- Feb 10, 2007
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Sanji's Latest and Greatest DIY Build Guide!
Update: 3/26/07
Build 1.5
Hard Drive section finished up.
I'm tackling the OS section next. XP vs. Vista 32-bit vs. Vista 64-bit vs. various Linux distros!
Design based upon the CPU Buyer's Guide
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Table of Contents
Build Suggestion Post Information
Nothing is more frustrating than a post that says NOTHING about what a user wants in a computer. I've put together a small list of things that can really speed up the process when it comes to making builds!
Power Supplies
The heart of a computer. You don't want to have a heart attack do you?
Motherboards
The genes of a computer. This dictates what your build can and cannot be.
Incomplete
CPU
The brain of a computer. You don't want to be dumb, do you?
Video Card
The eyes of a computer. You don't want to have poor eyesight, do you?
Memory
The dexterity of a computer. You want to be able to multi-task, right?
Hard Drives
This is like the long term memory! Yaaaaay!
Cases
This is like the body of a computer. The ones with LED lights are like super buff muscle men! Well not really, either way not everyone likes that
Operating System
Windows or Linux?! Mac? lol.
Incomplete
Cooling
This is like the ounce of prevention for a computer. If your computer never overheats (or in our case, get sick) it'll never need more medicine. If you want to overclock then, by all means, go for the better cooling!
Incomplete
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Proper Build Suggestion Post Information
So, you're ready to let the members here at the forum tweak/create a build for you. Here is a simple format you can use!
.................................................................................................
Am I overclocking? (Yes, no, or I'm interested but currently unsure about overclocking)
If yes, how much will you be overclocking? (Very little, as far as I can on stock voltage, as far as I can with minor voltage increase [less than 10%], as far as possible on air, or as far as possible on water)
What is my budget? ($ amount. Specify if Canadian or USD)
Usage of the Computer? (Gaming, work, HTPC, Video Editting, Image Editting ...)
What games do you play? (Specify what games you play, if any)
What resolution do you use your computer at? (Specify resolution)
Do you use multiple monitors? (Yes or no)
Do you have any additional questions or comments? (List them here)
.................................................................................................
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Power Supplies
If there are two parts in a computer that shouldn't be skimped out upon, then it would be the power supply and the motherboard. A poor power supply could kill your entire computer. No joke.
The main things to look for in a power supply are reliability and amps on the 12v. A reliable power supply most likely won't fail on your and will last the duration of your system. The amps on the 12v dictate what sort of video card and processor you'll be able to get without overvolting the PSU. Going over the suggested wattage of the PSU could fry it and your system!
REMEMBER. WATTAGE ISN'T EVERYTHING.
For more information see PSU 101
For reliable power supples see PSU Reference List (US)
Both topics are by the PSU guru, mpilchfamily.
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Motherboards
The motherboard is one of the two parts you shouldn't neglect. This part can determine the potential of your system. How much RAM it can hold, what CPUs it can use, what video cards it can have, what overclocking potential your system has, can it use SLI/CF, what case your can use, what upgrades you can make, etc etc.
Socket SLI? SATA? PATA? PCI Express x16? RAID?
AMD
For AMD, I suggest AM2 socket motherboards. They'll support AM2+ processors at HT 2.0 instead of 3.0, giving you a solid upgrade path. I do not suggest socket 939 unless you are going to use an Opteron.
BIOSTAR GEFORCE 6100 AM2 Socket AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Micro ATX RoHs compliant AMD Motherboard
$62.99
AM2. No. 2. 2 ATA100 up to 4 devices. 1. RAID 0/1
This is a fairly cheap motherboard that is micro-ATX, has integrated graphics, and is a surprisingly decent overclocker.
BIOSTAR TFORCE 550 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 550 MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
$69.99 after MIR (Ends 4/30/07)
AM2. No. 4. 1 ATA100 up to 2 devices. 1. RAID 0/1/0+1 JBOD
Excellent overclocking ability and dirt cheap with a combo. Highly recommended.
GIGABYTE GA-M55SLI-S4 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
$79.99
AM2. Yes. 4. 2 ATA100 up to 4 devices. 2. RAID 0/1/0+1 JBOD
Another good overclocking board with SLI. If you want dual-card setups, then this is a solid option.
ASUS M2NPV-VM M-ATX
$87
AM2. No. 4. 2 ATA100 up to 4 devices. 1. RAID 0/1/0+1 JBOD
Not an overclocker, but it is more for a media center (if I read correctly.)
ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
$134
AM2. Yes. 6. 1 ATA100 up to 2 devices. 2. RAID 0/1/0+1/5
Overclocker that supports lots of SATA.
ASUS L1N64-SLI WS Dual Socket L (Socket 1207FX) NVIDIA nForce 680a SLI MCP SSI CEB AMD Motherboard - Retail
AM2. Quad SLI. 12. 1 ATA100 up to 2 devices. 4. RAID 0/1/0+1/5/JBOD
$347
Quad-freaking-FX. 2 processors and 4 video cards.
Intel
To be updated. To save me some time, please suggest additions to this section.
Would you like to suggest other motherboards? Please post!
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CPU
The processor of a system is an important component in a computer. It is sometimes called the brain of the computer as it interprets every instruction.
Lowest Budget
Basic computers will often use this types of processors. They are all single-core, currently, and are based upon outdated or slower architectures. These are some of the most entry level of entry levels.
Intel Celeron D 356
Single-Core
Price: $61
Model: Cedar Mill
Clock Speed: 133 * 24 = 3.2ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Highly. 5ghz on air. Possibility of 5ghz stock cooler.
OC Equivalent: Pentium D 930 stock at Multi-Threaded Applications. MAY reach the FX-5x series in performance at stock.
Notes: Same performance as P4 Northwood. Hey, a 5ghz Northwood ain't bad
.
Sempron 64 3000+ (OEM)
Single-Core
Price: $41
Model: Manila
Clock Speed: 1.6ghz
Manufacturing Process: 90nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Information Needed and Appreciated
OC Equivalent: Upper-level Sempron? *shrug*
Mid-End ($75-100)
Athlon 64 3200+
Single-Core
Price: $75
Model: Orleans
Clock Speed: 2ghz
Manufacturing Process: 90nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Strong. 2.7ghz+ on air.
OC Equivalent: High-end Athlon 64 (4000+)
Notes: Strong single core performance.
Athlon X2 3600+
Dual-Core
Price: $76
Model: Brisbane
Clock Speed: 1.9ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Strong. 2.8-3ghz on air
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock and occasionally, overclocked.
Notes: VERY good. Highly suggested.
Athlon X2 3800+
Dual-Core
Price: $98
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 2ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Strong. Clock speeds slughtly less than X2 3600.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock and occasionally, overclocked.
Notes: Has more cache than the X2 3600+. More performance per clock.
Pentium D 805
Dual-Core
Price: $75
Model: Smithfield
Clock Speed: 133 * 20 = 2.66ghz
Manufacturing Process: 90nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Highly. 3.8ghz on air. 4ghz+ on water.
OC Equivalent: FX-60 Stock.
Notes: Runs hot. Very strong overclocker.
Pentium D 940
Dual-Core
Price: $99
Model: Presler
Clock Speed: 200 * 16 == 3.2ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Highly. 4ghz+ on air
OC Equivalent: Superior to FX-60 on stock.
Notes: Runs cooler. Stronger overclocking than Pentium D 805.
Upper Mid-End ($100-200)
E4300
Dual-Core
Price: $170
Model: Allendale
Clock Speed: 200 * 9 == 1.8ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Highly. Fairly good shot at 3ghz.
OC Equivalent: E6700/X6800 at stock
Notes: This is the Allendale core. It has 2MB of L2 cache and runs cool. It is a good overclocker but is pale in comparison to the Conroe's. It is superior to overclocked K8s.
E6300
Dual-Core
Price: $183
Model: Conroe-2M/Allendale
Clock Speed: 266 * 7 == 1.86ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Highly. Allendale cores may struggle much beyond 3ghz but the Conroe-2M can get past 3ghz with a very outside shot at 4ghz on water.
OC Equivalent: Overclocked Conroe
Notes: There are two versions of this processor out. They are the L2 and B2 steppings. The B2 is the Conroe-2M and overclocks VERY well. The L2 is an Allendale at a 266 fsb and does not overclock as well.
Athlon X2 4200+
Dual-Core
Price: $106
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 2.2ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Fairly strong. 2.7-2.9ghz.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock.
Notes: To be frank, not much better than the X2 3800+.
