Need opinion on build

[mantis90]

Hey guys im new to the site. Im building a C2D system and am planning on getting a 680i mobo and an E6400. I was wondering if I can OC the E6400 to 3.0gGHz with a Zalman 9700 and it be stable. Take into account I have never OC'd before and I would need some help OCing it. But can it be done with some help off this site?
Aso, I want to get a 1gig stick of DDR2 800 Ram and then upgrade to another stick when I can afford it. What Ram works best with the 680i?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[akhilles]

http://www.evga.com/community/messageboard/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=24179

z9700 can't be installed on evga 680i without a mod.

Any 965p board + e6400 can reach 3ghz easy. 680i can o/c to 500mhz. e6400 is 8 x 266 = 2128 (2.1ghz). so multiplier 8 x fsb 500 = 4ghz. That's if you can o/c that high.

As for ram, Corsair DDR2-800 is a good one.

I don't think it's a good idea to get one stick now. I'd get a 2-stick 1GB DC kit. 2x512. Then get another kit later on.

 

[akhilles]

Thanks.

I'd still get the evga 680i for about $240 as opposite to asus striker for $400. Both have the same 680i chipset & similiar features and overclock about the same (500mhz: google reviews). Zalman isn't the only hsf maker. There are MANY others. Some are even better. $240 + $60 decent hsf = $300. evga customer service is unmatched. They're quick to address the issues.

Oh my buddy has the evga 680i, e6600 + AC Freezer Pro 7: all black & silver. Sexy. Everything except the ps2 mouse works. usb mouse is a temp fix for now until a better bios comes out.

ASUS Striker Extreme

EVGA 122-CK-NF68-AR

I haven't heard of the same issue with Striker. Striker has EVEN fewer issues, unlike the 680i (issues, more at evga forums). Evga outsources the manufacturing to Foxconn which had a low quality batch of 680i boards (bent capacitors, etc.).