First Intel build - e6300 or e6400???

[SEAL62505]

This is the first time I have built an Intel box (and I haven't even built an AMD one for quite some time). I just bought a p180 case, antec he 550w psu, and Abit AB9 mobo. I will have to start with my existing RAM which is 2gb ddr2 667 corsair value. I would like to OC a little bit but I am uncertain if I should get the e6300 or the e6400 processor. OC'ing is about the same on them, right (I know there will be variation, but on average)? Otherwise would it be worth the extra 30 - 40 bucks for the e6400?
Will I even have OC options using that RAM (or would I be stuck as stock CPU speed)?

Thanks in advance!

 

[cmdrdredd]

The higher multiplyer on the E6400 will allow you a higher overclock without such an extreme FSB.

That memory will likely NOT go very far at all. The Motherboard will likely not go to 400Mhz either. Both are bad overclocking choices IMO.

 

[Optimummind]

Unless you're the type that upgrades frequently, I say go for the E6400. It has more future flexibility with its 4MB of L2. I have mine and it's great!!

 

[Zim]

Originally posted by: Optimummind
Unless you're the type that upgrades frequently, I say go for the E6400. It has more future flexibility with its 4MB of L2. I have mine and it's great!!

The E6400 has 2MB of cache. You have an E6600. :disgust:

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: Zim

Originally posted by: Optimummind
Unless you're the type that upgrades frequently, I say go for the E6400. It has more future flexibility with its 4MB of L2. I have mine and it's great!!

The E6400 has 2MB of cache. You have an E6600. :disgust:

:laugh:

 

[KaChow]

Originally posted by: Zim

Originally posted by: Optimummind
Unless you're the type that upgrades frequently, I say go for the E6400. It has more future flexibility with its 4MB of L2. I have mine and it's great!!

The E6400 has 2MB of cache. You have an E6600. :disgust:

LOL! It's easy to get all of these numbers confused!!

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: Zim

Originally posted by: Optimummind
Unless you're the type that upgrades frequently, I say go for the E6400. It has more future flexibility with its 4MB of L2. I have mine and it's great!!

The E6400 has 2MB of cache. You have an E6600. :disgust:

"They keys are like right next to each other"

 

[Skott]

Well, for OCing I feel the E6400 is a bit better due to its higher multiplier but if you plan to do little to no OCing the E6300 might be a better buy in the buck for bang category due to its cheaper price. Its going to depend on how much money you want to save and which mobo you plan to use. Just how much OCing do you want to do? If alot then a E6400/P5B-D/E combo is currently the best. So far the new 680i mobos havent beaten the P5B series but its still too early to say for certain.

 

[SEAL62505]

To clarify I would only do minor oc'ing. I plan on using the stock intel hsf. So far it sounds like i will be going with the e6400. Thanks for the input.

 

[n7]

Yeah, your RAM ain't gonna go anywhere, so if you want even a semi-decent OC, you'll want the E6400.

 

[Skott]

If you are going to use the stock hsf then dont do more than a 25% OC or you'll risk damage to the chip and possibly hsf. Technically you should use a better hsf but the stock unit will safely do 25%.

 

[Zim]

The current high price of memory and high price of decent 775 motherboards almost makes overclocking not worth while. You have already spent a ton of money before you even get your CPU.