Athlon X2 4600+
Dual-Core
Price: $122
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 2.4ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Fairly strong. 2.7-2.9ghz.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock.
Notes: If you're going to run stock, then this is a good deal.
Opteron 2210
Dual-Core
Price: $179
Model: Santa Rosa
Clock Speed: 1.8ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: F
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Fairly strong. 2.8-3.1ghz.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock and lightly OC'd.
Notes: Amazingly, it can be used in QuadFX. It makes for a cheap alternative in that section. As an Opteron, it OCs better than the X2's.
High End ($200-$500)
E6400
Dual-Core
Price: $222
Model: Conroe-2M/Allendale
Clock Speed: 266 * 8 == 2.13ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Highly. Allendale cores may struggle much beyond 3.2ghz but the Conroe-2M can easily get past that.
OC Equivalent: Overclocked Conroe
Notes: There are two versions of this processor out. They are the L2 and B2 steppings. The B2 is the Conroe-2M and overclocks VERY well. The L2 is an Allendale at a 266 fsb and does not overclock as well.
E6600
Dual-Core
Price: $313
Model: Conroe
Clock Speed: 266 * 9 == 2.4ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: VERY strong. People have hit past 3.6ghz on air.
OC Equivalent: Overclocked Conroe
Notes: This Conroe has a full 4MB cache giving it 10% superior performance over the Allendale/Conroe-2M cores clock for clock. It is a superb overclocker and at a solid price point.
Athlon X2 5200+
Dual-Core
Price: $205
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 2.6ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Moderate. 2.7-3ghz.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock.
Notes: Unfortunately, the K8 architecture seems to top out near 3ghz.
Athlon X2 5400+
Dual-Core
Price: $255
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 2.8ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Low. 3ghz possible.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock.
Notes: Unfortunately, the K8 architecture seems to top out near 3ghz.
Athlon X2 5600+
Dual-Core
Price: $329
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 2.8ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Low. 3ghz possibly.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock.
Notes: This has twice as much cache as the X2 5400+.
Athlon X2 6000+
Dual-Core
Price: $456
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 3ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Low. Very small OCs.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock.
Notes: Unfortunately, the K8 architecture seems to top out near 3ghz. That's why we arn't seeing 3.2ghz K8s...
Enthusiast End ($500+)
E6700
Dual-Core
Price: $522
Model: Conroe
Clock Speed: 266 * 10 == 2.66ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: VERY strong. People have hit past 3.6ghz on air.
OC Equivalent: Overclocked Conroe
Notes: The E6700 doesn't overclock much better than the E6600. It is better at stock, though.
X6800
Dual-Core
Price: $970
Model: Conroe
Clock Speed: 266 * 11 == 2.93ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: VERY strong. 4ghz shouldn't be that hard.
OC Equivalent: Nothing except itself.
Notes: This is the best dual-core processor ever. Monster overclocker, unlocked multiplier, sweet black box... it has it all!
FX-70
Dual-Core/Quad-Core
Price: $329
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 2.6ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: 1207FX
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Moderate. 2.7-3ghz.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock.
Notes: I only suggest using it for QuadFX. Two of these makes a quad-core. This is listed in the Enthusiast section because you need to buy 2 of them to use the Quad-Core.
FX-72
Dual-Core/Quad-Core
Price: $379
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 2.8ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: 1207FX
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Low. 3ghz possibly.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock.
Notes: I only suggest using it for QuadFX. Two of these makes a quad-core. This is listed in the Enthusiast section because you need to buy 2 of them to use the Quad-Core.
FX-74
Dual-Core/Quad-Core
Price: $520
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 3ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: 1207FX
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Low. Very small OCs.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock.
Notes: I only suggest using it for QuadFX. Two of these makes a quad-core.
Q6600
Quad-Core
Price: $846
Model: Kentsfield
Clock Speed: 266 * 9 == 2.4ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: VERY strong. People have hit past 3.6ghz on air.
OC Equivalent: Overclocked Kentsfield
Notes: A slightly cheaper quad-core. It is still a great overclocker.
QX6700
Quad-Core
Price: $970
Model: Kentsfield
Clock Speed: 266 * 10 == 2.66ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: VERY strong. People have hit over 4ghz on air.
OC Equivalent: Nothing except itself.
Notes: The best Quad-Core processor on the market. Very fast, great overclocking, and a quad-core. Can't knock it.
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Video Card
Lowest Budget ($50 cap)
Chaintech 7100GS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814145141
Price: $33.99 after MIR (Ends Apr 31)
Core Speed: 350mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 400mhz
Memory: 128MB on board
Memory Interface: DDR
Pixel Pipelines: 4
Overclockable: Unknown.
Notes: Business card. Multi-monitor support. Slight upgrade from onboard.
Gigabyte Radeon X1050
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125056
Price: $42.99
Core Speed: 400mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 400mhz?
Memory: 128MB onboard
Memory Interface: GDDR2
Pixel Pipelines: 4
Overclockable: Unknown.
Notes: Business card. Multi-monitor support. Slight upgrade from onboard.
MSI 7300LE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127273
Price: $44.99
Core Speed: 400mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 550mhz
Memory: 128MB onboard
Memory Interface: GDDR2
Pixel Pipelines: 4
Overclockable: Unknown. With volt mod, possible 700mhz on core?
Notes: Don't expect to game at more than 800x600 with decent FPS. If heavily overclocked, could bring in almost decent gaming performance?
ASUS X1300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121551
Price: $48.99
Core Speed: 450mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 500mhz
Memory: 128MB
Memory Interface: GDDR2
Pixel Pipelines: 4
Overclockable: Unknown.
Notes: Don't expect to game at more than 800x600 with decent FPS.
Prolink 6600LE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814108005
Price: $49.99
Core Speed: 300mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 600mhz
Memory: 128MB
Memory Interface: DDR
Pixel Pipelines: 4 (Flashable to 8)
Overclockable: Unknown. Seems low.
Notes: Flashable to get 8 pipelines.
Entry Level ($100 cap)
Jetway X1600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814153030
Price: $63.99
Core Speed: 600mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1200mhz
Memory: 128MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Pixel Pipelines: 12
Overclockable: Fairly overclockable. You might get a 15% OC on the core.
Notes: A big improvement over the more budget cards. Still, it isn't the greatest card in the world but will get the job done.
EVGA 7600GS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130075
Price: $72.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 400mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 800mhz
Memory: 256MB
Memory Interface: GDDR2
Pixel Pipelines: 12
Overclockable: GDDR2 model does not overclock that great. Gains only a few FPS.
GDDR3 is good at overclocking and will reach 7600GT-range performance.
Notes: A big improvement over the more budget cards. Still, it isn't the greatest card in the world but will get the job done.
Biostar 7600GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814141043
Price: $87.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 560mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1400mhz
Memory: 256MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Pixel Pipelines: 12
Overclockable: Once overclocked, it can beat the X1800GTO.
Notes: A big improvement over the more budget cards. Still, it isn't the greatest card in the world but will get the job done.
EVGA 7600GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130062
Price: $99.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 560mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1400mhz
Memory: 256MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Pixel Pipelines: 12
Overclockable: Once overclocked, it can beat the X1800GTO.
Notes: A big improvement over the more budget cards. Still, it isn't the greatest card in the world but will get the job done. Remember the stepup.
Mid-Range Gaming ($150 cap)
Sapphire X1900GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130056
Price: $129.99
Core Speed: 575mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1200mhz
Memory: 256MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Pixel Pipelines: 12 (36 pixel shader processors)
Overclockable: Not the greatest overclocker. That's for sure.
Notes: The 7900GT may dwarf it in FPS, but it is still a great card.
Foxconn 7900GS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814186013
Price: $134.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 560mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1400mhz
Memory: 256MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Pixel Pipelines: 20
Overclockable: Overclocks like MADMAN. Once overclocked, blows the pants off the X1900GT. It can even beat the 7900GT! It may not blow the pants off the 7900GT OC'd though, as the 7900GT hits 550/1600 relatively easily...
Notes: HIGHLY suggested card! Mad overclocking and great performance!
EVGA 7900GS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130056
Price: $139.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 560mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1400mhz
Memory: 256MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Pixel Pipelines: 20
Overclockable: Overclocks like MADMAN. Once overclocked, blows the pants off the X1900GT. It can even beat the 7900GT! It may not blow the pants off the 7900GT OC'd though, as the 7900GT hits 550/1600 relatively easily...
Notes: HIGHLY suggested card! Mad overclocking and great performance! Do I smell 8600GT stepup?
