Gigabit GA-G31M-ES2L / first build $600

[phrakshin]

I was recently given this mobo from a friend who upgraded and I'd like to build my first system. I've been reading many relevant threads and guides but I still can't seem to figure out where to sink my money in this thing. It will mostly be used for streaming video (hulu, abc, netflix), watching dvds (occasionally ripping/encoding to iphone), and occasionally compiling on an openCL GPU (of which I have yet to decide upon). I want to spend around $600 give or take a little. I'd definitely like to take advantage of any cpu OC'ing to save money on a CPU.

I'm new to this and have a lot of questions. My only constraint, besides budget, is that it needs to be in a receiver-style microATX case and I'd like an Nvidia GPU. I plan on buying 4gb of ram. I don't know if I need two cores or four, please advise.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: This week

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Streaming video, DVD, openCL compiling

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS:newegg

PARTS PREFERENCES: I have a gigabit MOBO and I would like a Nvidia chipset...9000 series perhaps / HDMI, 4gb ram

OVERCLOCKING: Yes

MONITOR RESOLUTION: Samsung TOC T260HD 1920 x 1200 HDMI

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: quiet, microATX case


Thanks in advance

 

[dirtmountain]

Trial build, out of my normal area so check it against what others post. $541 before shipping and rebates.

Case/power supply - Antec case and 380w Antec Earthwatts power supply $110
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129034

CPU and OS - Compatible with a G31, but you might need a BIOS update. $184
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.259601.19-116-091

RAM - 2x2GB DDR2 800 1.8v Mushkin $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146692

HD - Samsung F3 500GB SATA - $55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181

burner - Samsung SATA - $29
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151192

GPU - 9600GSO -HDMI $60 - more then you need for your uses, you may want to go with a fanless GPU for quiet. With a $20 rebate it is cheap.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121320

Cooler - Scythe Katana3 92mm $29 - Other people that used this case used a Scythe Ninja mini, i think this is the same size and will work, but not sure.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185096

A basic trial build, make sure you do more research on the cooler and GPU. Check here for benchmarks of the E6300 to compare it to other CPUs for your uses.
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/default.aspx?p=94&p2=89

Also check this excellent recent article about $100 processors, he also has an upcoming one where he'll overclock them.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-gaming-cpu,2439.html

 

[phrakshin]

Thanks for taking the time to post. My only question is should I purchase 1066 memory? I know that the board specs say 800, but I've read that 1066 is better if you plan on overclocking. But then again, I may be in error, I've never OC'd before. I just want the option to lengthen the usable lifespan / reduce costs.

 

[dirtmountain]

The RAM i picked DDR2 800 1.8v will be fine, you'll see little benefit going with 1066 RAM and you can always overclock it if you want to.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

There is no use for DDR2 1066 RAM for your system. Core 2 systems run best when the FSB and RAM are at a 1:1 ratio. The E6300 has a 10.5 multiplier which means that even DDR2 800 RAM would allow you to overclock the CPU to 4.2GHz in theory (400 x 10.5). You could lower the multiplier and still get a very high overclock with ddr2 800 RAM (400 x 9 = 3.6GHz, 400 x 9.5 = 3.8GHz, 400 x 10 = 4GHz). There is really no benefit to running the RAM faster than the FSB on LGA 775 systems.

 

[phrakshin]

Thank you both for your input. Will I have any heat or power issues to deal with in this case? Do I need to purchase any sort of cooling for the cpu?

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Do you have a link to the case you're referring to?

 

[phrakshin]

Case/power supply - Antec case and 380w Antec Earthwatts power supply $110

I need something in a receiver style case to calm my fiancee, It is going to reside in the living room and drive the tv.

 

[phrakshin]

Also, how do I ascertain what extra cables and connections that I will need to buy? I understand the difference between buying oem verus retail versions, but beyond that what extras are needed? thermal compound, power connectors, stuff I will need on hand etc...

 

[shortstuff_mt]

That case looks like it has decent air flow for a HTPC case, but I wouldn't plan on a super high overclock. The stock cooler comes with thermal paste pre-applied. If you get an aftermarket cooler you will need thermal paste unless it states that the cooler comes with it.

Motherboards come with SATA cables. Since you're getting this from a friend, you should probably pick up a couple SATA cables.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=40000001%201177412121%20117752937%201177530217%201177112211&Description=sata%20cable%2018%22&name=2&ActiveSearchResult=True

Here's a very nice low-profile cooler and some thermal paste:

ZALMAN CNPS8700 2 Ball CPU Cooler - Retail $39.99

ARCTIC COOLING MX-2 Thermal Compound - Retail $7.98

 

[phrakshin]

Do I just get one SATA for each drive that I install?

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Yes, you only need one SATA cable per device.