Upgrading to Core 2 Duo

[Matt2]

So i've chugging along with my Opteron 170 setup for far too long now. My Xbox 360 died (not under warranty) and I refuse to give Microsoft another dime for that piece of crap.

I just bought a 2900XT and I'm going to be CPU limited. Since my Xbox 360 was my main gaming machine for a while, I've decided to take this opportunity to completely upgrade my system.

I need suggestions on what would be the best setup to go with.

Needs for this system:

1) Core 2 Duo processor capable of hitting at least 3.0-3.2GHZ

2) Motherboard that supports Crossfire as I may invest in another 2900XT (1920x1200 gaming resolution). I hear the P35 is the best right now, but I am a little concerned about the PCI-E slots only running 16x/4x while in Crossfire mode. Would a 975 or 965 board be better for this purpose. Remember, this motherboard needs to allow me to hit 3+GHZ.

3) Looking for a 2x1GB overclockable RAM kit that is going to allow me to hit my OC mark.

4) I have a Koolance water cooling system so a waterblock would be nice if you have suggestions.

5) Lowest price possible.

thanks

 

[Nocturnal]

Microsoft recently updated the warranty to 3 years from date of purchase. There's a good chance your XBox is still under warranty.

 

[MarcVenice]

He's right, definately worth looking into. In fact, if you have payed before, to get rid of the red ring of death, they will actually pay you back the money you spend to get it fixed!

As for your PC, a p35 mobo isn't gonna work for SLI/Crossfire. Can't see your rig btw, but I doubt that a opteron 170 at 2.8ghz or so will be cpu limiting your gaming at resolutions that high. You're probably better of wating for x38 mobo's. Those should be supporting dual crossfire pci-e 16x, and even have pci-e 2.0 slots, and support the 1333fsb cpu's as well as penryn.

If you wanna hit 3ghz+ with a c2d, a e6320 or better would be your best bet. People seem to be having trouble hitting 3ghz with e4x00's so that's not the way to go. Besides, whats 160$ for a e6600 or so in a week or 2 ?

Any ddr800 ram will allow you to hit 3-3.2ghz, thats a fsb of 400, multiplied by 8, is 3.2ghz overclock. With a 9 multi that would be 3.6ghz. A good aftermarket HSF is adviced though.