Sapphire X1950PRO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130056
Price: $144.99 after MIR (Ends 3/28/07)
Core Speed: 580mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1400mhz
Memory: 256MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Pixel Pipelines: 12 (36 pixel shader processors)
Overclockable: Not the biggest overclocker.
Notes: Great card that does better than the 7900GT at stock.
High End Gaming (No cap)
EVGA 7950GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130074
Price: $184.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 550mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1400mhz
Memory: 256MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Pixel Pipelines: 24
Overclockable: 650mhz with a good aftermarket cooler.
Notes: Value-wise, this isn't the BEST option. It doesn't get too much improvement over the X1950PRO at stock.
HIS X1950XT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161048
Price: $199.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 650mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1800mhz
Memory: 256MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Pixel Pipelines: 16 (48 Pixel shader processors)
Overclockable: Unknown. Likely low.
Notes: Freakin' slightly superior to a X1900XTX. GREAT. BUY. BUY. BUY. On a sidenote, I've heard this has one of the best stock HSFs.
EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB HDCP
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082
Price: $259.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 500mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1600mhz
Memory: 320MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Stream Processors: 96
Overclockable: People have been seeing 600mhz cores and 1000mhz memories.
Notes: VERY nice performance. Blows the pants off anything below it.
EVGA 640-P2-N821-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB HDCP
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130071
Price: $344.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 500mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1600mhz
Memory: 640MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Stream Processors: 96
Overclockable: People have been seeing 600mhz cores and 1000mhz memories.
Notes: Not much more performance over the 320MB version, but performs better at high resolutions.
EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB HDCP
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130072
Price: $539.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 575mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1800mhz
Memory: 768MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Stream Processors: 128
Overclocking: Is this really needed? 600-600mhz on the core and 1000-1100mhz on the memory with stock.
Notes: Hail to the king. No one can take you higher. Everyone says I have great balls of fire.
EVGA 768-P2-N835-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB SC HDCP
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130079
Price: $579.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 621mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 2000mhz
Memory: 768MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Stream Processors: 128
Overclocking: Is this really needed? 600-600mhz on the core and 1000-1100mhz on the memory with stock.
Notes: Not worth the $60, personally.
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Memory
Suggested RAM Modules
DDR2-533
For the non-overclocker who loves Core 2 Duo more than his bag of chips! This is the entry level DDR2 RAM and it'll do the job for the C2D/C2Q line of chips right now. It won't, however, support FSB 1333.
Not recommended for AMD builds.
512MB
Wintec AMPO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161636
Price: $29.99
Cas Latency: 4
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: ?
Heat Spreader: No
Overclocking: Unknown.
Dual Channel: No.
Notes: Cheap n' for the most part, reliable.
Wintec AMPX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161657
Price: $31.99
Cas Latency: 4
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: ?
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: Decent. Low chance of reaching DDR2-667 speeds. DDR2-600 is more reasonable.
Dual Channel: No.
Notes: It may not reach DDR2-667 speeds, but it is still cheap as chips.
Corsair ValueSelect
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161636
Price: $32.99
Cas Latency: 4
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: ?
Heat Spreader: No
Overclocking: Low.
Dual Channel: No.
Notes: It's Corsair? *shrug*
pqi TURBO Cas 3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820141203
Price: $39.99
Cas Latency: 3
Voltage: 2.0V
Timings: 3-3-3-8
Heat Spreader: Yes
Overclocking: Supposedly high, according to Newegg reviews.
Dual Channel: No.
Notes: Tight timings compared to the value stuff.
1GB
G. Skill Extreme
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231043
Price: $59.99
Cas Latency: 4
Voltage: 1.8 to 2.0V
Timings: 4-4-4-12
Heat Spreader: No.
Overclocking: Supposedly high, according to Newegg reviews. Claims of DDR2-667 speeds a 2.0v.
Dual Channel: No.
Notes: Seems to be higher quality than most 1GB DDR2-533 modules at the price range.
2GB
G.Skill
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231043
Price: $114.99
Cas Latency: 4
Voltage: 1.8-2.0V
Timings: 4-4-4-12
Heat Spreader: No.
Overclocking: Unknown, claimed to be easily OC'd.
Dual Channel: Yes. 2x1GB
Notes: For 2GB, it is a few dollars cheaper than the norm. To top it off, it has tighter timings than most things within $20 of it. When you can easily upgrade to something faster, I find it hard to suggest anything else.
DDR2-667
Got an E4300 and itching to overclock? Got a different C2D and want to get a small OC? Are you simply waiting for the nice FSB 1333 models of processors? Come on down to DDR2-667!
If you want to spend over $150, then head down to DDR2-800.
Not suggested for AMD computers.
1GB
G-Skill
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231106
Price: $55.99
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: 5-5-5-15
Heat Spreader: No.
Overclocking: Unknown.
Dual Channel: No.
Notes: The cheapest stuff right now.
Recommended for budget builds.
Super Talent "Value RAM"
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820609085
Price: $60.99
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: 5-5-5-15
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: Fairly good. DDR2-800 to DDR2-900 speeds are possibilities.
Dual Channel: No.
Notes: Cheap as chips and great stuff. Highly recommended for any budget build.
Recommended for budget builds.
Recommended for performance builds.
Be sure to note that it is only suggested IF you overclock and get a half-way decent set.
Wintec AMPO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161675
Price: $60.99
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: 5-5-5-15
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: Most reports say DDR2-700-ish speeds. Some reports say DDR2-800 with voltage increase.
Dual Channel: No.
Notes: I wouldn't suggest it over the Super Talent, but still decent stuff.
2GB
A-Data
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16820211061
Price: $119.99
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: 5-5-5-15
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: Reviews are claiming DDR2-800. One reports loose timings.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: If you want a dual-channel kit, this may be some good budget stuff.
Recommended for budget builds.
Wintec AMPO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161677
Price: $124.99
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: 5-5-5-15
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: Seems to overclock to DDR2-800 relatively easily.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: Another decent budget OCer.
Recommended for budget builds.
PNY
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820178134
Price: $130.99
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: ?
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: People are claiming DDR2-800 and DDR2-900 speeds with voltage increase.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: I wouldn't say DDR2-900 is your average OC, but it is possible.
DDR2-800
1GB
Patriot
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220088
Price: $59.99 after MIR (Ends 4/15/07)
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: ?
Heat Spreader: No.
Overclocking: Some can't OC at all. Others strike over DDR2-1000. That's right, DDR2-1000.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: Some overclock like MADMEN. Others have trouble.
Recommended for budget builds.
2GB
Corsair XMS2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145590
Price: $134 after MIR
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.9V
Timings: 5-5-5-12
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: Some can't OC at all. Others strike over DDR2-900.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: For the price and the fact that it can overclock a little bit, it is a good buy.
Recommended for budget builds.
Wintec AMPX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161030
Price: $139.99
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.8-2.0V
Timings: ?
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: People are claiming DDR2-800 and DDR2-900 speeds with voltage increase.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: Pretty cheap for "extreme" RAM. Tom's Hardware tested this RAM. At 2.0V, DDR2-850 might be achievable with 4-4-4-12. With a small voltage increase, DDR2-900 speeds at 5-5-5-15 might be possible.
Patriot Extreme Performance
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220144
Price: $144.99 after MIR (Ends 3/31/07)
Cas Latency: 4
Voltage: 2.2V
Timings: 4-4-4-12
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: Variable. Some hit low, others are Micron D9.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: FORMERLY Micron D9! There MAY be some still being sent out, I'm not sure.
Geil
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161030
Price: $149.99
Cas Latency: 4
Voltage: 1.9-2.4V
Timings: 4-4-4
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: One review claims DDR2-1000 with lax timings.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: Not 100% sure about this RAM, but it seems nice.
G.Skill
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231114
Price: $179.99
Cas Latency: 4
Voltage: 2.0-2.1V
Timings: 4-4-3-5
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: DDR2-1000 with 2.35v seems to be the norm.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: Tight timings. GREAT overclocks! For the price, amazing. These are Promos chips.
Recommended for performance builds.
Kingston Value RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134117
Price: $231.99
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: 5-5-5-15
Heat Spreader: Lol. It's valueram.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: Uhm. WHAT?! WHAT IS WITH THAT PRICE?! Do NOT buy. This is a joke.
G.Skill Micron D9GMH!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231065
Price: $199.99
Cas Latency: 4
Voltage: 2.0-2.1V
Timings: 4-4-4-12
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: Micron D9? Micron D9.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: Micron D9? Hell yes. Under $200? By one cent, yes.
Recommended for performance builds.
