Best MoBo and RAM for Intel's E6600?

[Benjamonous]

So, this is a bit of a noob question, but I'm looking at putting together a gaming machine, and I'm going to buy an Intel E6600.

I'm wondering what my best choices for MoBo and RAM would be to ensure that there are as few performance bottlenecks as possible.

I'm assuming I would need to get RAM with a 1066MHz to match the FSB on the CPU in order to maximize speed between CPU and RAM. Is that a correct assumption?

Also, what's the best MoBo for the E6600 that's out right now?

THanks

 

[mitties]

for motherboard Anandtech has a really good review of a couple different motherboards for core 2. ASUS P5W-DH Deluxe is the one they claim to be the best. I'm personally going to wait for the next gen motherboards to come out before I upgrade from my ASRock 775Dual-VSTA.

http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2797

As far as ram you need atleast ddr2-533 i believe. I've always found corsair to be a big favorite of mine because I have never had problems with this brand.

 

[1Tanker]

So, this is a bit of a noob question, but I'm looking at putting together a gaming machine, and I'm going to buy an Intel E6600.

I'm wondering what my best choices for MoBo and RAM would be to ensure that there are as few performance bottlenecks as possible.

I'm assuming I would need to get RAM with a 1066MHz to match the FSB on the CPU in order to maximize speed between CPU and RAM. Is that a correct assumption?

Also, what's the best MoBo for the E6600 that's out right now?

THanks

The ASUS P5W DH Deluxe will be your best bet for mobo, at this point in time.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131025

The best RAM would be the CORSAIR TWIN2X2048-6400C3. The price is astronaumical though.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145035

The CORSAIR TWIN2X2048-6400C4 would be more economical though.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145034

As far as running DDR2-1066, you only nned DDR2-533 to run in sync with the FSB. 1066 will run at twice the FSB, and doesn't really give a big enough performance boost to warrant the extra cost.

PS. If you intend to overclock, then DDR2-800 would be a good idea.

 

[Daimajin]

I know the timings are completely different, but what do you think of this set? I'm only planning on pushing ~3.6ghz so I'm hoping this will take me at least that far.

Only reason I'd pay more for less is because newegg doesn't ship to Canada and unless I hassle a buddy in the states, I know this might be my best bet (cost wise at least).

 

[INeedCache]

Patience is a virtue. I know for some money is no problem, but for many it is. I think a lot of folks who simply have to have Core 2 Duo now will have regrets in a few months when chip prices come down, and board choices are much more plentiful, better, and cheaper. Good things come to those who wait.

 

[seh264]

What type of power supply would you guys suggest for a build like this...

E6600
P5W DH mobo
x1900 crossfire
2 hard drives

....I was thinking of getting an antec 550W, what do ya think?

 

[1Tanker]

What type of power supply would you guys suggest for a build like this...

E6600
P5W DH mobo
x1900 crossfire
2 hard drives

....I was thinking of getting an antec 550W, what do ya think?

That's plenty powerful, and is a good PSU.

 

[nywst]

You don't have many options right now. It will get better after 1 or 2 months.

 

[redraider_gamer]

The 550w will work, but is a bit light. The OCZ GameXstream 700W has been consistantly rated as top notch for SLi or Crossfire systems. There are a lot of good comments over in the PS seectrion of TG Forumz.

 

[Stallion]

That ASUS Motherboard is over $250. What's the best option if you dont need SLI or Crossfire and maybe only moderate overclocking?