So I know how well this processor overclocks, my question is how well it performs in games at those speeds (3ghz+) compared to other C2D chips.
 
The L2 cache is limited, and games take advantage of that. So would it be good to build a system around the e2160 using a good motherboard for gaming?
 
 
- B

Toms did a review on a e2180 and performance at 3.2 compared to stock this might be more useful than words are
 
http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/0 [...] dual_core/

Thanks for the reply.
 
I read the article and it says in the conclusion that any 1333mhz FSB board will suffice for the overclocking, and it states that toms used a P35-DS3P board from Gigabyte.
 
The article also states that any of the lesser DS3 series mobo's will work.
 
My questions is the FSB of the other DS3 mobo's (the DS3L for example) is rated at 1066mhz.
 
The article is contradicting itself by saying the other DS3 series mobo's will work fine, but they aren't 1333mhz rated, so that can't be.
 
I guess they say 1066mhz, but can achieve the higher speeds anyway..
 
- B

They all do 1333FSB... i think you maybe looking at DDR2 speed support.

I run an E4300, which is basically the E2160 with more cache, on the DS3L at 333fsb(1333). This gives me 2997mhz or ~3ghz. Runs smooth and stable on stock cooler since May. Have run Linux, Win XP, and Vista Home Basic with no problems except a few minor Vista glitches(Vista's fault). You can view my complete config in my profile.

 
I have the vanilla DS3 and it does 450mhz FSB easily. I'm sure it can go higher, I just haven't found it neccessary to push it that far.

e21xx and a p35 mobo is what I'd get, if I was on a pretty tight budget. The combo, when the CPU is OC'd, is quite nice. Yes you could buy the ones with more cache, but you'd have to spend about $30-$40 more for them. This $30-40 more could mean you go from a 2600xt to a 3850! Yes the 2600xt is going for $100-130 or so, but if you get a 3850 for $170 than you have a much better GPU, IMHO. What was your projected build? Did you have a budget for it?

 
 
Yeah, this is what it is shaping up to be:
 
Motherboard - Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L ($89.98 ZZF)
CPU - Intel E2160 ($75 ZZF)
RAM - OCZ 2Gb DDR2 ($42.90 after $30 rebate ZZF)
HDD - Seagate Barracuda 160Gb SATA 7200rpm 8mb ($52.99 ZZF)
GPU - EVGA 8800gts 320mb ($160, from friend)
PSU - TBD (budget - Under/Around $60)
Case - TBD (budget - between $35-65)
Keyboard/Mouse - Already have
Optical - Already have
Monitor - TBD (looking for ~$200 22" quality panel)
 
I am not really on a tight budget, but I like to build systems as cheaply as possible using quality components.

Looks good. For the PSU you should consider the Corsair VX 450W. It's an excellent entry level model. For the case, the Antec Ninehundred is nice and can be found for under $100 on special sometimes.

You may want to get E2180, which doesn't cost much more and have 10x multiplier.
 
I'd recommend getting either 20" or 24" (obviously if only your budget allows). Smaller pixel size of 20" display will ensure sharper image and less need of AA in games.

PSU - Antec EA500 EarthWatts.
 
It is pretty cheap after rebate from newegg and has free shipping.
 
Any good?

Nice cheap case here, just use promo code (EMC1206RMSE02) at checkout to get free shipping!! $40 shipped w/free shipping!!
Rosewill R5601-BK 0.8mm SECC Screw-less Dual 120mm Fans ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] _-11147038
 
PSU in the budget for the system your looking at, I'd recommend this:
$76 shipped - $10 MIR = $66
CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W Active Power Supply Retail ***Free Shipping***  
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Prod [...] e=10006428
For a little more you can get something with more upgrade path.
$110 shipped - $10 MIR = $100
Corsair HX Series CMPSU-520HX 520W Power Supply Retail ***Free Shipping***
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Prod [...] ode=373100

I am running with it's 500w older brother, so to speak, and it works fine. Of course I have a lowly 7600gt vid card. It still works for me.

Well I'd say yes to any of the Antec EW series. 380w can run a 8800gtx w/a e6600 OC'd, but I wouldn't recommend it for that system 24/7/365. It'll do it, but for how long. I'm assuming your talking about this one for $75 shipped - $40 MIR = $35?
Antec earthwatts EA500 ATX12V v2.0 500W Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, CUL, FCC, TUV, CE, CB, C-tick, CCC - Retail  
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371007
 
Now I probably wouldn't put 2 8800gt's on it, but for any single card application it should do just fine.

Here are review with similar good results.
 
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/c [...] html#sect0

You can buy an Intel e2180 OEM which has a 10x multiplier for $78.80 from ewiz. I figure you are going to OC so you will have bought/are buying an aftermarket cooler.
 
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=E2180
 
As far as the Antec Earthwatts EA50 PSU, it has 34amps on the 12v line which is more than enough to run any CPU and single video card.  
 
I always wonder about MIRs. I have been left holding the bag on a few and now just look for the least expensive at the cash register.
 
My pick for a high quality PSU that would allow you to run any CPU along with any single video card would be the Corsair 450W ZX which has 33 amps on the 12v line.
 
You can get it from Dell for $59.95 which I believe is the best price anywhere.
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna [...] 5#Overview

I like cooler master cases. I got the elite 330 for $30 shipped from newegg, and it came with a $30 MIR! So FREE CASE! It is a very high quality case, especially when compare to rosewill cases (I just built computers with each)
 
I think the 2160 will hit 3.0Ghz on a DS3 without too much effort, so stick with that. Also, the Earthwatts 500 will be fine for your set up. I would go with something that will be able to handle some upgrades though. I love my PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817341002