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Hard Drives
Storage Hard Drives
These hard drives don't give you the thrill of super fast speeds, but they are definitely great for almost every computer. Most of these drives are very similar in terms of performance but all give good ratios of GB to price.
Western Digital SE 80GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822144415
Price: $43
Capacity: 80GB
Price per GB: $0.54
RPM: 7200
Average Seek Time: 8.9ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 64.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 64.0
Average Latency: 4.2ms
Notes: Cheap and effective.
Western Digital SE 160GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822144415
Price: $53
Capacity: 160GB
Price per GB: $0.33
RPM: 7200
Average Seek Time: 8.9ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 64.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 64.0
Average Latency: 4.2ms
Notes: Cheap and effective.
Seagate 7200.10 250GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148142
Price: $70
Capacity: 250GB
Price per GB: $0.28
RPM: 7200
Average Seek Time: 8.5ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 63.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 63.0
Average Latency: 4.16ms
Notes: They like to show off their perpendicular recording, don't they? Performance-wise, they seem roughly on par with the Western Digital SEs. Note the 5-year warranty.
Western Digital SE 250GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822144415
Price: $70
Capacity: 250GB
Price per GB: $0.28
RPM: 7200
Average Seek Time: 8.9ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 64.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 64.0
Average Latency: 4.2ms
Notes: Simply due to warranty alone, I'd suggest the Seagate over the Western Digital here.
Seagate 7200.10 320GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168221481402
Price: $85
Capacity: 320GB
Price per GB: $0.27
RPM: 7200
Average Seek Time: 8.5ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 63.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 63.0
Average Latency: 4.16ms
Notes: They like to show off their perpendicular recording, don't they? Performance-wise, they seem roughly on par with the Western Digital SEs. Note the 5-year warranty.
Samsung Spinpoint T Series 500GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152052
Price: $130
Capacity: 500GB
Price per GB: $0.26
RPM: 7200
Average Seek Time: 8.9ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 63.2
Average Write Transfer Performance: 62.4
Average Latency: 4.17ms
Notes: Cheapest price per GB we've seen thus far. Once again, it seems roughly on par with the other 7200RPM drives.
Western Digital SE 500GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822144415
Price: $130 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Capacity: 500GB
Price per GB: $0.26
RPM: 7200
Average Seek Time: 8.9ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 64.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 64.0
Average Latency: 4.2ms
Notes: Ask yourself if you want $10 or 2 more years of warranty.
Seagate 7200.10 500GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168221481402
Price: $140
Capacity: 500GB
Price per GB: $0.28
RPM: 7200
Average Seek Time: 8.5ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 63.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 63.0
Average Latency: 4.16ms
Notes: They like to show off their perpendicular recording, don't they? Performance-wise, they seem roughly on par with the Western Digital SEs. Note the 5-year warranty.
Seagate 7200.10 750GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168221481402
Price: $270
Capacity: 750GB
Price per GB: $0.36
RPM: 7200
Average Seek Time: 8.5ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 63.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 63.0
Average Latency: 4.16ms
Notes: Oh snap. Look at that 750GB HD. VERY massive. Thank perpendicular recording, not me.
High Performance Hard Drives
These things have VERY fast speeds and are generally fairly reliable. I do not suggest 15k rpm drives at the moment. If you can use them, then by all means indulge on the super fast performance.
Western Digital Raptor 74GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168221481402
Price: $140 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Capacity: 74GB
Price per GB: $1.87
RPM: 10000
Average Seek Time: 4.6ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 75.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 74.7
Average Latency: 2.99ms
Notes: The Raptors give you the superb performance at a high price. Very nice and fast.
Western Digital Raptor 150GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168221481402
Price: $180 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Capacity: 150GB
Price per GB: $1.20
RPM: 10000
Average Seek Time: 4.6ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 75.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 74.7
Average Latency: 2.99ms
Notes: These drives have a much better price point. Twice as much storage for $40 ain't bad when it comes to performance.
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Cases
POWMAX MM3800 Beige SGCC Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case - Retail
FREE after MIR (ends 3/27/07)
It's free. Enough said.
This is the assumed case for M-ATX sub-$500 builds
Rosewill R6422-P BK Black SGCC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$15.99
Cheap mid-tower case. You may want to consider mounting another fan.
This is the assumed case for $500 builds
RAIDMAX xB ATX-528B Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$19.99
This case has 2 80mm fans.
XION Solaris XON-403 Black with Green LED Light Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$24.99 after MIR (Ends 4/2/07)
Style points and 2 80mm fans.
POWMAX CP0327PL-4 Window Black/Silver SGCC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 400W Power Supply - Retail
$29.99
Style points? You may have to mount another fan. Ditc the PSU, though.
COOLER MASTER RC-330-KKN1-GP Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$29.99 after MIR
Functional case with a 120mm fan.
COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UB Black /Blue Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$44.99
Functional case with a 120mm fan and an 80mm.
XION Onyx XON-303 Black/Blue Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$44.99 after MIR (ends 4/2/07)
Another stylish case with 3 fans.
Sunbeam AC-HUVB UV Blue (UV reactive) Clear Acrylic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$52.99
No fans. You'll need to mount a few. The selling point? Super aesthetic value. Since the case is UV reactive, when it is dark out this thing will turn heads. Do your research on acrylic cases beforehand, though. They scratch easily.
NZXT Apollo BLACK NP Black SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$69.99
Stylish case with 2 120mm fans.
Sunbeam Transformer IC-TR-BA Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
$74.99
Nice looking case with 4 fans.
Thermaltake VC3000BWS Black Chassis : 0.8mm SECC Front bezel : Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$85.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
2 120mm fans running at a low rpm so it is almost silent.
LIAN LI PC-7B plus II Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$89.99
If you don't want much bling, then Lian-Li has some great cases. This has 2 120mm fans.
XCLIO A380 Silver SECC 1.0mm thickness ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
$96.99
Full-tower case AND it looks nice. To top it off, it has 2 250mm fans. Yes, 250mm.
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$109.99 (March Special)
Great cooling, nice look, roomy case. Highly recommended.
NZXT Zero Black/Silver Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
$109.99 after MIR (Ends 3/31/07)
EIGHT fans that are almost silent. Great cooling, doesn't look so bad either.
Antec Performance One P180 Silver cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$124.99
If you're not into bling, this is another great case.
COOLER MASTER Stacker 830 RC-830-SSN2-GP Silver Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
$234.99 after MIR (Ends 3/31/07)
RUN! IT'S CASEZILLA! MONSTER CASE! Good airflow.
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Operating Systems
To be added later.
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Cooling
Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme
$(Not Released)
Supposedly the best, according to Anandtech. If this thing gets a surprising 5 degrees below the Tuniq then I say we have a new champion! Unfortunately, not released yet, but keep it in mind.
Tuniq Tower
$65
Sanji Pick
One of the best air cooler on the market. People have hit some nice overclocks with this. Suggested for builds with good air flow.
Scythe Infinity
$57.99
Best for cases with great front to back airflow. This cools roughly 2-3 degrees celcius below the Ninja. Arguably as good as the Tuniq Tower. Some tests show the Infinity being superior, others show the Tuniq being better, others show them being tied, others show the Ultra-X Cooler beating them all. Hard to tell.
Scythe Ninja
$39.99
Sanji Pick
Best for cases with little air flow. Good for quiet builds. Either way, a great hsf. I suggest it, especially for its price point.
Thermalright Ultra 120
$48.99
The general consensus is Tuniq > Infinity > Ninja > Ultra 120. This is still a good cooler though. Lacks a fan, if I remember correctly.
Thermaltake Sonic Tower
$40.94
RUN! IT'S HSFZILLA! Monster. It was made for fanless 0db builds. With good air cooling and a very large fan it can arguably cool as good or better than the big boys above it. Make sure it can even fit though!
Thermaltake Big Typhoon
$46.99
Good cooler. Superior to the Ninja and Infinity when it comes to giant side fans. When you have front to back airflow though, the Scythe's win out.
Noctua NH-U12
$59.95
From the tests I've seen, the Noctua may not be the cooling level of a Scythe, but it still is good.
Other coolers to come! Please suggest others as my previous cooling section in my guide was accidently deleted...
__________________________________________________
Please leave any comments or suggestions. Got a suggestion for a section? Be sure to post it!
Update: 3/26/07
Build 1.5
Hard Drive section finished up.
I'm tackling the OS section next. XP vs. Vista 32-bit vs. Vista 64-bit vs. various Linux distros!
