Xmas PC Upgrade

[xtknight]

I am planning to upgrade and order some parts very soon. I am sure that I want an Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 CPU, but need advice as to which chipset/motherboard, heatsink, and RAM modules to pair it with.

I use this machine for development, and I have massive quantities of windows open at times. I run a virtual machine as well. I would like to be able to decode 1080p videos in real-time and to have some CPU time left over for video post-processing with ffdshow, which the video card is incapable of (the flexibility just isn't there for me). In short, this will be the ultimate multi-tasking PC.

I prefer ASUS mainboards but if there is substantial value in going for another brand over ASUS I will take it into consideration. I don't intend on overclocking much, and in fact I will probably never increase the voltage on the CPU to ensure longevity. That does depend on whether or not I'm happy with the speed. For now I'll say that I want a motherboard that has the potential to overclock 30%, but anything over that is not a necessity.

I want 2(2x1) GB of DDR2, but I'm not sure which speed, manufacturer, model, or timings to go with. I can not afford 4 or even 3 GB of DDR2. I need to make sure the RAM will work in my motherboard. Is there any tangible benefit going from DDR2 400 to DDR2 800 for what I do? Are there any really good deals I should look into now?

As for heatsinks, I have no idea what would be the best.

I would like some advice on this build. I don't plan on spending more than $600 USD (not including shipping) on the whole thing, but that of course can be negotiated. I will be ordering all of the components from Newegg.

Thanks.

Edit: I forgot to say that I would also like to stick with an Intel chipset for compatibility and stability. The main reason is because my hard drive has issues with the nForce 4 chipset, and Intel has good Linux support.

Also, I suppose Arctic Silver 5 is still the gold standard (no pun intended) for thermal paste?

 

[thuganomics]

If you're not overclocking, you dont need to replace the heatsink.
Unless you want silent, then you should get Scythe Ninja or better, Tuniq tower.
I have a P5LD2 Rev 2.0 motherboard and it runs pretty good, but i'd recommend a P5B-E, P5B or P5B deluxe motherboard if you dont have a friend that can mod your motherboard.
And for the ram, i have a Corsair 2GB dual channel kit and it runs pretty nice and it overclocks like a beast. ($220CAD at a retail store, pretty expensive 1 month ago)

 

[xtknight]

Bump, I would like some more opinions on this.

Right now I will probably go with:
Intel E6300
ASUS P5B Deluxe

The Scythe Ninja isn't available at Newegg. Are Zalman HSFs still good (this specifically)? I may go with the Corsair but I would like RAM with 'D9' chips if they are a little better for OCing. I'm undecided whether or not I will want to OC, but I will say yes, I want the capability and extra headroom available.

 

[theprodigalrebel]

For your CPU Cooler: Xbit Labs has a comparison of the Zalman CNPS9700LED, Thermaltake Big Typhoon, Scythe Infinity & Scythe Ninja. The Big Typhoon wins - and this was tested on a P5B and a E6300. The Big Typhoon VX is now out on Newegg but it just went out of stock and they now list 1/1/07 as ETA. link The old one is here

(They don't come up when you search 'Big Typhoon' - Newegg's fault)

Bandwidth/latencies don't really do much to improve performance on Core 2 Duo - it's usually on the order of ~5% or less, depending on application. But hurray, memory prices are finally falling (lots of MIRs out there) and in some time, should be priced much lower even without MIRs.

This isn't an exhaustive list but a good starting point. Only the Corsair Dominators come with D9s guaranteed (it's a lottery with the XMS series, I believe) - and they are a little expensive. Super Talent/Patriot have some good DDR2 800 @ CAS4 kits with great rebates. Check those out. If the speed isn't relevant, at least the quality will be. The cheaper kits will be fine but the good ones may allow you to pump up the FSB much higher (with/without relaxed timings) if you decide to put your E6300 through the trenches. G.Skill's D9 kits are still over $300. I'm not sure whether the DDR2 800 4-4-4 Kingston kits on Newegg are D9s.

 

[UMfanatic]

as for ram get something like patriot or corsair or special talent, the E6400 is better, the Big typhoon is great I have one, although it is almost the side of a game cube make sure you have room in your case, if you can find one get a Tt Tuniq Tower, i have a link to a place that has them in stock.

 

[xtknight]

After reading lots of reviews, these are definitely on my list now:
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6300
Motherboard: ASUS P5B Deluxe (don't need the WiFi version)

I have decided that I don't even need another HSF. The cost+pain of installation isn't worth it (plus the fact that the weight of most is over Intel's 450g spec). I will just use the included stock one, as even with it people are getting great OCs (not that I expect to go anywhere near their 3 GHz marks with it). http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1075792

Now, for RAM...
(According to this thread: Core 2 Duo/DDR2 Memory Guide, Read Me First.)
This is looking good: Patriot eXtreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
Also it is compatible with the P5B Deluxe as seen from the above spreadsheet on Hardforum.

Recap:
Intel Core 2 Duo E6300
Asus P5B Deluxe
Intel stock cooler and AS5
Patriot 6400 eXtreme

Have I made the right decision?

Thanks for letting me know of the possible options, I just want to make sure that I haven't skipped over any good deals.

