CPU And Cooler
Processor: Intel Pentium E5200
This month, we again revisit the Intel Pentium E5200 that reached some truly impressive clock speeds in our November $625 system.
Read Customer Reviews of Intel's Pentium E5200
Clocked at 2.5 GHz with 2 MB L2 cache and running on an 800 MHz front side bus (FSB), this dual-core 45 nm Wolfdale doesn’t offer the same stock performance as the Core 2 Duo E7300 used last month did, but currently at a $43 cheaper price, it offers tremendous value and performance for the overclocker on a budget.
CPU Cooler: Xigmatek HDT-S963
Read Customer Reviews of Xigmatek's HDT-S963
Our desired components this month left us $25 for a CPU cooler, and we chose the Xigmatek HDT-S963. It has HDT (heat-pipe direct touch) technology, aluminum fins, anti-vibration rubber fan mounting, and a PWM variable-speed 92 mm fan. Assembly, while required, is simple and straightforward.