Design based upon the CPU Buyer's Guide
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Table of Contents
Build Suggestion Post Information
Nothing is more frustrating than a post that says NOTHING about what a user wants in a computer. I've put together a small list of things that can really speed up the process when it comes to making builds!
Power Supplies
The heart of a computer. You don't want to have a heart attack do you?
Motherboards
The genes of a computer. This dictates what your build can and cannot be.
Incomplete
CPU
The brain of a computer. You don't want to be dumb, do you?
Video Card
The eyes of a computer. You don't want to have poor eyesight, do you?
Memory
The dexterity of a computer. You want to be able to multi-task, right?
Hard Drives
This is like the long term memory! Yaaaaay!
Cases
This is like the body of a computer. The ones with LED lights are like super buff muscle men! Well not really, either way not everyone likes that
Operating System
Windows or Linux?! Mac? lol.
Incomplete
Cooling
This is like the ounce of prevention for a computer. If your computer never overheats (or in our case, get sick) it'll never need more medicine. If you want to overclock then, by all means, go for the better cooling!
Incomplete
__________________________________________________
Proper Build Suggestion Post Information
So, you're ready to let the members here at the forum tweak/create a build for you. Here is a simple format you can use!
.................................................................................................
Am I overclocking? (Yes, no, or I'm interested but currently unsure about overclocking)
If yes, how much will you be overclocking? (Very little, as far as I can on stock voltage, as far as I can with minor voltage increase [less than 10%], as far as possible on air, or as far as possible on water)
What is my budget? ($ amount. Specify if Canadian or USD)
Usage of the Computer? (Gaming, work, HTPC, Video Editting, Image Editting ...)
What games do you play? (Specify what games you play, if any)
What resolution do you use your computer at? (Specify resolution)
Do you use multiple monitors? (Yes or no)
Do you have any additional questions or comments? (List them here)
.................................................................................................
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Power Supplies
If there are two parts in a computer that shouldn't be skimped out upon, then it would be the power supply and the motherboard. A poor power supply could kill your entire computer. No joke.
The main things to look for in a power supply are reliability and amps on the 12v. A reliable power supply most likely won't fail on your and will last the duration of your system. The amps on the 12v dictate what sort of video card and processor you'll be able to get without overvolting the PSU. Going over the suggested wattage of the PSU could fry it and your system!
REMEMBER. WATTAGE ISN'T EVERYTHING.
For more information see PSU 101
For reliable power supples see PSU Reference List (US)
Both topics are by the PSU guru, mpilchfamily.
__________________________________________________
Motherboards
The motherboard is one of the two parts you shouldn't neglect. This part can determine the potential of your system. How much RAM it can hold, what CPUs it can use, what video cards it can have, what overclocking potential your system has, can it use SLI/CF, what case your can use, what upgrades you can make, etc etc.
Socket SLI? SATA? PATA? PCI Express x16? RAID?
AMD
For AMD, I suggest AM2 socket motherboards. They'll support AM2+ processors at HT 2.0 instead of 3.0, giving you a solid upgrade path. I do not suggest socket 939 unless you are going to use an Opteron.
BIOSTAR GEFORCE 6100 AM2 Socket AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Micro ATX RoHs compliant AMD Motherboard
$62.99
AM2. No. 2. 2 ATA100 up to 4 devices. 1. RAID 0/1
This is a fairly cheap motherboard that is micro-ATX, has integrated graphics, and is a surprisingly decent overclocker.
BIOSTAR TFORCE 550 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 550 MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
$69.99 after MIR (Ends 4/30/07)
AM2. No. 4. 1 ATA100 up to 2 devices. 1. RAID 0/1/0+1 JBOD
Excellent overclocking ability and dirt cheap with a combo. Highly recommended.
GIGABYTE GA-M55SLI-S4 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce4 SLI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
$79.99
AM2. Yes. 4. 2 ATA100 up to 4 devices. 2. RAID 0/1/0+1 JBOD
Another good overclocking board with SLI. If you want dual-card setups, then this is a solid option.
ASUS M2NPV-VM M-ATX
$87
AM2. No. 4. 2 ATA100 up to 4 devices. 1. RAID 0/1/0+1 JBOD
Not an overclocker, but it is more for a media center (if I read correctly.)
ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570 SLI MCP ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
$134
AM2. Yes. 6. 1 ATA100 up to 2 devices. 2. RAID 0/1/0+1/5
Overclocker that supports lots of SATA.
ASUS L1N64-SLI WS Dual Socket L (Socket 1207FX) NVIDIA nForce 680a SLI MCP SSI CEB AMD Motherboard - Retail
AM2. Quad SLI. 12. 1 ATA100 up to 2 devices. 4. RAID 0/1/0+1/5/JBOD
$347
Quad-freaking-FX. 2 processors and 4 video cards.
Intel
To be updated. To save me some time, please suggest additions to this section.
Would you like to suggest other motherboards? Please post!
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CPU
The processor of a system is an important component in a computer. It is sometimes called the brain of the computer as it interprets every instruction.
Lowest Budget
Basic computers will often use this types of processors. They are all single-core, currently, and are based upon outdated or slower architectures. These are some of the most entry level of entry levels.
Intel Celeron D 356
Single-Core
Price: $61
Model: Cedar Mill
Clock Speed: 133 * 24 = 3.2ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Highly. 5ghz on air. Possibility of 5ghz stock cooler.
OC Equivalent: Pentium D 930 stock at Multi-Threaded Applications. MAY reach the FX-5x series in performance at stock.
Notes: Same performance as P4 Northwood. Hey, a 5ghz Northwood ain't bad
.Sempron 64 3000+ (OEM)
Single-Core
Price: $41
Model: Manila
Clock Speed: 1.6ghz
Manufacturing Process: 90nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Information Needed and Appreciated
OC Equivalent: Upper-level Sempron? *shrug*
Mid-End ($75-100)
Athlon 64 3200+
Single-Core
Price: $75
Model: Orleans
Clock Speed: 2ghz
Manufacturing Process: 90nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Strong. 2.7ghz+ on air.
OC Equivalent: High-end Athlon 64 (4000+)
Notes: Strong single core performance.
Athlon X2 3600+
Dual-Core
Price: $76
Model: Brisbane
Clock Speed: 1.9ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Strong. 2.8-3ghz on air
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock and occasionally, overclocked.
Notes: VERY good. Highly suggested.
Athlon X2 3800+
Dual-Core
Price: $98
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 2ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Strong. Clock speeds slughtly less than X2 3600.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock and occasionally, overclocked.
Notes: Has more cache than the X2 3600+. More performance per clock.
Pentium D 805
Dual-Core
Price: $75
Model: Smithfield
Clock Speed: 133 * 20 = 2.66ghz
Manufacturing Process: 90nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Highly. 3.8ghz on air. 4ghz+ on water.
OC Equivalent: FX-60 Stock.
Notes: Runs hot. Very strong overclocker.
Pentium D 940
Dual-Core
Price: $99
Model: Presler
Clock Speed: 200 * 16 == 3.2ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Highly. 4ghz+ on air
OC Equivalent: Superior to FX-60 on stock.
Notes: Runs cooler. Stronger overclocking than Pentium D 805.
Upper Mid-End ($100-200)
E4300
Dual-Core
Price: $170
Model: Allendale
Clock Speed: 200 * 9 == 1.8ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Highly. Fairly good shot at 3ghz.
OC Equivalent: E6700/X6800 at stock
Notes: This is the Allendale core. It has 2MB of L2 cache and runs cool. It is a good overclocker but is pale in comparison to the Conroe's. It is superior to overclocked K8s.
E6300
Dual-Core
Price: $183
Model: Conroe-2M/Allendale
Clock Speed: 266 * 7 == 1.86ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Highly. Allendale cores may struggle much beyond 3ghz but the Conroe-2M can get past 3ghz with a very outside shot at 4ghz on water.
OC Equivalent: Overclocked Conroe
Notes: There are two versions of this processor out. They are the L2 and B2 steppings. The B2 is the Conroe-2M and overclocks VERY well. The L2 is an Allendale at a 266 fsb and does not overclock as well.
Athlon X2 4200+
Dual-Core
Price: $106
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 2.2ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Fairly strong. 2.7-2.9ghz.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock.
Notes: To be frank, not much better than the X2 3800+.
Athlon X2 4600+
Dual-Core
Price: $122
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 2.4ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Fairly strong. 2.7-2.9ghz.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock.
Notes: If you're going to run stock, then this is a good deal.
Opteron 2210
Dual-Core
Price: $179
Model: Santa Rosa
Clock Speed: 1.8ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: F
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Fairly strong. 2.8-3.1ghz.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock and lightly OC'd.
