OK - I need advice! Have Basics set - Now Do I Go C2D or X2?

kyosuke

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First off, here are the components that will be true for either system that I build.

Video - XFX 7900GS @ 600mhz - http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814150209 -

Hard Drive - Seagate 320gb - http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148140 -

PSU - ePower ZU-550w - http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817101021 -

Memory - Patriot Extreme - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820220173

Now for the HARD PART!

I am lost as to what I want to do as far as the actual Mobo/Cpu combo.
I have 2 selected. The problem being, one is AMD, the other is Intel.
I have ALWAYS been an AMD fan, but Intel has finally done something right in the way of the Core 2 Duo and it's very appealing to me. So I would like to gather thoughts and opinions.

for Intel:

Core 2 Duo - E6400 (2.13ghz)

w/Motherboard - Asus P5N-E SLI - http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813131142 -

For AMD:

Athlon 64 X2 4200+ (2.2ghz) OR Athlon 64 X2 4600+ (2.4ghz)

w/Motherboard - Epox MF570SLI - http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813123005 -

~~ So WHAT shoiuld I do? Which route should I go?
I have always been loyal to AMD. I have always been happy as well. I've never built/owned an Intel system, but I used to sell them/deal with intel all the time and now they've finally shown good reason for me to own one. The performance difference isn't huge, but it is better.

I will be OCing the E6400 if I go that route to probably 2.4ghz, same for the 4200+ and for the 4600+ possibly to 2.6ghz.
So minimal if any OCing going on.

Please help!

Thanks in advance!!! :D
 

Viceras

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I was an AMD fan too but you simply can't ignore C2D if you're starting a new build. I would suggest the E4300 + Gigabyte-P965-DS3, get an arctic freezer pro 7 overclock alittle and you're all set.

Good luck!
 

kyosuke

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I would suggest the E4300 + Gigabyte-P965-DS3, get an arctic freezer pro 7 overclock alittle and you're all set.

What's the deal with the E4300?
Why that one over the E6300 / 6400 for OCing?
 

Viceras

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Its cheaper and its easier to overclock it also runs alot cooler as it doesnt have 4mbs of cache with 2mbs disabled. Do your homework on the E4300 and the choice will become obvious to you.
 

kyosuke

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Its cheaper and its easier to overclock it also runs alot cooler as it doesnt have 4mbs of cache with 2mbs disabled. Do your homework on the E4300 and the choice will become obvious to you.
How is it easier to OC?
I've never actually OC'd a processor before. I've been reading up a bit lately as far as Mobos go, etc.. (it's why I chose the P5N-E partly, and also I like the nForce chipset).
This would be my first OC job, BUT i don't know if I'd do it right away...

So would gettingthe 4300 hurt me performance wise if I'm not going to OC right away and wait awhile? - That's whyt he e6400 is appealing. It's already @ 2.13 atleast and I want a 2.4 actually and ws planning on OCing that to 2.4.

Will the bigger jup on the E4300 be bad?

Sorry, just kind of iffy on this whole thing.

Also why I love AMD and wanted to stick around the 4200+ or 4600+.. since they're almost/already there.
 

kyosuke

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wow, thanks for a detailed response!

On the lines of the PSu - I've been told by a few people that one is a good one. I can't remember who but it's made by the same people who make is it Topwer? Tagan? one of those I think.

For the rest, as I said in my previous post, I'm not planning on OCing that much All that cooling/grease seems a bit overwhelming. I've never OC'd anything before and adding all that extra is WOW... the highest I want to go is around 2.4ghz or so... so all that grease.. that huge cooler, is it necesary?

In regards to the memory, won't having slower memory affect the ability to OC?