First off i'm not a newb to computers. I would rate myself near expert so replys do not need to be dumbed down
Ok, I have been doing a lot of research over the past week. I want to build a medium budget gaming computer. I have allready decided on the intel q6600 because I am planning on doing some overclocking and this processor seems to be a good one for that. I'm doing an air cooled system and I know I need a good heatsink for it. My old machine is running a Zalman, I can't remember the name but it's the all copper one for an intel p4 ( i've been away from my desktop for a while). It's done a superb job. Judging from the new DDR2 vs DDR3 tests on this site, It seems DDR3 won't give me very much of an advantage, at least for now. So my first question is on the motherboard. Does it' make since to get a chipset that will support both memory formats? I would like to spend a little more on the motherboard so I have room to upgrade later on, if DDR3 gets any better. Right now i'm 95% sure about getting 4 gig's of DDR2 1066 of corsair XMS2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145173 <=== RAM with Air cooler x2<<<
So for the MOBO, Should I get the X48 chipset that supports DDR3 and just use DDR2 in it, until DDR3 prices come down? Or should I save the money and go for the P35 or X38 ( a lot of people seem to really enjoy the p35 for overclocking, Remember that's my main goal with this machine.)
PSU's have changed so much since the last time I built myself a good machine. Is there a particular one that is better for OCing? I know I should spend a little more for the extra wattage and cleaner power since OCing definately needs a sturdy foundation.
Does anyone recommend a particular case for air cooled OCing?
The last thing, the graphics card. I am getting mixed signals from a lot of different threads, but more people seem to think dual cards running SLI are just a waste of money and you only get about 30% improvement. While Nvidia's website claims 80% improvement. Some of the threads I have looked at where old so maybe things have improved. I was leaning toward dual 8800 GT 512 MB on PCIe 2.0 or a single card for the same money that the two 8800's would cost The only games I play are first person shooters and i want this machine to be able to run Cyrsis smoothly. My monitor...( i'm going through a divorce now and I don't know if she is going to take the 17inch lcd or not) either the 17inch LCD (samsung syncmaster) or an old hp 19" CRT. I will also have this hooked up to a 42" plasma 1080i/720p TV for the gaming if I feel like it.
A company called Zotiac seems to offer cards allready overclocked "safely" So should I spend the touch more for one, or two, of those or go to a radeon, something like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814241070 From what I have read this card seems to OC nicely.
Anyways, I believe that's all. Please let me know what you all think.
Ok, I have been doing a lot of research over the past week. I want to build a medium budget gaming computer. I have allready decided on the intel q6600 because I am planning on doing some overclocking and this processor seems to be a good one for that. I'm doing an air cooled system and I know I need a good heatsink for it. My old machine is running a Zalman, I can't remember the name but it's the all copper one for an intel p4 ( i've been away from my desktop for a while). It's done a superb job. Judging from the new DDR2 vs DDR3 tests on this site, It seems DDR3 won't give me very much of an advantage, at least for now. So my first question is on the motherboard. Does it' make since to get a chipset that will support both memory formats? I would like to spend a little more on the motherboard so I have room to upgrade later on, if DDR3 gets any better. Right now i'm 95% sure about getting 4 gig's of DDR2 1066 of corsair XMS2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145173 <=== RAM with Air cooler x2<<<
So for the MOBO, Should I get the X48 chipset that supports DDR3 and just use DDR2 in it, until DDR3 prices come down? Or should I save the money and go for the P35 or X38 ( a lot of people seem to really enjoy the p35 for overclocking, Remember that's my main goal with this machine.)
PSU's have changed so much since the last time I built myself a good machine. Is there a particular one that is better for OCing? I know I should spend a little more for the extra wattage and cleaner power since OCing definately needs a sturdy foundation.
Does anyone recommend a particular case for air cooled OCing?
The last thing, the graphics card. I am getting mixed signals from a lot of different threads, but more people seem to think dual cards running SLI are just a waste of money and you only get about 30% improvement. While Nvidia's website claims 80% improvement. Some of the threads I have looked at where old so maybe things have improved. I was leaning toward dual 8800 GT 512 MB on PCIe 2.0 or a single card for the same money that the two 8800's would cost The only games I play are first person shooters and i want this machine to be able to run Cyrsis smoothly. My monitor...( i'm going through a divorce now and I don't know if she is going to take the 17inch lcd or not) either the 17inch LCD (samsung syncmaster) or an old hp 19" CRT. I will also have this hooked up to a 42" plasma 1080i/720p TV for the gaming if I feel like it.
A company called Zotiac seems to offer cards allready overclocked "safely" So should I spend the touch more for one, or two, of those or go to a radeon, something like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814241070 From what I have read this card seems to OC nicely.
Anyways, I believe that's all. Please let me know what you all think.