Notes: Amazingly, it can be used in QuadFX. It makes for a cheap alternative in that section. As an Opteron, it OCs better than the X2's.
High End ($200-$500)
E6400
Dual-Core
Price: $222
Model: Conroe-2M/Allendale
Clock Speed: 266 * 8 == 2.13ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Highly. Allendale cores may struggle much beyond 3.2ghz but the Conroe-2M can easily get past that.
OC Equivalent: Overclocked Conroe
Notes: There are two versions of this processor out. They are the L2 and B2 steppings. The B2 is the Conroe-2M and overclocks VERY well. The L2 is an Allendale at a 266 fsb and does not overclock as well.
E6600
Dual-Core
Price: $313
Model: Conroe
Clock Speed: 266 * 9 == 2.4ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: VERY strong. People have hit past 3.6ghz on air.
OC Equivalent: Overclocked Conroe
Notes: This Conroe has a full 4MB cache giving it 10% superior performance over the Allendale/Conroe-2M cores clock for clock. It is a superb overclocker and at a solid price point.
Athlon X2 5200+
Dual-Core
Price: $205
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 2.6ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Moderate. 2.7-3ghz.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock.
Notes: Unfortunately, the K8 architecture seems to top out near 3ghz.
Athlon X2 5400+
Dual-Core
Price: $255
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 2.8ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Low. 3ghz possible.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock.
Notes: Unfortunately, the K8 architecture seems to top out near 3ghz.
Athlon X2 5600+
Dual-Core
Price: $329
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 2.8ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Low. 3ghz possibly.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock.
Notes: This has twice as much cache as the X2 5400+.
Athlon X2 6000+
Dual-Core
Price: $456
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 3ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: AM2
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Low. Very small OCs.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock.
Notes: Unfortunately, the K8 architecture seems to top out near 3ghz. That's why we arn't seeing 3.2ghz K8s...
Enthusiast End ($500+)
E6700
Dual-Core
Price: $522
Model: Conroe
Clock Speed: 266 * 10 == 2.66ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: VERY strong. People have hit past 3.6ghz on air.
OC Equivalent: Overclocked Conroe
Notes: The E6700 doesn't overclock much better than the E6600. It is better at stock, though.
X6800
Dual-Core
Price: $970
Model: Conroe
Clock Speed: 266 * 11 == 2.93ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: VERY strong. 4ghz shouldn't be that hard.
OC Equivalent: Nothing except itself.
Notes: This is the best dual-core processor ever. Monster overclocker, unlocked multiplier, sweet black box... it has it all!
FX-70
Dual-Core/Quad-Core
Price: $329
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 2.6ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: 1207FX
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Moderate. 2.7-3ghz.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock.
Notes: I only suggest using it for QuadFX. Two of these makes a quad-core. This is listed in the Enthusiast section because you need to buy 2 of them to use the Quad-Core.
FX-72
Dual-Core/Quad-Core
Price: $379
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 2.8ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: 1207FX
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Low. 3ghz possibly.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock.
Notes: I only suggest using it for QuadFX. Two of these makes a quad-core. This is listed in the Enthusiast section because you need to buy 2 of them to use the Quad-Core.
FX-74
Dual-Core/Quad-Core
Price: $520
Model: Windsor
Clock Speed: 3ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: 1207FX
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: Low. Very small OCs.
OC Equivalent: Dual core FX-6x stock.
Notes: I only suggest using it for QuadFX. Two of these makes a quad-core.
Q6600
Quad-Core
Price: $846
Model: Kentsfield
Clock Speed: 266 * 9 == 2.4ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: VERY strong. People have hit past 3.6ghz on air.
OC Equivalent: Overclocked Kentsfield
Notes: A slightly cheaper quad-core. It is still a great overclocker.
QX6700
Quad-Core
Price: $970
Model: Kentsfield
Clock Speed: 266 * 10 == 2.66ghz
Manufacturing Process: 65nm
Socket: LGA775
64 Bit?: Yes
Overclockable: VERY strong. People have hit over 4ghz on air.
OC Equivalent: Nothing except itself.
Notes: The best Quad-Core processor on the market. Very fast, great overclocking, and a quad-core. Can't knock it.
__________________________________________________
Video Card
Lowest Budget ($50 cap)
Chaintech 7100GS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814145141
Price: $33.99 after MIR (Ends Apr 31)
Core Speed: 350mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 400mhz
Memory: 128MB on board
Memory Interface: DDR
Pixel Pipelines: 4
Overclockable: Unknown.
Notes: Business card. Multi-monitor support. Slight upgrade from onboard.
Gigabyte Radeon X1050
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125056
Price: $42.99
Core Speed: 400mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 400mhz?
Memory: 128MB onboard
Memory Interface: GDDR2
Pixel Pipelines: 4
Overclockable: Unknown.
Notes: Business card. Multi-monitor support. Slight upgrade from onboard.
MSI 7300LE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127273
Price: $44.99
Core Speed: 400mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 550mhz
Memory: 128MB onboard
Memory Interface: GDDR2
Pixel Pipelines: 4
Overclockable: Unknown. With volt mod, possible 700mhz on core?
Notes: Don't expect to game at more than 800x600 with decent FPS. If heavily overclocked, could bring in almost decent gaming performance?
ASUS X1300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121551
Price: $48.99
Core Speed: 450mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 500mhz
Memory: 128MB
Memory Interface: GDDR2
Pixel Pipelines: 4
Overclockable: Unknown.
Notes: Don't expect to game at more than 800x600 with decent FPS.
Prolink 6600LE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814108005
Price: $49.99
Core Speed: 300mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 600mhz
Memory: 128MB
Memory Interface: DDR
Pixel Pipelines: 4 (Flashable to 8)
Overclockable: Unknown. Seems low.
Notes: Flashable to get 8 pipelines.
Entry Level ($100 cap)
Jetway X1600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814153030
Price: $63.99
Core Speed: 600mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1200mhz
Memory: 128MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Pixel Pipelines: 12
Overclockable: Fairly overclockable. You might get a 15% OC on the core.
Notes: A big improvement over the more budget cards. Still, it isn't the greatest card in the world but will get the job done.
EVGA 7600GS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130075
Price: $72.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 400mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 800mhz
Memory: 256MB
Memory Interface: GDDR2
Pixel Pipelines: 12
Overclockable: GDDR2 model does not overclock that great. Gains only a few FPS.
GDDR3 is good at overclocking and will reach 7600GT-range performance.
Notes: A big improvement over the more budget cards. Still, it isn't the greatest card in the world but will get the job done.
Biostar 7600GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814141043
Price: $87.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 560mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1400mhz
Memory: 256MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Pixel Pipelines: 12
Overclockable: Once overclocked, it can beat the X1800GTO.
Notes: A big improvement over the more budget cards. Still, it isn't the greatest card in the world but will get the job done.
EVGA 7600GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130062
Price: $99.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 560mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1400mhz
Memory: 256MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Pixel Pipelines: 12
Overclockable: Once overclocked, it can beat the X1800GTO.
Notes: A big improvement over the more budget cards. Still, it isn't the greatest card in the world but will get the job done. Remember the stepup.
Mid-Range Gaming ($150 cap)
Sapphire X1900GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130056
Price: $129.99
Core Speed: 575mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1200mhz
Memory: 256MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Pixel Pipelines: 12 (36 pixel shader processors)
Overclockable: Not the greatest overclocker. That's for sure.
Notes: The 7900GT may dwarf it in FPS, but it is still a great card.
Foxconn 7900GS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814186013
Price: $134.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 560mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1400mhz
Memory: 256MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Pixel Pipelines: 20
Overclockable: Overclocks like MADMAN. Once overclocked, blows the pants off the X1900GT. It can even beat the 7900GT! It may not blow the pants off the 7900GT OC'd though, as the 7900GT hits 550/1600 relatively easily...
Notes: HIGHLY suggested card! Mad overclocking and great performance!
EVGA 7900GS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130056
Price: $139.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 560mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1400mhz
Memory: 256MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Pixel Pipelines: 20
Overclockable: Overclocks like MADMAN. Once overclocked, blows the pants off the X1900GT. It can even beat the 7900GT! It may not blow the pants off the 7900GT OC'd though, as the 7900GT hits 550/1600 relatively easily...
Notes: HIGHLY suggested card! Mad overclocking and great performance! Do I smell 8600GT stepup?
Sapphire X1950PRO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130056
Price: $144.99 after MIR (Ends 3/28/07)
Core Speed: 580mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1400mhz
Memory: 256MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Pixel Pipelines: 12 (36 pixel shader processors)
Overclockable: Not the biggest overclocker.
