Decisions for a new computer build

[caveman017]

So I have a MAX of $450 for a new PC build.

I already have a XFX 7600GS, DVD+RW, 450W CoolerMaster PSU and a Case.


I'm not really looking for a overclocking king, I wouldn't OC the AMD at all, and the Intel, I would go 9x233 (2.1GHz) as I want the coolest running chip as possible, as I am going for a near silent PC (I already have a Thermalright XP-90 with a 120mm fan being the only one)


Seagate 320GB SATA2 Perpindicular $80

A-Data 2x1GB PC5300 $115 shipped



Intel e4300 $113 after price drop
GIGABYTE GA-965P-S3 - $105



AMD x2 4600+ 65w $120
Abit KN9S nVidia MCP 550 $60AR


AMD Total - $375 - 25 coupon for newegg - $15 paypal = $335
Intel Total - $413 - 25 coupon for newegg - $15 paypal = $373

 

[RonAKA]

You should be able to OC the E4300 to 2.8 GHz quite easily with the stock Intel HSF. It is quite quiet at full speed. I just put a Scythe Ninja on my E4300 and it is a bust, not much better than the stock Intel. Both are quiet. I run 3 GHz.

 

[caveman017]

how hot does it run?

 

[RonAKA]

That depends. On Intel TAT, all evidence is too hot at 3 GHz. It is reasonably stable at about 2.7. However, I understand TAT stresses the CPU more than any game. The point to consider is that the Scythe Ninja cooler did almost nothing over the stock Intel cooler. What seems to make a difference is the cool air ducting on the Antec Sonata II case. It does a good job of keeping feeding the stock HSF cool air. The Scythe Ninja is way to big to leave this ducting in place.

You can follow the issues and see some temps here:

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=37&threadid=2025275&enterthread=y

For all practical purposes you are likley to do just fine at 2.6 or 2.8 using the stock HSF. I have a passive cooled graphics card as I am not a gamer, and with the rear case fan on low I hear essentially nothing with the stock cpu fan at max. The Ninja cooler with a 120mm fan may be slightly quieter, but not enough to notice.

 

[caveman017]

does intel have a cool and quiet thing on thier system which will slow fan speeds of both the CPU and all fans attached to the motherboard?

 

[RonAKA]

Originally posted by: caveman017
does intel have a cool and quiet thing on thier system which will slow fan speeds of both the CPU and all fans attached to the motherboard?

Yes, I recall that they do. However, the motherboard has to support it. I don't believe the Asus P5B DX does, but they provide a utility which does it instead. Not sure about Gigabyte.