Best bang for the buck overclocker?

[jprevost]

If this isn't the best bang for the buck as far as general computer usage (games, office, family, etc.) then tell me where I went wrong.
Essentials
Motherboard: Open box newegg ASUS P5B-E or any of the P5B's ~$65
CPU: Intel E2160 ~$60 overclocks to 2.8GHz and higher
CPU cooler: Rosewill RCX-Z775-LX 92mm Ball CPU Cooler ~$15
RAM: CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2-800 1.9v ~$28 after rebate
GPU: Chaintech 9600GT ~$129 after rebate or MSI 9600GT ~$145 after rebate or eVGA 8800GT ~$165 after rebate

Non-essentials
HDD: Seagate or WD 7200.10 250GB etc. ~$70
PSU: Antec, Thermaltake, or FSP ~400w ~$40
Case: Some CoolerMaster or similar case ~$40 (some might even come with a PSU, use it as a backup)
LCD: KDS 24" 1920x1200 ~$340 or Acer 22"/20" ~$220/$200
K/M: Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 ~$22

For a complete system cost of $469 without LCD and $670 with a 20" LCD to play all of the latest games at respectable frame rates... your thoughts

 

[oushi]

I would NOT get the open box mobo... might not come with i/o panel, cables, etc., and it might not even be in working condition. You can get an Abit IP35-E in retail packaging for $60 AR right now...

 

[Shadow703793]

^Agreed. The open box do not come with cables,etc. and could also be damaged. Every thing else looks good. Might want to consider a Corsair 450VX or smiler PSU.

 

[hesskia]

I would recommend the open box CPU as long as your experienced and don't mind the hassle (assuming that you can get a sweet deal). It is really up to you (Rebates blow).

I would recommend the E4300--i have one and it does 3.2ghz stable with the stock cooler on a 680i motherboard.

The only problem will be finding an E4300-they are in tight supply (I dont believe they are made anymore). The Dualcore pentium lineup is awesome, I have a E2160 at 3.0ghz with stock cooler

 

[Shadow703793]

^ Its an open box motherboard not a CPU (aka OEM CPUs)

 

[jprevost]

oushi, I agree, that board seems pretty good but I do disagree with the open box issue from newegg. I've never had anything but great open box items. They usually come with all the accessories or just missing something trivial like a floppy cable.
hesskia, I thought about the e4___ cpu but for half the price you get the same speed only a smaller cache. The smaller cache is what, a 10% performance hit?
All of the core 2 duo's seem to settle in the 3GHz range no matter what the multiplier.

 

[dagger]

^ Its an open box motherboard not a CPU (aka OEM CPUs)

OEM is not the same as open box.

 

[chuckm]

That cooler is not much better than stock, check this one;
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch.hmx?SCriteria=BA24691
Spend a little more on this power supply;
http://www.buy.com/prod/Corsair-VX-550W-Power-Supply/q/loc/101/205852646.html
Gotta agree on the open box board