About to go for my first OC system, need suggestions

rfatcheric

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Apr 11, 2008
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I'm looking to build my first OC system. I know what PSU/RAM I'm getting (Antec 500w Neopower and Mushkin ddr2800 2x1GB) But I need suggestions for the chip and mobo.

So far I've read a lot about the e21x0 series of chips and I'll be going with one of those, probably an e2160, but I can't decide on the mobo. My budget is around ~250 give or take 10 bucks.

I've read a lot of mixed reviews on the gigabyte ds3l P35 board so I can't make my final decision on the mobo just yet. Does anyone have any other mobo suggestions for under $120?

I dont plan on going SLI ever, so thats not an issue. I do currently have an 8800GTS 320MB from my last system that I'll be using until it dies.

I also plan on getting an AC7 cooler for it.

Any advice before I take the plunge?

Oh, forgot to mention that my budget is only for the mobo/chip/ram/CPU cooler. I already have all the other components.

 

Mondoman

Splendid
In your case, using the AC7 cooler will cause more problems that it's worth, since it doesn't do the secondary "downdraft" cooling of the stock Intel (and similar) CPU coolers. The Intel should be fine (and save you money!).
I'd consider the next step up in the Gigabyte series, the GA-P35-DS3R. If not, then the DS3L should be fine.