 

[Roguestar]

I was just about to post a link to that thread about DDR2 . Go for the Patriot or the Buffalo Firestix linked there. The Gigabyte S3 would give you more room in your budget and two members in the CPU forum have five between them, all overclocking Core 2 Duo CPUs to 3.2 - 3.5Ghz a piece so it's not lagging behind on performance.

 

[xtknight]

Originally posted by: Roguestar
I was just about to post a link to that thread about DDR2 . Go for the Patriot or the Buffalo Firestix linked there. The Gigabyte S3 would give you more room in your budget and two members in the CPU forum have five between them, all overclocking Core 2 Duo CPUs to 3.2 - 3.5Ghz a piece so it's not lagging behind on performance.

Thank you for bringing that up. I would have almost certainly glossed over it.

The P5B Deluxe lacks a parallel port connector. :roll: In addition, it looks like the on-board audio is rather problematic. (Gee, kind of like my A8N-SLI where the ethernet chips just die. Looks like ASUS hasn't cleaned up their act.) I see little reason not to go with the Gigabyte S3 now. I have owned some good Gigabyte boards in the past so I have doubt this one will disappoint me. Furthermore, the S3 has more x1 slots. 3 versus 1...

This is the board you're speaking of, correct? GA-965P-S3 (Not the DS3?)

The Firestix deal is no longer valid at Newegg so I will stick with the Patriot eXtreme 6400 D9 chip one.

"Only DDR2-800 memory supporting JEDEC approved 1.8V operation with timings of 5-5-5 or 6-6-6 is supported on Intel Desktop Boards based on Intel 965 Express Chipsets."

This part confuses me. This RAM lists 2.2V and 4-4-4-12 timings. Does that actually mean it will not work in the S3?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820220144

I have read of some "D9 problems" on the S3 board but I believe it only happens at over 450 FSB so I have nothing to worry about.

 

[xtknight]

bump for morning crew

 

[UMfanatic]

well both the S3 and DS3 are goodboards, I would go with a DS3 if you can afford it,

 

[xtknight]

I don't think it would be worth it. The only extra thing I get by going with the DS3 is a RAID controller which I don't need, plus a slower ethernet chip interface (PCIe vs PCI).

Any idea on the RAM thing? Would this RAM scale down to 1.8V and be able to use 5-5-5 timings or must I choose another module if I want to use it with the S3 board?

 

[UMfanatic]

patriot extreme would be good

 

[xtknight]

Well, I see several people with DS3s using the Patriot 6400 so I'll have to assume it'll work with the S3.

Specs for now:

Gigabyte GA-965P-S3
Intel C2D E6300
Patriot eXtreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

Thanks guys.

Edit: well, the DS3 has better capacitors. I didn't realize that. I will probably just make the jump to the DS3 as the price difference is negligible.

 

[Roguestar]

I didn't think anyone used parallel boards any more . My motherboard is three years old and it was one of the first to toss parallel away in favour of extra USB .

Edit: Don't forget to get an aftermarket cooler if you're going to be overclocking. (I'd say get one anyway even if you're not, to be honest.)

 

[John]

Originally posted by: Roguestar
I didn't think anyone used parallel boards any more . My motherboard is three years old and it was one of the first to toss parallel away in favour of extra USB .

Edit: Don't forget to get an aftermarket cooler if you're going to be overclocking. (I'd say get one anyway even if you're not, to be honest.)

Some people are too lazy to purchase parallel to usb adapters for their old printers.

 

[UMfanatic]

I havent a clue if anyone uses a parallel port anyone, you might be lucky to find a printer still sold with parallel connection hehe

 

[xtknight]

I have a parallel port printer (Deskjet 722C, been going for 5 years and I see no reason to get rid of it). It's weird because they include a serial but not a parallel port. Surely serial isn't used more than parallel.

The boards I'm torn between are: Gigabyte S3, Gigabyte DS3, ASUS P5B Deluxe.

Why am I still considering the ASUS? Well, a) My Intel 865PE ASUS board was PERFECT, b) it does look like it is packed with a lot more features and it still has great overclocking potential. It also looks like it has better cooling? It has firewire and dual ethernet and a much bigger bundle. I can solve the parallel port problem by getting a $10 PCI card at Newegg. This is hard...oh well, I have until 12/19 to decide. If you haven't noticed, making decisions is not my forte.

I have added a poll. What do you think is the best overall value? DS3 or P5B? Decided to take the S3 off the list since the DS3 has better caps.

 

[UMfanatic]

go with the GA-965P-DS3. I am a bit biased because for the last 6 years I have used gigabyte boards but I have never had a problem with them ever

 

[Roguestar]

My vote goes for the S3 even though it wasn't on the poll .

 

[UMfanatic]

well both are good, I would say just go for the better deal in terms of price, which I am assuming would be the S3

 

[John]

I've never really cared for Asus boards or their RMA, and the DS3 is a proven winner especially with all of the bios updates and D9 issue out of the way. The DS3's run 450-500FSB out of the box without vmods. It really boils down to personal preference.

 

[UMfanatic]

I agree with john,

 

[xtknight]

Well it seems as though the DS3 is preferred, but more people voted for the Asus. Could you guys please chime in?

 

[UMfanatic]

yeah you have your asus fans and you have your gigabyte people, but for you the DS3 is better

 

[ForumMaster]

the asus is better. i doubt you'll be able to get a 30% OC on any of those boards though.