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what do you guys think of this combo?

wasamicron

Senior member
I want to put together a new computer based on this combo. What do you guys think? I might even try to overclock for the very first time. I am not sure what ram to pick up. Should I get the 1066 speed? I saw a comment for the motherboard review that said you need a quad core processor to take advantage of this speed of ram? Any tips appreciated alot. I'm not a gamer, but plan to install vista ultimate (because I have the 32 and 64 bit versions thanks to Bill Gates).
 
First, 1066 RAM isn't necessary.

Also, the X2 "Kuma" is pretty old and I'd only get it if you absolutely can't afford something better. I'd rather go for either a socket 775 with Intel E5200 or an AM2+/AM3 board and a Phenom II X3 710. Both options are more expensive but they'll perform quite a bit better. Also, the E5200 usually overclocks really well. Athlon X2s can only make it to around 3 GHz, which isn't good when you're starting at 2.7.
 
Originally posted by: wasamicron
I want to put together a new computer based on this combo. What do you guys think? I might even try to overclock for the very first time. I am not sure what ram to pick up. Should I get the 1066 speed? I saw a comment for the motherboard review that said you need a quad core processor to take advantage of this speed of ram? Any tips appreciated alot. I'm not a gamer, but plan to install vista ultimate (because I have the 32 and 64 bit versions thanks to Bill Gates).

What kind of budget do you have - $150-ish? As AstroManLuca said, the Intel E5200 is, overall, a better chip than the AMD Kuma. Since you are not a gamer, a recent Intel or Nvidia IGP does Vista Aero quite well.


 
Originally posted by: AstroManLuca
Originally posted by: perdomot
I suggest this combo instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?ItemList=Combo.165025
Just raising the multi to 16.5 gets you 3.3Ghz on default voltages easy.

That's a pretty sweet deal. It is a good $70 more expensive, but well worth it. Almost makes me want to get it, but I'm still intent on riding out my X2 4800+ for a while longer.

If that X2 4800+ is socket 939, you should definitely consider selling it on ebay. For what they're selling for, you could pay for the entire new combo and get a huge upgrade.
 
Originally posted by: wasamicron
I want to put together a new computer based on this combo. What do you guys think? I might even try to overclock for the very first time. I am not sure what ram to pick up. Should I get the 1066 speed? I saw a comment for the motherboard review that said you need a quad core processor to take advantage of this speed of ram? Any tips appreciated alot. I'm not a gamer, but plan to install vista ultimate (because I have the 32 and 64 bit versions thanks to Bill Gates).

That's a good deal.

The X2 7750 Kuma will run 1066MHz RAMs. You could run 800MHz if you wanted to save a few bucks. For a future upgrade to a Phenom II you would best be served with the 1066MHz RAMs.

For another $10 you need the X2 7750 Kuma / Biostar 790gx combo. It has the same IGP sideport memory as the Gigabyte mobo but also has the sb750 which will help boost your OC a bit by improving PLL timing
 
Thanks for the replies. I'm kinda cought up in balancing cost with performance. I keep telling myself " a little more cash will get me more". Just when I think that I've made up my mind, it's back to "a little more cash will get me even more" scenario. I think all the suggestions so far would work for me.
 
Originally posted by: wasamicron
Thanks for the replies. I'm kinda cought up in balancing cost with performance. I keep telling myself " a little more cash will get me more". Just when I think that I've made up my mind, it's back to "a little more cash will get me even more" scenario. I think all the suggestions so far would work for me.

I'm always balancing price vs performance too which is why I went X3. With the new PHII cpus offering an excellent value and the 720BE unlocked multi, it's an easy choice IMO.
 
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