Recommend Mobo and RAM for E6400@3.2

[Bryan]

I've searched here and at Hardforum, but cannot find exactly what I'm looking for. I want to purchase a retail E6400 and overclock it to 3.2. From what I have read, it is relatively simple to do this at stock temps without excessive tweaking. Here are my other peripherals:

Antec P150 (w/ NeoHE 430)
Raptor X (Primary/OS)
2 x WD 400GB SATA (Storage of all things legally obtained)
2 x PATA DVD+/-RW
Nvidia 7600GT (I might like to add another since they're so cheap now, so an SLI capable mobo is a plus, but not a must)
SB Audigy 4 Pro
Vista Ultimate

I just want a set it and forget it overclock to 3.2. In your opinion, what's the best, most stable, and cheapest way to get there?

THANK YOU!!!

 

[cpl edge]

well, i have had stunning results with my setup(see below) but not till i updated the bios. alot. 4 different occasions to be exact. im running idle at 23C or 33C depending on what OS im running at the time. (or that could be the version of speed fan i guess) it required no CPU voltage adjustment at all. only vdimm. and that is because i wanted ddr 800 performance from my ddr 667...i have the original version of gigabyte's water cooling kit.

 

[nyker96]

I'd get the following cheapest key components for your job:
1. E6400 retail
2. Gigabyte S3
3. Enhance 5150GH power supply
4. some 2GB DDR2 800+ RAM
5. maybe a separate HSF if you care to keep the cpu cooler.

rest of your components will do it THis should be easily 3.2 capable.

 

[Bryan]

Originally posted by: nyker96
I'd get the following cheapest key components for your job:
1. E6400 retail
2. Gigabyte S3
3. Enhance 5150GH power supply
4. some 2GB DDR2 800+ RAM
5. maybe a separate HSF if you care to keep the cpu cooler.

rest of your components will do it THis should be easily 3.2 capable.

Can you point me to a good deal on 2GB of DDR2 800 that is not on Newegg (9.25% sales tax here in TN )

 

[Roguestar]

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=28&threadid=1966035

 

[Bryan]

Just bought the Bad Axe 2 from the Microcenter deal. At $175ish I couldn't pass it up. I might add the 2GB OCZ from ZZF for $180 AR to go with it. Any reason not to?

 

[tcG]

Originally posted by: Bryan
Just bought the Bad Axe 2 from the Microcenter deal. At $175ish I couldn't pass it up. I might add the 2GB OCZ from ZZF for $180 AR to go with it. Any reason not to?

Yes.

DDR2 1110 @ 4-4-4-12

 

[Markfw]

Originally posted by: nyker96
I'd get the following cheapest key components for your job:
1. E6400 retail
2. Gigabyte S3
3. Enhance 5150GH power supply
4. some 2GB DDR2 800+ RAM
5. maybe a separate HSF if you care to keep the cpu cooler.

rest of your components will do it THis should be easily 3.2 capable.

I have never heard of enhance power supplies. I would stay with Antec, Sesonic, Fortron, or PC Power and Cooling.

 

[cpl edge]

raidmax also makes decent power supplies. cheaper too. and you can get them cheap at frys so if it is bad, just exchange it...

 

[Markfw]

nix the raidmax too. Unless you have a reputable review link.

 

[zagood]

Go with that Enhance as suggested. Never trust items that someone says "if it is bad, just exchange it." Browse on over to jonnyguru.com and read some reviews.

3.2ghz is basic. I'm using the OCZ Platinum DDR2-800 Rev.2 at 2.0v 4-4-4-12. You can get better timings, but most DDR2-800 will be fine, just look for the best price with CL4. Unless, that is, you're going to want to overclock past that. Then look at higher FSB or look for suggestions like the one tcG dropped on you.

-z

 

[Bryan]

Crap. Ok, I couldn't pass up the Team Xtreem Dark. My inner Scrooge is terribly disappointed with me. So now, here we are:

Intel Bad Axe 2
2GB Team Xtreem Dark DDR800
E6400

So, while I'm hanging myself, should I add some additional case cooling for the P150 (like Nexus 92mm Real Silents)? How many? Is there a cheaper, but simillar performing alternative?

Will the retail HSF allow me to explore an OC of 3.6, or do I need more?

Man, I can feel it coming back. The SICKNESS. Feels good.

 

[zagood]

haha I know the feeling. No worries.

Stock cooler won't get you past 3.2, and at that speed you'll be pretty hot.

Here's my P150.

Hardware:
e6400 @3.2ghz 3.31v
Gigabyte DS3
OCZ Platinum Rev. 2 DDR2-800 @800 4-4-4-12 2.0v
eVGA 8800GTS
old PCI IDE card
SoundBlaster XTREEEEEEEME Music (hate that name)
Maxtor 200gb SATA
Seagate 160gb IDE
Basic Lite-On DVD-RW and CD-RW (both IDE)
Silverstone ST50EF 500w PSU

Cooling:
Sunbeam Rheobus *next 3 are on this controller
*CPU Heatsink Asus SilentSquare (w/ ghetto rigged 100mm Scythe Kaze-Jyu)
*92mm Panaflo medium volume
*120mm Scythe S-flex 1600RPM
92mm Akasa Amber

The point of having two different 92mm fans in the front is so I can leave one lowspeed fan (the Akasa) at 12v all the time, and increase/decrease speed on the other one if necessary.

temps are around 38-40 idle and 49ish load. I've changed around my configuration so many times I haven't done any good recent testing on it.

This heatsink is decent, but because it's so deep (a good 2+cm over the tuniq tower) it gets really close to the rear fan...can't use 120x38mm fans for exhaust, have to go with 25mm ones (hence the S-Flex).

I've tried 92x38mm fans in the front bottom of the case, really didn't like how they pushed up so close to the hard drives (when suspended). Don't think you could use them with hard mounted drives.

Tips:
- Cut out all fan grilles, add wire grill to rear.
- If the suspension bands that come with the case don't have fabric coatings, talk to the Antec RMA department and they'll send you the new ones. Or just go to the fabric store.
- The front fan mount sometimes won't attach solidly to the case and could cause a slight hum or rattle. Use something to fill in the space...I used thick masking tape, you could also use very thin foam insulation with a sticky back.
- Same for the dust filter.

Have fun!

-z