New system - Advise needed

[powerbaselx]

Hi!

I'm building a new medium system for my brother, and i'm getting some doubts about the right choices on CPU/MB/RAM.
He's a common user that plays a bit sometimes (not a hard gamer) and uses a lot of other applications. He has now a P4 2.4 OC'ed to 2.8GHz and 512MB DDR333 RAM. He uses Windows XP Pro while Vista hasn't a service pack to fix the initial problems.

Here's what i'm thinking now:
CPU E6320 (1.86GHz, 7x mult, FSB1066, 4MB cache)
MB P5B
RAM Kingston Valueram 2GB DDR2-667 Dual Channel CL5
I assume a 10% OC would be possible.

Other Options:
1) Change the CPU to E4400 (2.0GHz, 10x mult, FSB800, 2MB cache) and increase RAM to 4GB.
2) Change the CPU to E2160 (1.8GHz, 9x mult, FSB800, 1MB cache) and increase RAM to 4GB.

Some other questions rise:
1) Do the 4MB cache on E6320 makes much difference over the 2MB on E4400?
2) Do FSB1066 makes much difference over FSB800 when using DDR2-667 dual channel?

Thanks for your answers and advises.

 

[evongugg]

For 4 GB you need a 64-bit operating system or Linux or Windows Server (not all versions). Also make sure your motherboard supports 4 GB.

You should consult our overclocking guides, if you are planning on overclocking. There is some suggested hardware for overclockers.
I would stick with the fastest processor unless you want to save some money and overclock.

http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/CPUs-forum-48.html

 

[powerbaselx]

For 4 GB you need a 64-bit operating system or Linux or Windows Server (not all versions). Also make sure your motherboard supports 4 GB.

Yes. Actually i meaned 4GB physically which is lead to usable 3.5GB on Windows XP -- an increase of 1.5GB on RAM over the base 2GB -- versus a E4400 cpu with less cache and slower FSB. Which option is better?

I would stick with the fastest processor unless you want to save some money and overclock.

Well, OC a bit (let's assume 10% = 1.86GHz to 2GHz) is always an option and could save some money to allow RAM increase.

Thanks.