Notes: Great card that does better than the 7900GT at stock.
High End Gaming (No cap)
EVGA 7950GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130074
Price: $184.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 550mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1400mhz
Memory: 256MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Pixel Pipelines: 24
Overclockable: 650mhz with a good aftermarket cooler.
Notes: Value-wise, this isn't the BEST option. It doesn't get too much improvement over the X1950PRO at stock.
HIS X1950XT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161048
Price: $199.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 650mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1800mhz
Memory: 256MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Pixel Pipelines: 16 (48 Pixel shader processors)
Overclockable: Unknown. Likely low.
Notes: Freakin' slightly superior to a X1900XTX. GREAT. BUY. BUY. BUY. On a sidenote, I've heard this has one of the best stock HSFs.
EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB HDCP
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082
Price: $259.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 500mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1600mhz
Memory: 320MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Stream Processors: 96
Overclockable: People have been seeing 600mhz cores and 1000mhz memories.
Notes: VERY nice performance. Blows the pants off anything below it.
EVGA 640-P2-N821-AR GeForce 8800GTS 640MB HDCP
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130071
Price: $344.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 500mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1600mhz
Memory: 640MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Stream Processors: 96
Overclockable: People have been seeing 600mhz cores and 1000mhz memories.
Notes: Not much more performance over the 320MB version, but performs better at high resolutions.
EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB HDCP
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130072
Price: $539.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 575mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 1800mhz
Memory: 768MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Stream Processors: 128
Overclocking: Is this really needed? 600-600mhz on the core and 1000-1100mhz on the memory with stock.
Notes: Hail to the king. No one can take you higher. Everyone says I have great balls of fire.
EVGA 768-P2-N835-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB SC HDCP
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130079
Price: $579.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Core Speed: 621mhz
Memory Clock Effective: 2000mhz
Memory: 768MB
Memory Interface: GDDR3
Stream Processors: 128
Overclocking: Is this really needed? 600-600mhz on the core and 1000-1100mhz on the memory with stock.
Notes: Not worth the $60, personally.
__________________________________________________
Memory
Suggested RAM Modules
DDR2-533
For the non-overclocker who loves Core 2 Duo more than his bag of chips! This is the entry level DDR2 RAM and it'll do the job for the C2D/C2Q line of chips right now. It won't, however, support FSB 1333.
Not recommended for AMD builds.
512MB
Wintec AMPO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161636
Price: $29.99
Cas Latency: 4
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: ?
Heat Spreader: No
Overclocking: Unknown.
Dual Channel: No.
Notes: Cheap n' for the most part, reliable.
Wintec AMPX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161657
Price: $31.99
Cas Latency: 4
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: ?
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: Decent. Low chance of reaching DDR2-667 speeds. DDR2-600 is more reasonable.
Dual Channel: No.
Notes: It may not reach DDR2-667 speeds, but it is still cheap as chips.
Corsair ValueSelect
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161636
Price: $32.99
Cas Latency: 4
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: ?
Heat Spreader: No
Overclocking: Low.
Dual Channel: No.
Notes: It's Corsair? *shrug*
pqi TURBO Cas 3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820141203
Price: $39.99
Cas Latency: 3
Voltage: 2.0V
Timings: 3-3-3-8
Heat Spreader: Yes
Overclocking: Supposedly high, according to Newegg reviews.
Dual Channel: No.
Notes: Tight timings compared to the value stuff.
1GB
G. Skill Extreme
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231043
Price: $59.99
Cas Latency: 4
Voltage: 1.8 to 2.0V
Timings: 4-4-4-12
Heat Spreader: No.
Overclocking: Supposedly high, according to Newegg reviews. Claims of DDR2-667 speeds a 2.0v.
Dual Channel: No.
Notes: Seems to be higher quality than most 1GB DDR2-533 modules at the price range.
2GB
G.Skill
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231043
Price: $114.99
Cas Latency: 4
Voltage: 1.8-2.0V
Timings: 4-4-4-12
Heat Spreader: No.
Overclocking: Unknown, claimed to be easily OC'd.
Dual Channel: Yes. 2x1GB
Notes: For 2GB, it is a few dollars cheaper than the norm. To top it off, it has tighter timings than most things within $20 of it. When you can easily upgrade to something faster, I find it hard to suggest anything else.
DDR2-667
Got an E4300 and itching to overclock? Got a different C2D and want to get a small OC? Are you simply waiting for the nice FSB 1333 models of processors? Come on down to DDR2-667!
If you want to spend over $150, then head down to DDR2-800.
Not suggested for AMD computers.
1GB
G-Skill
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231106
Price: $55.99
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: 5-5-5-15
Heat Spreader: No.
Overclocking: Unknown.
Dual Channel: No.
Notes: The cheapest stuff right now.
Recommended for budget builds.
Super Talent "Value RAM"
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820609085
Price: $60.99
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: 5-5-5-15
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: Fairly good. DDR2-800 to DDR2-900 speeds are possibilities.
Dual Channel: No.
Notes: Cheap as chips and great stuff. Highly recommended for any budget build.
Recommended for budget builds.
Recommended for performance builds.
Be sure to note that it is only suggested IF you overclock and get a half-way decent set.
Wintec AMPO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161675
Price: $60.99
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: 5-5-5-15
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: Most reports say DDR2-700-ish speeds. Some reports say DDR2-800 with voltage increase.
Dual Channel: No.
Notes: I wouldn't suggest it over the Super Talent, but still decent stuff.
2GB
A-Data
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16820211061
Price: $119.99
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: 5-5-5-15
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: Reviews are claiming DDR2-800. One reports loose timings.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: If you want a dual-channel kit, this may be some good budget stuff.
Recommended for budget builds.
Wintec AMPO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161677
Price: $124.99
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: 5-5-5-15
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: Seems to overclock to DDR2-800 relatively easily.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: Another decent budget OCer.
Recommended for budget builds.
PNY
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820178134
Price: $130.99
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: ?
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: People are claiming DDR2-800 and DDR2-900 speeds with voltage increase.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: I wouldn't say DDR2-900 is your average OC, but it is possible.
DDR2-800
1GB
Patriot
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220088
Price: $59.99 after MIR (Ends 4/15/07)
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: ?
Heat Spreader: No.
Overclocking: Some can't OC at all. Others strike over DDR2-1000. That's right, DDR2-1000.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: Some overclock like MADMEN. Others have trouble.
Recommended for budget builds.
2GB
Corsair XMS2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145590
Price: $134 after MIR
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.9V
Timings: 5-5-5-12
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: Some can't OC at all. Others strike over DDR2-900.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: For the price and the fact that it can overclock a little bit, it is a good buy.
Recommended for budget builds.
Wintec AMPX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161030
Price: $139.99
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.8-2.0V
Timings: ?
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: People are claiming DDR2-800 and DDR2-900 speeds with voltage increase.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: Pretty cheap for "extreme" RAM. Tom's Hardware tested this RAM. At 2.0V, DDR2-850 might be achievable with 4-4-4-12. With a small voltage increase, DDR2-900 speeds at 5-5-5-15 might be possible.
Patriot Extreme Performance
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220144
Price: $144.99 after MIR (Ends 3/31/07)
Cas Latency: 4
Voltage: 2.2V
Timings: 4-4-4-12
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: Variable. Some hit low, others are Micron D9.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: FORMERLY Micron D9! There MAY be some still being sent out, I'm not sure.
Geil
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161030
Price: $149.99
Cas Latency: 4
Voltage: 1.9-2.4V
Timings: 4-4-4
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: One review claims DDR2-1000 with lax timings.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: Not 100% sure about this RAM, but it seems nice.
G.Skill
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231114
Price: $179.99
Cas Latency: 4
Voltage: 2.0-2.1V
Timings: 4-4-3-5
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: DDR2-1000 with 2.35v seems to be the norm.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: Tight timings. GREAT overclocks! For the price, amazing. These are Promos chips.
Recommended for performance builds.
Kingston Value RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134117
Price: $231.99
Cas Latency: 5
Voltage: 1.8V
Timings: 5-5-5-15
Heat Spreader: Lol. It's valueram.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: Uhm. WHAT?! WHAT IS WITH THAT PRICE?! Do NOT buy. This is a joke.
G.Skill Micron D9GMH!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231065
Price: $199.99
Cas Latency: 4
Voltage: 2.0-2.1V
Timings: 4-4-4-12
Heat Spreader: Yes.
