Good C2D build or what?

[Dolemite1]

Am looking for opinions on what I have chosen for a friends new system. He?s looking to be able to overclock to about 3.2Ghz. I have been leaning towards the E6300 after reading some disappointing results with the E4300. I must buy within the next 2 weeks. The options on the right is second choice. Also can I just get 1Gb stick of ram for now and add another later or must I get 2x512Mb. He wants to do some gaming but is not a connoisseur.


E6300 retail $187 /// E4300 Retail $187
Biostar TForce965PT (P965 775) $111 /// ) Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 (P965 775) $138
CORSAIR XMS2 (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 5-5-5-12($212-40=172) /or/ 4-4-4-12 ($200)
EVGA 7900 GS KO 256MB PCI-E x16 ($159-20=$139) /or/ 7600GT (256-P2-N550)$99
Antec TruePowerTrio 650W Power Supply = Already bought $60
Seagate 320GB SATA 3.0Gbps 7200RPM 16MB (Barracuda 7200.10) $90
LG Black 18X DVD+R (GSAH22N-BK) $36
Cooler Master Centurion 534 (RC-534-KKN2-GP) $66(39 after rebate at egg)

Total $858 before shipping---- also still need to get a CRT monitor (17in?-- refurbished? $100?)
After monitor $958

Am open to suggestions or potential problems I may run into. Should I just get the cheaper Vid card, do I need different ram (am looking to stick at least with (DDR2 800)). Am very intersted on ram suggestions. Is the Gigabyte DS3 board worth the extra money. Should I sacrifice something to get aftermarket heatsink? The case means nothing to this guy as long as it isn't overly loud so looking for reccommendations. He also wants a 320Gb HD. His original price was about $700.

Thx
Brian

 

[moosey]

Well to get to 3.2Ghz with DDR2-800, the e6300 works out at 7X400=2.8Ghz and the e4300 works out at 9X400=3.6Ghz (obviously o/c isn't guaranteed).
I'd take the e4300 (check the thread here for the cheapest prices) and the Biostar board will be fine ad save you money.
If you need to save the money on RAM, get a 1GB stick for now and then add another 1GB stick later so you'll have dual-channel.

Here's some 1GB RAM
-Patriot
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820220142
-Corsair
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145153
-Mushkin
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi...t=ENE&Manufactory=1504&SubCategory=147

 

[Geomagick]

Always try and pair RAM so go for a 2 stick kit.
The E4300 is the better choice of CPU, mainly because when overclocking you have the higher multipliers.

As far as graphics go also consider the X1950Pro as a slightly more expensive alternative.
The 7600gt is quite a low end card for modern games.

 

[Roguestar]

Two options: Slightly more expensive CPU and more expensive RAM, or cheaper CPU and cheaper RAM. With the E6300's low clock multiplier you'll need decent performance RAM to get 3.2Ghz (see this thread http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=28&threadid=1966035) but for the E4300 you can just buy any good quality Value RAM rated for PC6400 and it'll not limit your FSB.

 

[Dolemite1]

So you guys think it's better to take the chance getting a bum E4300 with cheaper ram than going the E6300 route? I guess its not worth OCing the ram with the E6300?

Thx

 

[Skott]

Get the one cheapest to your doorstep if you plan to overclock it but if it comes down to a dead heat price tie then I'd probably choose the E6300 because it can achieve a slight OC achievement on avarage and its has a longer proven track record.

 

[engiNURD]

19" Widscreen is $150AR from the egg. Go for that instead of a CRT. Since you're going with the Biostar TForce, it doesnt really matter which chip you get. Though, since the Biostar can reach high FSB speeds, I'd go for the E6300 instead.