Thoughts on my first C2D build?

[ryansebiz]

I'm researching my first C2D build. I'll never use SLI and (probably) never overclock. Silence is very important.

I'll be throwing everything in to my P180B with my 7800GT (waiting on DX10 prices to drop).

Please let me know what you think of my build:

Asus P5B Deluxe WiFi-AP $202

E6600 (OEM) $270

Zalman CNPS9500 LED 92mm $50

Patriot eXtreme 2GB DDR2 800 $263

Total: $785

 

[Aosh]

Why get DDR2 800 if you don't plan to OC?

 

[Howard]

If you won't overclock, DDR2-533 is fine.

If silence is your priority, the CNPS9500 is overpriced and inferior. Try the Thermalright Ultra-120 or the Scythe Ninja Plus.

Do you need the onboard Wi-Fi?

 

[ryansebiz]

Originally posted by: Aosh
Why get DDR2 800 if you don't plan to OC?

Originally posted by: Howard
If you won't overclock, DDR2-533 is fine.

OK, thanks.

If silence is your priority, the CNPS9500 is overpriced and inferior. Try the Thermalright Ultra-120 or the Scythe Ninja Plus.

Passive cooling - nice. I guess since the C2D runs so cool and quiet I can get away with a passive cooler.

I can get the Scythe Ninja Plus for $40.

Do you need the onboard Wi-Fi?

No, it's optional. I don't need it know, just trying to future-proof it if I need it in...the future.

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: ryansebiz

Originally posted by: Aosh
Why get DDR2 800 if you don't plan to OC?

Originally posted by: Howard
If you won't overclock, DDR2-533 is fine.

OK, thanks.

If silence is your priority, the CNPS9500 is overpriced and inferior. Try the Thermalright Ultra-120 or the Scythe Ninja Plus.

Passive cooling - nice. I guess since the C2D runs so cool and quiet I can get away with a passive cooler.

I can get the Scythe Ninja Plus for $40.

Do you need the onboard Wi-Fi?

No, it's optional. I don't need it know, just trying to future-proof it if I need it in...the future.

personally i would get a gigabyte 965p-s3 m/b - passive cooling
6300-6400
thermalright 120
ddr2-533

this will save you quite a bit of $$$ and you won't notice the difference between the 6600 and 6400/6300 unless you benchmark them.

no reason to pay $200+ for a m/b that has option you may need when you can pick up a usb wifi adapter for much less than the difference between m/b prices

just my .02

 

[ryansebiz]

Originally posted by: bob4432
personally i would get a gigabyte 965p-s3 m/b - passive cooling
6300-6400
thermalright 120
ddr2-533

this will save you quite a bit of $$$ and you won't notice the difference between the 6600 and 6400/6300 unless you benchmark them.

no reason to pay $200+ for a m/b that has option you may need when you can pick up a usb wifi adapter for much less than the difference between m/b prices

just my .02

OK, thanks. I was considering the 6400 which will save me some cash.

I need Firewire to transfer video from my camcorder so I can't use the Gigabyte 965p-s3. Any other ideas?

 

[Howard]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131070

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: Howard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131070

exaclty, no since spending so much on a m/b when you are not going to o/c

 

[ryansebiz]

Originally posted by: Howard
If you won't overclock, DDR2-533 is fine.

Originally posted by: bob4432
ddr2-533

The cheapest 533 Value RAM I can find is at least $214. The 800 RAM is $236 (after rebate). Should I still go with the 533?

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: ryansebiz

Originally posted by: Howard
If you won't overclock, DDR2-533 is fine.

Originally posted by: bob4432
ddr2-533

The cheapest 533 Value RAM I can find is at least $214. The 800 RAM is $236 (after rebate). Should I still go with the 533?

it is not needed unless you are plannind to o/c, which you have stated you are not. if there is a remote chane you are going to o/c get the faster ram, it is up to you.

 

[ryansebiz]

Originally posted by: bob4432

it is not needed unless you are plannind to o/c, which you have stated you are not. if there is a remote chane you are going to o/c get the faster ram, it is up to you.

OK, thanks Bob. I'll go with the 533. Cheaper and I won't have to worry about a rebate.

 

[bob4432]

Originally posted by: ryansebiz

Originally posted by: bob4432

it is not needed unless you are plannind to o/c, which you have stated you are not. if there is a remote chane you are going to o/c get the faster ram, it is up to you.

OK, thanks Bob. I'll go with the 533. Cheaper and I won't have to worry about a rebate.

no probs, just definately really think about whether your are going to ok or not though....o/cing is easy and mild o/cs don't hurt parts. just be sure you are definately not before you make your decision.

 

[ryansebiz]

Originally posted by: bob4432
no probs, just definately really think about whether your are going to ok or not though....o/cing is easy and mild o/cs don't hurt parts. just be sure you are definately not before you make your decision.

So if I wanted to do a mild OC you'd recommend 667? And a big OC you'd recommend 800?

 

[ryansebiz]

OK so here's the updated build:

Asus P5B-E $158

Has everything I need - 3 PCI slots, Firewire and LGA775.

E6400 $224

Scythe Ninja Plus $40

Won't OC so I won't be using a fan with the Ninja.

Corsair Value Ram DDR2 533 $212

Again, no OCing so 533 should be fine.

Total: $634

Does this look like a good build?

 

[Roguestar]

Looks pretty good to me.