Overclocking: Micron D9? Micron D9.
Dual Channel: Yes.
Notes: Micron D9? Hell yes. Under $200? By one cent, yes.
Recommended for performance builds.
__________________________________________________
Hard Drives
Storage Hard Drives
These hard drives don't give you the thrill of super fast speeds, but they are definitely great for almost every computer. Most of these drives are very similar in terms of performance but all give good ratios of GB to price.
Western Digital SE 80GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822144415
Price: $43
Capacity: 80GB
Price per GB: $0.54
RPM: 7200
Average Seek Time: 8.9ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 64.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 64.0
Average Latency: 4.2ms
Notes: Cheap and effective.
Western Digital SE 160GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822144415
Price: $53
Capacity: 160GB
Price per GB: $0.33
RPM: 7200
Average Seek Time: 8.9ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 64.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 64.0
Average Latency: 4.2ms
Notes: Cheap and effective.
Seagate 7200.10 250GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148142
Price: $70
Capacity: 250GB
Price per GB: $0.28
RPM: 7200
Average Seek Time: 8.5ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 63.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 63.0
Average Latency: 4.16ms
Notes: They like to show off their perpendicular recording, don't they? Performance-wise, they seem roughly on par with the Western Digital SEs. Note the 5-year warranty.
Western Digital SE 250GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822144415
Price: $70
Capacity: 250GB
Price per GB: $0.28
RPM: 7200
Average Seek Time: 8.9ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 64.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 64.0
Average Latency: 4.2ms
Notes: Simply due to warranty alone, I'd suggest the Seagate over the Western Digital here.
Seagate 7200.10 320GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168221481402
Price: $85
Capacity: 320GB
Price per GB: $0.27
RPM: 7200
Average Seek Time: 8.5ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 63.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 63.0
Average Latency: 4.16ms
Notes: They like to show off their perpendicular recording, don't they? Performance-wise, they seem roughly on par with the Western Digital SEs. Note the 5-year warranty.
Samsung Spinpoint T Series 500GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152052
Price: $130
Capacity: 500GB
Price per GB: $0.26
RPM: 7200
Average Seek Time: 8.9ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 63.2
Average Write Transfer Performance: 62.4
Average Latency: 4.17ms
Notes: Cheapest price per GB we've seen thus far. Once again, it seems roughly on par with the other 7200RPM drives.
Western Digital SE 500GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822144415
Price: $130 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Capacity: 500GB
Price per GB: $0.26
RPM: 7200
Average Seek Time: 8.9ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 64.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 64.0
Average Latency: 4.2ms
Notes: Ask yourself if you want $10 or 2 more years of warranty.
Seagate 7200.10 500GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168221481402
Price: $140
Capacity: 500GB
Price per GB: $0.28
RPM: 7200
Average Seek Time: 8.5ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 63.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 63.0
Average Latency: 4.16ms
Notes: They like to show off their perpendicular recording, don't they? Performance-wise, they seem roughly on par with the Western Digital SEs. Note the 5-year warranty.
Seagate 7200.10 750GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168221481402
Price: $270
Capacity: 750GB
Price per GB: $0.36
RPM: 7200
Average Seek Time: 8.5ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 63.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 63.0
Average Latency: 4.16ms
Notes: Oh snap. Look at that 750GB HD. VERY massive. Thank perpendicular recording, not me.
High Performance Hard Drives
These things have VERY fast speeds and are generally fairly reliable. I do not suggest 15k rpm drives at the moment. If you can use them, then by all means indulge on the super fast performance.
Western Digital Raptor 74GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168221481402
Price: $140 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Capacity: 74GB
Price per GB: $1.87
RPM: 10000
Average Seek Time: 4.6ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 75.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 74.7
Average Latency: 2.99ms
Notes: The Raptors give you the superb performance at a high price. Very nice and fast.
Western Digital Raptor 150GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168221481402
Price: $180 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
Capacity: 150GB
Price per GB: $1.20
RPM: 10000
Average Seek Time: 4.6ms
Average Read Transfer Performance: 75.0
Average Write Transfer Performance: 74.7
Average Latency: 2.99ms
Notes: These drives have a much better price point. Twice as much storage for $40 ain't bad when it comes to performance.
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Cases
POWMAX MM3800 Beige SGCC Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case - Retail
FREE after MIR (ends 3/27/07)
It's free. Enough said.
This is the assumed case for M-ATX sub-$500 builds
Rosewill R6422-P BK Black SGCC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$15.99
Cheap mid-tower case. You may want to consider mounting another fan.
This is the assumed case for $500 builds
RAIDMAX xB ATX-528B Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$19.99
This case has 2 80mm fans.
XION Solaris XON-403 Black with Green LED Light Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$24.99 after MIR (Ends 4/2/07)
Style points and 2 80mm fans.
POWMAX CP0327PL-4 Window Black/Silver SGCC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 400W Power Supply - Retail
$29.99
Style points? You may have to mount another fan. Ditc the PSU, though.
COOLER MASTER RC-330-KKN1-GP Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$29.99 after MIR
Functional case with a 120mm fan.
COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UB Black /Blue Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$44.99
Functional case with a 120mm fan and an 80mm.
XION Onyx XON-303 Black/Blue Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$44.99 after MIR (ends 4/2/07)
Another stylish case with 3 fans.
Sunbeam AC-HUVB UV Blue (UV reactive) Clear Acrylic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$52.99
No fans. You'll need to mount a few. The selling point? Super aesthetic value. Since the case is UV reactive, when it is dark out this thing will turn heads. Do your research on acrylic cases beforehand, though. They scratch easily.
NZXT Apollo BLACK NP Black SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$69.99
Stylish case with 2 120mm fans.
Sunbeam Transformer IC-TR-BA Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
$74.99
Nice looking case with 4 fans.
Thermaltake VC3000BWS Black Chassis : 0.8mm SECC Front bezel : Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$85.99 after MIR (ends 3/31/07)
2 120mm fans running at a low rpm so it is almost silent.
LIAN LI PC-7B plus II Black Aluminum ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$89.99
If you don't want much bling, then Lian-Li has some great cases. This has 2 120mm fans.
XCLIO A380 Silver SECC 1.0mm thickness ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
$96.99
Full-tower case AND it looks nice. To top it off, it has 2 250mm fans. Yes, 250mm.
Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$109.99 (March Special)
Great cooling, nice look, roomy case. Highly recommended.
NZXT Zero Black/Silver Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
$109.99 after MIR (Ends 3/31/07)
EIGHT fans that are almost silent. Great cooling, doesn't look so bad either.
Antec Performance One P180 Silver cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$124.99
If you're not into bling, this is another great case.
COOLER MASTER Stacker 830 RC-830-SSN2-GP Silver Aluminum ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail
$234.99 after MIR (Ends 3/31/07)
RUN! IT'S CASEZILLA! MONSTER CASE! Good airflow.
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Operating Systems
To be added later.
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Cooling
Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme
$(Not Released)
Supposedly the best, according to Anandtech. If this thing gets a surprising 5 degrees below the Tuniq then I say we have a new champion! Unfortunately, not released yet, but keep it in mind
.Tuniq Tower
$65
One of the best air cooler on the market. People have hit some nice overclocks with this. Suggested for builds with good air flow.
Scythe Infinity
$57.99
Best for cases with great front to back airflow. This cools roughly 2-3 degrees celcius below the Ninja. Arguably as good as the Tuniq Tower. Some tests show the Infinity being superior, others show the Tuniq being better, others show them being tied, others show the Ultra-X Cooler beating them all. Hard to tell.
Scythe Ninja
$39.99
Best for cases with little air flow. Good for quiet builds. Either way, a great hsf. I suggest it, especially for its price point.
Thermalright Ultra 120
$48.99
The general consensus is Tuniq > Infinity > Ninja > Ultra 120. This is still a good cooler though. Lacks a fan, if I remember correctly.
Thermaltake Sonic Tower
$40.94
RUN! IT'S HSFZILLA! Monster. It was made for fanless 0db builds. With good air cooling and a very large fan it can arguably cool as good or better than the big boys above it. Make sure it can even fit though!
Thermaltake Big Typhoon
$46.99
Good cooler. Superior to the Ninja and Infinity when it comes to giant side fans. When you have front to back airflow though, the Scythe's win out.
Noctua NH-U12
$59.95
From the tests I've seen, the Noctua may not be the cooling level of a Scythe, but it still is good.
Other coolers to come! Please suggest others as my previous cooling section in my guide was accidently deleted...
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Please leave any comments or suggestions. Got a suggestion for a section? Be sure to post it!
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