Need some quick CPU advice for imminent purchase

[TheMadScot]

This relates to a gaming rig with a hoped-for OC for 3.0-3.2. The stars finally aligned on the rebates I was hoping for, so here's what I have:

MB: Abit IP35
PS: Antec Earthwatts 500
RAM: Either Kingston KVR800D2N5K2/2G or Corsair TWIN2X2048-6400C4
HS: Tuniq 120
VID: BFG 8800GT

I've been trying to read up on the various OC concerns and the 1MB vs. 2MB cache issue, but I'm still not sure what to get, either:

1. An E21*0 variant (maybe the 2160?)
2. An E4500 for the additional cache (or another E4*00)

There seems to be an argument for the extra cache for game performance, but what about OC potential?

I'm hoping to complete this order today. Everything but the processor and RAM are done.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[BadRobot]

I got to 2.8 without any extra voltage (actually I'm using less than the stock volts...) but that doesn't mean yours will, if i give it some extra juice i could probably hit 3.0+ but i haven't tried yet... most get about the same results it seems...

 

[BadRobot]

at 3.0 with 1.275v and intel stock cooler I hit 55c load...

 

[BadRobot]

at 3.2 with 1.375v and temp is no more than 63c with stock intel heatsink/fan...

 

[SerpentRoyal]

I would definitely go with Kingston N5 DDR2 800. As for the CPU, 50% of these chips should be able to hit 3.2GHz. Anything above 3.0GHz is blazing fast. I like the E2140 cause it's only $60.

 

[Denithor]

Originally posted by: SerpentRoyal
I would definitely go with Kingston N5 DDR2 800. As for the CPU, 50% of these chips should be able to hit 3.2GHz. Anything above 3.0GHz is blazing fast. I like the E2140 cause it's only $60.

Seconded for the N5 memory, which should be able to handle 1000MHz+ with loose timings and 1.9-2.0V.

However, I would spring for a little more and get the e2180 because the 10x multiplier will let you hit those high overclocks without stressing out the rest of your system as much. And don't worry much about the 1MB vs 2MB, read this article to see how an e2160 @ 3.2GHz stacks up against the 4MB chips (summary: it matches/beats e6750 nearly across the board--including gaming--and comes close to the performance of the e6850).

About this time next year plan to sell the chip and buy a Penryn quad and you are set for another 1-2 years on cpu.

 

[TheMadScot]

Thanks, folks! I pulled the trigger on my list, including the Kingston RAM.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: BadRobot
at 3.2 with 1.375v and temp is no more than 63c with stock intel heatsink/fan...

What CPU? My E2140 @ 3.28, 1.425v (BIOS), 1.36v (actual load), temps hit 66C in CoreTemp. This is with a CoolerMaster HyperTX 2 CPU cooler. Is the stock Intel cooler better???

 

[BadRobot]

Its the newest stepping M0 which is yours?
Mine is 1.375 volts after vdroop i think its like 1.3 or 1.33 or something...I have crazy vdroop....

What was your stock volts? I could run 2.4 at 1.2v bios and ~1.8 after vdroop

What is your case?