Recommend CPU $300~$400

[NickelPlate]

Hi All,

I've finally decided to ditch my P4 for a core 2 duo setup. I just got Oblivion and it looks great but I think my CPU is holding my card back a bit. I'm pretty much good to go but I think I'll need RAM too. I'm a little confused about what's the best CPU in my stated price range. I'm thinking E6700? Also looking for a RAM upgrade too (recommedations welcome for moderate overclocking) I don't think my current RAM (listed in my sig) will work. Thanks.

NP

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: NickelPlate
Also looking for a RAM upgrade too (recommedations welcome for moderate overclocking) I don't think my current RAM (listed in my sig) will work.

Your RAM has the best, most sought-after IC's of any RAM, Micron D9's. Just raise the timings from 3-3-3-8 to 5-5-5-15, and it should do very close to 1,000 Mhz, with 2.2-2.3v of vdimm. Not that you'll need those kinds of numbers, if you get an E6700.

 

[NickelPlate]

Thanks for the reply. No one else on CPU suggestions? Is this the best CPU in my price range or is there something better at a lower price?

 

[NoSoup4You]

You should be good to go with an E6600 and a good aftermarket heatsink like the Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme or a Tuniq Tower 120. Since you're interested in overclocking, a good heatsink is pretty much mandatory.

Or better yet, an E6700 with a heatsink fan should still keep you under your $400 cieling.

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: NickelPlate
Thanks for the reply. No one else on CPU suggestions? Is this the best CPU in my price range or is there something better at a lower price?

you are aware that if you hold out another 3 months, you can pick up a quad core Q6600 for 266 dollars right? Then drop on a uber air heat sink, to keep it nice and cool for around 100 dollars, Thermalright IFX-14. That should do 3.2ghz on ALL 4 cores.

Thats the only reason why i havent picked one up yet when they droped to 549. Im waiting for the price to drop to 266, and then ditching my E6600 to crunch numbers on WCG.

 

[NickelPlate]

I didn't know about the Q6600. But 3 months is a long time. I've been waiting too long to jump on the multi core bandwagon. I just ordered an E6700. That should pair up nicely with my 8800GTS. I should be good for awhile now.

 

[NickelPlate]

Well I must say I'm thoroughly impressed with the E6700 :thumbsup:. Of course I expected it to be better but the jump in performance in games from my old P4 661 @ 3.8Ghz is obscene to put it mildly (particularly with Oblivion). I'm already running the C2D at 3.0Ghz without any difficulty. I only wish I'd bought the CPU sooner but at least I got in just after the recent price cuts. Thanks everyone for the advice.

 

[lyssword]

Nice, at least it's not as much of a waste as before price cuts you would've had to pay 200$ more over the already expensive e6600 Not the cheapest price, but not bad either.