GUIDE: 3+GHz Core 2 Duo Budget System for $426 (Overclock)

[elbert]

I can't tell which overclocks best, because I build only systems that are best bang for the bucks. People around this forums, and people in real life that I know, know me very well that I build cheap systems, and overclock every single juice out of them. So far, I could only tell for E4300, E6300, E6320. Anyway, E6300/E6320 are more consistent in terms of overclocking, because it has soldered IHS (Integrated Heat Spreader).

As for the cheapest C2D, at the time this guide was written, E4300 was the cheapest on the market. I don't know how well the E2xxx overclock, but I may soon build a system based on that.

The best bang for the buck for whom? Not for gamers thats for sure. This would be a nice business/home office build.

In gaming where the GPU is the king your best with the cheapest dual core and the best GPU. Even memory takes a second seat to the GPU in most all games. At 1280X1024 your system will start taking a beating from a cheaper dual core and a better GPU.
http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/05/11/system_builder_marathon/page11.html
Note the 1280X960 high settings from next page.
http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/05/11/system_builder_marathon/page12.html
This is a X2 3800+, 1GB of RAM, and a 8800GTX v/s an E6600, 2GB's of Ram, and 8800GTS. Im not trying to put down Intel here just saying a better build is the cheaper CPU E2140 and a $30 better GPU for gamers.

 

[wiz83]

It has been emphasized many times, if you want a gaming system, go for better graphics card.

Today's CPU has more than enough juice to power up the most demanding game in the industry, but graphics card haven't really live up to the standard yet.

This system I recommended is best bang for the buck for the overall user, who doesn't want to sacrifice CPU power for Graphics, and vice versa.

Again, I don't know how well the E2xxx overclock, but will build a system based on that soon, but before I do that, I need to read more reviews on that.

 

[elbert]

Sounds good but dont take to long as quad cores may be the best bang for the buck by next month. Kentsfield at $266 is a really good buy. Note the first and third charts as they show a quad is much better than OCing a dual cores.
http://www.behardware.com/articles/660-3/supreme-commander-benchmark.html
The number of cores by be as important to gamers and the GPU.

With any luck by Xmas Kentsfield will be less than $200. If this occurs I may build one and migrate my 8800GTS 320MB.

 

[wiz83]

Are you sure it's the best bang for the bucks?

It costs double the price of E4300, and does it perform 2x the performance?

I'm talking about $/performance ratio here ...

Besides, you can't compare the future price of a current product in a world of computer industry, I bet, in the future, a 8/16 core processor will be cheaper than today's quad cores.

 

[elbert]

Are you sure it's the best bang for the bucks?

It costs double the price of E4300, and does it perform 2x the performance?

I'm talking about $/performance ratio here ...

Besides, you can't compare the future price of a current product in a world of computer industry, I bet, in the future, a 8/16 core processor will be cheaper than today's quad cores.

I guess, not being able to compare future prices of current products is why, no one is waiting for the Q6600 price cut in july. :lol:

At stock the q6600 is more that 2X the performance of E4300. You can even OC a dual core and get 1.4X of the E4300. If you note this link you can get double the FPS from a Q6700 over an E6700.
http://www.behardware.com/articles/660-3/supreme-commander-benchmark.html
At no point was I comparing future prices of current products to the E4300. Why? Because Intel shows the E4400 on their July price cuts being the cheapest at $113. Intel may be dropping the E4300 and moving on to the E4500 leaving the E2140/E2160 in the price range of the E4300.
http://www.hkepc.com/bbs/itnews.php?tid=789466

Thats not to say you cant find the E4300 but Intel doesn't want to sale 2MB cache CPU's less that $113. I guess you better check those E2140's out fast.

As for the 8/16 cores it all depends on if your betting when they are introduced or being replace with newer 32 core CPU's

 

[wiz83]

Hmmm ... interesting ... I didn't know CPU's today could affect FPS that much ... thought it was mostly Graphics Card ...

 

[elbert]

Its all about the core count. GPU's only trump higher clock rates on the same number of cores.

 

[desidude006]

i hope the e4400 oc just as well

 

[wiz83]

New Parts coming in.

CPU: Intel E2160 - $85
HSF: COOLER MASTER RR-CCH-L9U1-GP HYPER TX 2 - FREE AR
M/B: ABIT IP35-E - $66AR
RAM: 2x1GB PC2-6400 CL4 - $50AR
GPU: 8600GT - $75
PSU: Cooler Master eXtreme RP-650-PCAR 650W - $15AR
CASE: Coolmax CS-480-Black Mid Tower Case (Black) - $23

TOTAL: $314

Will keep you guys posted.

 

[kyosuke_05]

hey, where's the old guide ?

i want to refer some info's init but it's gone.