My build numbero dos!

[DustinM]

Hey guys, since my first build that I posted on this site back in July, I've gotten a job working at a custom computer builder, so I've been able to get a lot of experience building computers. I've done a lot of research on this current build, and I'm planning on ordering the parts in the next week or so, pending approval from you guys on this site =).

CPU: E6400 (considered the best OCing cpu in the conroe line) http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819115004
Motherboard : Gigabyte P965-DS3 (great ocing board, sold out atm on newegg though!) http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813128012
Ram : OCZ DDR2 800 Cas 4 Platnium Rev. 2. (Corsair is overrated and overpriced imo) http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820227139
Monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824112006
never heard of Spectre before, but the price is AWESOME and it has great reviews. I'll get a DVI cable to go with it.
PSU: The Fortron FSP 700W http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817104015
Case: Coolermaster Centurion 5 http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811119047
DVD Player: LG 18X burner/reader http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16827136103
Heatsink/fan: Artic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835186134
Speakers : Cyber Acoustics 2.1 http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16836150044

I also got my hands on a really good deal for an EVGA 8800gts (for $369 after mail in rebate!) and a new WD 250gb 7200rpm 16mb cache HD. I also already have powerdvd, ahead nero, and a unopened copy of WIndows XP Pro w/ upgrade coupon to Vista.

[glc]

The Gigabyte may be a great overclocker, but I'm not convinced it's totally stable and reliable. I still favor the Asus P5B's.

[Mr.Ferrari]

You might get an extra few mhz out of that DS3, but it will never be stable. Get a P5B. Besides, your ram will stop you at around ~450mhz MAX.

Speaking of which, even though these are the Rev.2 platinum's with the new more compatible chips, its still not a great/stable ram. I would highly suggest some Corsair XMS. Or if you really want to overclock, I'd suggest some Crucial Ballistix, Team Xtreem, or G.Skill HZ.

Get the OCZ Gamextreme 700w instead, its the same exact Fortron Epsilon except just rebadged with a much better warranty. Another even better alternative to it would be the Corsair HX series.

[DustinM]

I haven't heard of any issues with the DS3 stability -- and from what I understand the vanilla P5B is a poor overclocker. Would I need to get the deluxe edition in order to overclock well?

Also, on other forums, the OCZ Rev. 2 Platinums came highly recommended. I know OCZ can be picky with standard voltage, but thats not a problem for me, as I have access to another stick of ram that will allow me to set the voltage to 2.1v in the bios. Are there any other issues with the OCZ ram besides that?

How good is Patriot ram? One of my coworkers swears by them. Corsair is very nice, but overpriced. I haven't heard much about G.Skill, I thought they were a lower quality manufacturer?

I'll have to look at the Corsair HX again, even though they are more expensive than similar wattage Tier 1 PSUs.

[Mr.Ferrari]

The P5B and the DS3 both will overclock nicely, the P5B will do 400mhz+ without too much fuss, and the DS3 will do the same with more fuss. The only thing that differentiates them is that some DS3's can hit up to 480mhz after alot of hair pulling. Remember these are basic boards, not exactly made for overclocking, both have their flaws.

Overall if you want a rock solid, heavy overclocking board, the best out there is the P5B Deluxe. But judging by your ram choice, the DS3 or P5B will get the job done. I dont go by manufacturer's when im choosing overclocking ram, I go by the quality of chips. Since your not exactly going for super high clocks,I think that the OCZ or Corsair should be good. The three that I suggested are some of the highest overclocking memories on the market. But they are not needed unless your looking for records.

The OCZ Rev.1 were totally incompatible with any new Core 2 Duo motherboard. Hence Rev.2, although I have not heard too much about it, they use the same chips that are found in the Corsair XMS. Your choice here. I like corsair for builders purely because of consistency of quality in their memories. Albeit the XMS, I agree are a bit over priced.

The DS3 also has major ram compatibility issues. Especially with the more high end memories.

The OCZ/FSP's are not bad at all, just giving you an alternitive.. Either would be an awesome choice for your needs.

[DustinM]

I've been looking a little more at the Asus P5B Deluxe on Newegg, and there have been some complaints about the onboard sound being bad, have you guys had any experiences with that?

To clarify on what exactly I'm looking for really, I'm not going to do a massive overclock. A 1:1 overclock would be great, with a 400FSB (which if my math is right, is 3.2ghz for the E6400). I don't know if I'll overclock the ram much.... maybe a 450FSB....

[Mr.Ferrari]

If its 1:1 then 400 shouldnt be an issue as that is the rated speed, I am doubting 450 with the OCZ or Corsair but you might be able to push it.

[DustinM]

Ok, then, the only question that remains is the sound on the p5b deluxe. I think I'll get that provided I don't have to get a sound card.

Also, would you stick with the Artic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro or invest in something like a Tuniq Tower 120 or a Scythe?

[newbuilder14]

The sound on the P5B boards is very fine - even on my P5B vanilla I have had no problems with the sound. I cannot imagine the DS3's sound to be any better.

Get a Tuniq Tower 120 or a Scythe, I'm not too impressed with the Freezer 7 Pro, however some people are so it is still a great unit I guess, just didn't make a HUGE difference for me like I was expecting for the money I paid to even upgrade.

[glc]

I'd see how far you can safely go with the stock cooler before buying a new one. If you don't jack up the core voltage it should be fine.