I'm posting this as new after the May 2008 Best bang for buck (http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/250825-31-best-bang-buck-system-2008) since I feel it could use an update (due to some price changes) and because I have questions unique to my own situation.
Ok, so I've built several systems before but never one I plan to OC so I'm asking for your help. This is what I've spec'ed out so far as the "best bang for buck" system to build (use: mostly gaming):
MOBO: Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3L (P35), 1600(OC)/1333 FSB, DDR2-1066 (1200 @ OC) - - - - - - - - - - $90
CPU: Intel Q6600, Quad Core, 2.4GHz, 8MB Cache - - - - - - - - - - $200
PS: Real Power Pro, 750W, ATX 12V version 2.2 - - - - - - - - - - $130
RAM: Corsair Dominator, PC-8500, 4GB, DDR2-1066, 5-5-5-15 - - - - - - - - - - $117
VC: EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800 GT 512MB - - - - - - - - - - $150
(I have a few ideas for the Case & CPU heatsink but those are easy so I didn't include in above)
Note: I DO plan to OC
Now, I've made a concession on the RAM to get DDR2-1066 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145197 comes w fan!) but I don't know if it's a justified expense?
I'm just learning about the bus speeds and I'm trying to maximize the usage of the speed ratings for the CPU, Mobo, and RAM. Should I stick with this config (i.e. 1066-1066) and just try to run it a 1:1 or should I just get RAM rated at a lower speed (and thus better CAS times) and put it at 3:5 (might be other way around - bump-up the OC'ing on the RAM is what I mean)
Also, is there any advantage to getting the GA-P35-DS3L (as recommended in the prev review) over the GA-EP35-DS3L?? Seems like nothing but a waste of money to me but I could be wrong. Any other suggestions on the mobo - are there good contenders on the nForce side? I read a review recently where the X48 was put up against a 780i (i think) and the nForce chip scored slightly better in FPS for the games
Thanks in advance!
Ok, so I've built several systems before but never one I plan to OC so I'm asking for your help. This is what I've spec'ed out so far as the "best bang for buck" system to build (use: mostly gaming):
MOBO: Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3L (P35), 1600(OC)/1333 FSB, DDR2-1066 (1200 @ OC) - - - - - - - - - - $90
CPU: Intel Q6600, Quad Core, 2.4GHz, 8MB Cache - - - - - - - - - - $200
PS: Real Power Pro, 750W, ATX 12V version 2.2 - - - - - - - - - - $130
RAM: Corsair Dominator, PC-8500, 4GB, DDR2-1066, 5-5-5-15 - - - - - - - - - - $117
VC: EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800 GT 512MB - - - - - - - - - - $150
(I have a few ideas for the Case & CPU heatsink but those are easy so I didn't include in above)
Note: I DO plan to OC
Now, I've made a concession on the RAM to get DDR2-1066 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145197 comes w fan!) but I don't know if it's a justified expense?
I'm just learning about the bus speeds and I'm trying to maximize the usage of the speed ratings for the CPU, Mobo, and RAM. Should I stick with this config (i.e. 1066-1066) and just try to run it a 1:1 or should I just get RAM rated at a lower speed (and thus better CAS times) and put it at 3:5 (might be other way around - bump-up the OC'ing on the RAM is what I mean)
Also, is there any advantage to getting the GA-P35-DS3L (as recommended in the prev review) over the GA-EP35-DS3L?? Seems like nothing but a waste of money to me but I could be wrong. Any other suggestions on the mobo - are there good contenders on the nForce side? I read a review recently where the X48 was put up against a 780i (i think) and the nForce chip scored slightly better in FPS for the games
Thanks in advance!