If the answer is no then what's the cheapest possible choices for the following parts:

cpu fan
gpu fan (if needed, not sure if the 8800 fan's are enough)
power supply
mobo
memory (is there a nice bump in performance with 4 gig instead of 3?)


My last question is when will the new 8800s hit the stores?

thanks for any advice

 

[Arkitech]

anyone?

sorry for the noob questions, I rarely try to build my own system

 

[Zap]

Which "new" 8800 cards? The GT 512MB is already kinda-sorta in stores now. The 256MB version, IDK. The "new" version of the GTS might be in December.

Yes, you'll see a decent improvement by overclocking the processor. Overclocking memory will NOT give you the same yields in performance as will the processor.

Originally posted by: Arkitech
what's the cheapest possible choices

The 8800 series fans/heatsinks are usually enough.

There isn't much of a performance bump after 2GB RAM. Either get 2GB or get 4GB. Go for some cheap DDR2-800 for best bang/buck. For 4GB, eWiz has Super Talent single 2GB sticks for $51.50 each. Just buy two. For 2GB, look for a rebate deal (if you deal with those). Otherwise look for deals around $50-55 for a 2x1GB kit.

For a decent and really budget PSU, look for rebate deals on the Antec EarthWatts series. Recently the 500W version was at Outpost.com for $30 after rebate, with free shipping. If you don't want rebates or want more power, then you can get this beefy 600W BFG power supply for $50 plus shipping. It is listed as "scratch n' dent" but mine were pretty much new, just w/o retail packaging. These put out 39A combined on +12v. Only two drawbacks are IIRC they aren't as efficient as newer units, plus the 80mm ball bearing fans are kind of noisy compared to "quiet" PSUs. For a much cheaper alternative, eWiz has the Sparkle ATX-400PN power supply at $30 (about $15 less than Newegg), making it a really budget way to get 29A on a combined +12v.

If you're going to overclock (even a bit) then why don't you look at cheap Intel chips? At the price of an AMD 6000+, you have a few Core 2 Duos to choose from. If you're going REALLY cheap, then go AMD - but lower end than that 6000+. For instance you can get an x2 5200+ (look for lower wattage 65W version) for around $120-125 and overclock it to faster than the 6000+. Motherboard-wise go for a cheap Biostar Tforce 5xx series at around $60-70. If you're willing to pay more for the CPU/motherboard and will overclock, go Intel. The Abit IP-35E is a decent board for around $100 before rebates (when available, often $20 MIR). Go for the cheapest E4x00 series. Next real step up is the E6750 at $195. If you're tight on funds, go with the E4x00 series and put the extra money into the video card. For CPU fan/heatsink, if a tiny overclock then stock is fine. Otherwise look for heatpipes. For rebate deals the Cooler Master HyperTX2 is a good one that is often available for around... FREE after rebate. The HyperTX and HyperTX2 look around the same, but the "2" version works with both AMD and Intel while the original you have to buy for one or the other. Beyond that, any big/heatpipe unit should be reasonably decent. For top notch cooling, look for the "tower" heatpipe style with 120mm fan.

Originally posted by: Arkitech
anyone?

Have patience! Not everyone "lives" on the forums.

 

[Arkitech]

thanks for the advice Zapp, I'm going to do a little research based on your post. I guess my biggest decision is going to be AMD or Intel. I plan on doing a lot of gaming but I generally don't play the cutting edge FPS games, I'm more of an RTS guy. Can I play games like Oblivion, Supreme Commander and C&C3 with max settings on a x2 5200 with a 8800?

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Arkitech
Can I play games like Oblivion, Supreme Commander and C&C3 with max settings on a x2 5200 with a 8800?

Probably.

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: Arkitech
thanks for the advice Zapp, I'm going to do a little research based on your post. I guess my biggest decision is going to be AMD or Intel. I plan on doing a lot of gaming but I generally don't play the cutting edge FPS games, I'm more of an RTS guy. Can I play games like Oblivion, Supreme Commander and C&C3 with max settings on a x2 5200 with a 8800?

Depends on your resolution. A 30" Apple display, maybe not. A standard 17" 1280*1024, should do.

 

[j0j081]

Don't bother getting the AMD 5000+ black edition as someone posted because unfortunately it doesn't come with its own cooler so by the time you add one on it will cost as much as the 6000+ that does have one. Some of the lower priced Intel chips are an option if you want to overclock them to catch up to the 6000+ but if you want good bang for the buck without overclocking the 6000+ is probably okay. Here are a few parts I found on newegg which would make a decent build for not much money.

AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz 159.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16819103773

BIOSTAR TF560 A2+ AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA nForce 560 79.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16813138081

or

GIGABYTE GA-M57SLI-S4 AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI 89.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16813128014

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual 54.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16820231098

you could go way cheaper on the mobo but that's one thing I wouldn't like to skimp on personally but either way it would be about $250-300

 

[Arkitech]

Originally posted by: Roguestar

Originally posted by: Arkitech
thanks for the advice Zapp, I'm going to do a little research based on your post. I guess my biggest decision is going to be AMD or Intel. I plan on doing a lot of gaming but I generally don't play the cutting edge FPS games, I'm more of an RTS guy. Can I play games like Oblivion, Supreme Commander and C&C3 with max settings on a x2 5200 with a 8800?

Depends on your resolution. A 30" Apple display, maybe not. A standard 17" 1280*1024, should do.

hmm interesting, I currently have a Dell 2405 and I'm looking to buy a Sharp 32 1080p lcd. So I guess if I want to game at anywhere close to 1600x1200 then I should probably get an 8800 and maybe something a little more powerful than a 5200.

 

[Arkitech]

Originally posted by: j0j081
Don't bother getting the AMD 5000+ black edition as someone posted because unfortunately it doesn't come with its own cooler so by the time you add one on it will cost as much as the 6000+ that does have one. Some of the lower priced Intel chips are an option if you want to overclock them to catch up to the 6000+ but if you want good bang for the buck without overclocking the 6000+ is probably okay. Here are a few parts I found on newegg which would make a decent build for not much money.

AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz 159.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16819103773

BIOSTAR TF560 A2+ AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA nForce 560 79.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16813138081

or

GIGABYTE GA-M57SLI-S4 AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI 89.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16813128014

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual 54.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16820231098

you could go way cheaper on the mobo but that's one thing I wouldn't like to skimp on personally but either way it would be about $250-300

That's not a bad price, I can definitely fit that into my budget. Do you think it's worth the extra money to go with an 6400 over a 6000? Or am I better off going with an Intel at that price point?

 

[j0j081]

Originally posted by: Arkitech

Originally posted by: j0j081
Don't bother getting the AMD 5000+ black edition as someone posted because unfortunately it doesn't come with its own cooler so by the time you add one on it will cost as much as the 6000+ that does have one. Some of the lower priced Intel chips are an option if you want to overclock them to catch up to the 6000+ but if you want good bang for the buck without overclocking the 6000+ is probably okay. Here are a few parts I found on newegg which would make a decent build for not much money.

AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz 159.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16819103773

BIOSTAR TF560 A2+ AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA nForce 560 79.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16813138081

or

GIGABYTE GA-M57SLI-S4 AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI 89.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16813128014

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual 54.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16820231098

you could go way cheaper on the mobo but that's one thing I wouldn't like to skimp on personally but either way it would be about $250-300

That's not a bad price, I can definitely fit that into my budget. Do you think it's worth the extra money to go with an 6400 over a 6000? Or am I better off going with an Intel at that price point?

yeah I think if you add $30 or more to the price of that cpu u might as well go with Intel but then again the 6400+ is the black edition isn't it? then you could probably oc it a lot.

 

[Arkitech]

Originally posted by: j0j081

Originally posted by: Arkitech

Originally posted by: j0j081
Don't bother getting the AMD 5000+ black edition as someone posted because unfortunately it doesn't come with its own cooler so by the time you add one on it will cost as much as the 6000+ that does have one. Some of the lower priced Intel chips are an option if you want to overclock them to catch up to the 6000+ but if you want good bang for the buck without overclocking the 6000+ is probably okay. Here are a few parts I found on newegg which would make a decent build for not much money.

AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz 159.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16819103773

BIOSTAR TF560 A2+ AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA nForce 560 79.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16813138081

or

GIGABYTE GA-M57SLI-S4 AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI 89.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16813128014

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual 54.99
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16820231098

you could go way cheaper on the mobo but that's one thing I wouldn't like to skimp on personally but either way it would be about $250-300

That's not a bad price, I can definitely fit that into my budget. Do you think it's worth the extra money to go with an 6400 over a 6000? Or am I better off going with an Intel at that price point?

yeah I think if you add $30 or more to the price of that cpu u might as well go with Intel but then again the 6400+ is the black edition isn't it? then you could probably oc it a lot.

I was considering that yesterday, NewEgg has the 6400+ black edition for 209, but if I jump into the 200 dollar price range for a cpu I might be better just getting a q6600 for 280. Too many decisions, I'm so confused.