New computer, have been out of the loop

katieca

Member
Feb 12, 2006
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I wasn't expecting to buy a new computer, but my nice one has been out for a whole month now, I've been dealing with RMAs and other problems.

So, I've decided to make buying a whole new computer an option. Should I buy now? If not, how long should I wait? If so, what should I get?

I want to overclock, I really like the look of C2D's, but I just haven't been researching mobos and such as much as I would normally before buying a computer. It seems like in just a couple months a popular 4 core would ravage my brand new system.

Thanks for ANY replies/suggestions :)
 

notanotheracct

Senior member
Aug 2, 2005
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well what do you plan on using it for? personally, i'm planning on getting a cheap dual core now and just selling it later and jumping on quad once they drop in price
 

Boyo

Golden Member
Feb 23, 2006
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Prices just dropped for the Intel dual cores, so now would be a good time to upgrade.
 

MegaVovaN

Diamond Member
May 20, 2005
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Originally posted by: katieca
Haha, my budget is $800-$1000 or so. Just treat me right, MegaVovaN.

I need Case, CPU, RAM, PSU, Vid card, aftermarket heat sink. No monitor/speakers/sound card.

EDIT: Don't skimp on the RAM/CPU/Mobo, I want an OC'er :D

Also, thanks.

EDIT:
I found a PSU I like:
SeaSonic S12-330 ATX12V 330W
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817151021

The PSU is not going to cut it. Too little watts/low amps.

$116 E4300 (hell of an overclocker, or so I read)

$180-20MIR 8800gts 320mb

$118 GA-965P-DS3 Rev. 3.3

I am not sure on ram/heatsink advice, check out other threads, read some guides, post here. Mobo choice is largely personal (I don't have the mobo, just its what ppl recommend) - although for OCing you may want different mobo.
For PSU, again, check out hot deals, other threads, JonnyGury, and post here along with heatsink/mobo/ram choices.


edit: DO you need hard drive/dvd drive?
 

katieca

Member
Feb 12, 2006
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I don't need HDD, but I do need DVD drive, good catch, thanks.

Here's what I've liked so far:
EVGA 256-P2-N615-TX GeForce 7600GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814130062

XCLIO X14S4P3 500W ATX 500W Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817189012

Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 Conroe 2.13GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6420
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819115016

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400PHU2-2GBHZ
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820231065


As for a heatsink I don't know if I should go for the $20 Arctic Cooling one, although I like AC, I don't know about their CPU stuff.

Still interested in DVD-R/RW, Case, and ~$150 OC mobo.

Thanks for the replies :D

EDIT: Changed GFX card, I figure I'll get something cheap now and upgrade when something really nice comes out

EDIT#2: Also, are there any good aftermarket 7600GT coolers?
 

ribbon13

Diamond Member
Feb 1, 2005
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well, if you going to move up in the coolers, the only HSF I'd run (if I didn't run water/vapor) for overclocking is Zalman CNPS9700 LED, but the Tuniq has a lot of popularity. Either way, I'd still recommend the Thermaltake Armor i linked earlier. You said you wanted to overclock right? 250mm fan on the side panel blowing on the motherboard == silent pwnage.

7170S 7170A
get the firmware


edit: I'd also like to add that the intake fans on that case make dust formation less likely (ie slower, because of negative pressure), and the front is open mesh with 120mm intake. It's a very nice case for easy dusting too.
 

MegaVovaN

Diamond Member
May 20, 2005
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Originally posted by: ribbon13
well, if you going to move up in the coolers, the only HSF I'd run (if I didn't run water/vapor) for overclocking is Zalman CNPS9700 LED, but the Tuniq has a lot of popularity. Either way, I'd still recommend the Thermaltake Armor i linked earlier. You said you wanted to overclock right? 250mm fan on the side panel blowing on the motherboard == silent pwnage.

7170S 7170A
get the firmware


edit: I'd also like to add that the intake fans on that case make dust formation less likely (ie slower, because of negative pressure), and the front is open mesh with 120mm intake. It's a very nice case for easy dusting too.

CAn you explain what negative pressure means? Air going OUT of the case?
Either way, if they move X air, they will catch X dust :)
 

katieca

Member
Feb 12, 2006
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I think I'll stick with the RAM he suggested, I like its rating.

As for the aftermarket coolers so far, I don't like any yet--I'll have to do some more research before I decide. Those DVD Drives looks good though.

And as for the case, I don't like the Thermaltake one much, but if I don't find an Antec I like better, I'll go with that.

Thanks, guys :)

Still deciding:
Case
CPU Heatsink
GPU Heatsink
 

Roguestar

Diamond Member
Aug 29, 2006
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Originally posted by: katieca
I think I'll stick with the RAM he suggested, I like its rating.

Fair enough... :confused:

Read some aftermarket cooler reviews on the anandtech main site and in the cases and cooling forum.
 

katieca

Member
Feb 12, 2006
37
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I think I'll just get the Tuniq.

Also, I found the MSI P6N SLI-FI -- what's the difference between that and the platinum?

EDIT: I think I've decided on the GA-965P-DS3 --but how do I ensure getting Rev3.3?
 

pakman134

Junior Member
Jan 12, 2007
23
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Originally posted by: katieca
I think I've decided on the GA-965P-DS3 --but how do I ensure getting Rev3.3?

Most the people recently at newegg are getting the Rev 3.3. Link

To be 100% sure though clubit guarantees a revision 3.3 for even cheaper. ~$125 including shipping right now. Link