What are the chances to break 3.0Ghz

[allies]

Processor: E4300
Heatsink: Zalman 9500
Motherboard: Gigabyte 945P-S3
Ram: 4x1 GB of SuperTalent DDR2 667

I haven't really dabbled in intel overclocking, and I know there are lots of people that have good luck with the 965P-DS3... but I can't find as much info about the much cheaper 945P-S3. All I'm looking for is 3.0GHz as that would be more than a healthy boost over my current 4400+ at 2.4 ghz. Also I didn't know if going 4GB would be detrimental to overclocking.

TIA for the tips.

BTW - I want to keep my components (RAM, Mobo, and CPU under 500... and I want 4GB. This is why I chose these components. If there is another combination worth mentioning, please do so).

 

[n7]

945 =

You want 965/975/nF 650i ideally.

 

[allies]

Alright... any recommendations for mobos. The biostar T965 + E4300 is going at NE for $275... then if I subtract $15 (paypal) that means it's $260 + S/H... good deal?

 

[Cheex]

P945 Chipset - Chances = ~30%
P965 Chipset - Chances = ~90%

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Originally posted by: allies
Alright... any recommendations for mobos. The biostar T965 + E4300 is going at NE for $275... then if I subtract $15 (paypal) that means it's $260 + S/H... good deal?

Much better deal:thumbsup:

4gb shouldn't cause O/C problems since your using an E4300 and won't need really high FSB.

Unless you have a specific need for 4gb and you plan on using a 64bit OS, I would stick with 2gb. 32bit windows will only show 3.25gb as available and can only allocate 2gb to a single app. If your staying with XP, 4gb is really overkill, Vista can utilize the extra memory but you will have to use x64 Vista to have access to all 4gb

 

[Rio Rebel]

While I agree with the above post about not needing 4 gig, I'll assume you have your reasons, and just add this suggestion:

If you have to go one way or the other for price considerations, go with the 965 chipset and use the stock HSF, rather than the 945 chipset with a Zalman. The stock HSF actually does a very good job, and won't cause you to fail to hit 3ghz if your other components can handle it.

 

[allies]

Originally posted by: Rio Rebel
While I agree with the above post about not needing 4 gig, I'll assume you have your reasons, and just add this suggestion:

If you have to go one way or the other for price considerations, go with the 965 chipset and use the stock HSF, rather than the 945 chipset with a Zalman. The stock HSF actually does a very good job, and won't cause you to fail to hit 3ghz if your other components can handle it.

I have the Zalman cooler already (on my X2 rig, I'll shift my factory cooler to my X2 once I get the C2D setup going). And I'm going to be going to Vista Ultimate 64 Bit relatively soon, which I heard really benefits from 4GB. Thus I'd like to go 4GB.

 

[Rio Rebel]

Well, you are buying the least expensive C2D chip, and I assume you found the best deal out there on 4 gigs of memory, so there's really not a question left. I would strongly suggest paying the extra $25-30 to go to the 965 S3. I think you'll find almost unanimous agreement on that point.

Good luck with your system.

 

[allies]

I mentioned using the Biostar 965PT... is there a big difference between this board and the 965 S3? Or are they very similar? Thanks for the help Rio Rebel.

 

[Rio Rebel]

Only a $5 difference between the two boards right now. I've read good things about this Biostar board, but I've had a bad experience in the past with Biostar and I like the Gigabyte name a little better. The features and specs are similar.

I suspect you'll be happy with either.

 

[bobsmith1492]

"A good motherboard is the key to a good computer."

- me

 

[allies]

Originally posted by: bobsmith1492
"A good motherboard is the key to a good computer."

- me

Is the Biostar TForce965P a good choice? Apparently it won an AT award...

Also, I'm having second thoughts on 4GB. Would the difference between 2 and 4 be noticable in vista? thanks!