IP35 Pro hardware advice needed

[rosi]

I'm putting together a new computer using the IP35 Pro and either a E8400 or E8500 (upon release). I've been agonizing over what memory and video card to buy.

I am not a big gamer, but I would like to overclock this thing a good amount on air cooling. It will be primarily a 24/7 multitasking work computer. I figure I will have a good upgrade path by replacing the chip maybe a year or two down the road with a quad core.

With all that being said what would be the best memory to use DDR2-800 or DDR2-1066? I've been at both Crucial and Corsair's website looking at compatible modules within those speeds.

As far as a video card I'm thinking maybe a 8600GT that I can pick up fairly cheap like this, http://www.newegg.com/Product/...11&Tpk=N82E16814130311

Any thoughts or advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[DSF]

DDR2-800 is specced to run in sync with a 400MHz front-side bus (FSB). A stock Wolfdale chip will have a 333MHz FSB. If you're planning to overclock your chip to a 400MHz FSB, quality DDR2-800 is fine. If you want to go beyond that, you're either looking at buying DDR2-1066, or overclocking your RAM.

 

[JoLLyRoGer]

I just completed my build using an abit IP35 Pro / Q6600 and I'm running 4x1GB of Corsair XMS2 PC 6400 CAS4.

I have not attempted to OC yet although that's coming very soon. But as far as any Corsair/abit compatablity issues go, it's all bogus. This system is very stable and feels very fassst at stock speeds so far. Loosen up the CAS timings a bit and I'm sure the Corsair RAM will overclock very nicely if you even need it.

I'm also using a Corsair PSU for that matter.