new build - e6600 recommendations?

[realhawker]

I want to build a new PC, it's been awhile since I've built one myself, so I am looking for some help.


I would like to get the e6600 core 2 duo (but didn't buy it yet). I like the 4mb cache and I think it's a good value for core 2 duo.

I already have a nv 7950gx2 and a good hard drive(i will only have 1 hard drive and almost def. will not SLI in the future.) only 1 cd/dvd burner.

I will need a MoBo, Power Supply(unless a 400w will do) and Memory( i only have 2GB slower DDR2 now), and a case/fans/cooling

my only special note is that I want the machine to be quiet as reasonably possible. I would sacrifice being able to insanely overclock it for less noise. my PC ends up being in a family room and loud fans get me grief from my wife.

any and all recommendations on what and where to buy would be greatly appreciated.

 

[lambofgode3x]

ok, so here goes....

First, get the 7950GX2 Spacer Kit made by Swiftech. LINK. Then, get 2 Zalman VF-900CU LED's. LINK. This will drop your video card temperatures like a rock, thus also reducing the overall temperature in your system

Then, this is my recommendation...

ASUS P5N32-SLI Motherboard
Crucial Ballistix Memory
Antec P-180 Case
Power Supply
Zalman 9700 LED Cooler

as for the fans in the case, these are quiet and move lots of air (78 cubic feet per minute at 21 decibels).LINK. get 5 of them and replace the fans that the Antec case comes with. even with all of the fans at full power it will still be quiet, and the computer will run really cool.

 

[lambofgode3x]

I forgot to add that you should mod the 7950GX2 at your own risk. it's a simple procedure, but i felt i should add that in there.

also, it will be impossible for you to sli the 7950gx'2 with the spacer kit and the zalman fans.

lastly, the e6600 is a great cpu (for sure) that overclocks really well (from what i hear)

 

[realhawker]

thanks for the tips.... I will check out those models.

 

[BUFF]

I'm getting an Abit AW9D-MAX for my E6600

 

[lambofgode3x]

thats a pretty good motherboard from what i hear. how are the overclocking capabilities?

 

[realhawker]

thanks for everyone's help..... I really appreciate your recommendations.


Here's what I ordered today...

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 4mb cache
(love this ones value, 6700 is about $200 more)

ZALMAN 9700 LED 110mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler

EVGA 122-CK-NF68-AR Socket T (LGA 775) NVIDIA nForce 680i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard
(went all out I guess, and people report SATA issue is fixed)

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800
($40 off price made it same as other brands, read some posts here that made me get ddr2-800 instead of ddr2-1000, maybe when i make a jump to 4gb ill move up)

PC Power & Cooling Silencer 610 EPS12V EPS12V 610W
(hated the orange/bronze color of the 700w one, i only have 1 HD, 1 GPU and 1 DVD)

LIAN LI PC-B20B Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case \
(the Antec one wouldn't fit in my desk at home. this one looks to be quiet and has gotten good reviews)

came to about 1300 for eveything shipped/tax. (newegg)