New Intel Core 2 Duo Build, Questions on Hardware Choices

[IronMentality]

I have a few questions on a few hardware categories for my new Intel Core 2 Duo Build. The computer will be used for the following:

- Heavy Multitasking
- Current-generation gaming (but the most ridiculous GPU is NOT necessary)

So far, I have the following marked down:

- Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
- DVD Burner with Nero Express included from either Lite-On or NEC

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129154 (Case)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103937 (PSU)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115003 (CPU)

Questions on:

- Motherboard
- Hard Drive
- RAM
- Video Card
- Case, PSU, and Heatsink

What is the motherboard I should get for this CPU? Asus or an Intel board? What so far has been reliable for this new Intel chip?

Are there 10,000 RPM hard drives available that make less noise then the Raptors I dealt with a year ago? Should I go with a new Seagate 10k RPM drive? Otherwise, I'll stick with a 7200PRM Seagate around 200GB.

Supposively, the Corsair memory sold here at NewEgg (Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098) does not actually run in true DDR2667 mode. I typically choose Corsair memory, but that seems to be a problem that would prevent me from going with them.

The question is, what memory should I go with? I will not be overclocking, I just want good fast performing but stable long term reliable memory. I will be putting 1GB x 2 for 2GB of Memory to be run in Dual Channel mode in this PC.

What video card should I get? $500 video cards or SLI is not necessary. Just something current generation but in the medium price range.

I've never dealt with the Antec P180 Silver Case before, but NE sells a lot of them and it seems to be a good looking, reliable, easy to use case. I think it should be sufficient for this build, but two quick questions:

- What cases, if any others, would be good for this build?
- The PSU I selected, is 500W overdoing it, or will that Antec PSU be great for this build?
- Do I need to get an aftermarket heatsink to keep temperatures down? I have no knowledge of how hot the Intel Core 2 Duo runs, or how well the Intel manufacturer heatsink works with the new chip.

Suggestions are appreciated. Thank you.

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by IronMentality Are there 10,000 RPM hard drives available that make less noise then the Raptors I dealt with a year ago?

There are no other 10,000 RPM SATA hard drives available. They do make 10,000 RPM SCSI hard drives but they are very expensive and not really for home use.

Originally Posted by IronMentality Should I go with a new Seagate 10k RPM drive?

Those are only available in SCSI.

Originally Posted by IronMentality Otherwise, I'll stick with a 7200PRM Seagate around 200GB.

Unless you get a Raptor or a SCSI HDD, your only option would be to go with a 7200 RPM SATA HDD.

Originally Posted by IronMentality - The PSU I selected, is 500W overdoing it, or will that Antec PSU be great for this build?

500 watts should be fine, but I'd skip getting an Antec PSU right now and go with something else. Been hearing about a lot of problems with Antec PSUs right now.

Originally Posted by IronMentality - Do I need to get an aftermarket heatsink to keep temperatures down?

Nope, the stock Intel heatsink will be fine. The C2D processors use less power and run cooler than the previous Intel processors.

Cricket

[blue60007]

For the motherboard, I'd look at an ASUS P5B or P5W DH Deluxe.

Here's a good video card for the $$:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102051

[newbuilder14]

Blue, kind of off topic, but do you think with the great motherboard you have you will eventually get a C2D?

To help the OP, I think an Asus P5B Deluxe (200 dollars) or a P5W DH (260) would be a good choice. Both have good reviews. For RAM, look at Corsair XMS2 PC6400 RAM - good stuff.

[IronMentality]

Originally Posted by Cricket There are no other 10,000 RPM SATA hard drives available. They do make 10,000 RPM SCSI hard drives but they are very expensive and not really for home use.Those are only available in SCSI.Unless you get a Raptor or a SCSI HDD, your only option would be to go with a 7200 RPM SATA HDD.500 watts should be fine, but I'd skip getting an Antec PSU right now and go with something else. Been hearing about a lot of problems with Antec PSUs right now.Nope, the stock Intel heatsink will be fine. The C2D processors use less power and run cooler than the previous Intel processors. Cricket

I'll stick with the 7200RPM SATA Seagate HD.

This PSU seems good and has dual railings: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341001 - however, is there another reputable manufacturer that makes one cheaper? I have used Thermaltake, Antec, or Sparkle exclusively for years now. Thermaltake I was told isn't probably the best to use in a gaming PC, and I am unsure about Sparkle. If Antec is truly having trouble, I remember PC Power & Cooling being a good manufacturer, but, there stuff is really expensive.

I'll definitely stick with the stock Intel heatsink. Good to hear we're passed the old Intel LGA775 set your PC on fire days with the temps those chips used to put out.

Those Asus $200 motherboards you suggested, I naturally will assume are very good. I know I can probably get a cheaper version though, that's just as reliable with a few less features.

So the big question is, what chipset should I choose - 975 or 965.

And for the GPU, which manufacturer should I go with for any of the various cards around $200 to $300? If I remember correctly, eVGA was generally pretty good for NVidia. I am unsure about ATI cards.

[newbuilder14]

That PSU is great.

The 975x chipset is more mature than the P965 chipset. It probably won't make a huge difference.

As for video cards, what games will you be playing. Honestly, I don't think it will make a difference because both ATI and nVidia make great products. For $2-300 I'd shoot for a 256mb ATI x1900xt.

[smnsam]

I'll go for Intel 975 Mother board,

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by IronMentality This PSU seems good and has dual railings: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341001 - however, is there another reputable manufacturer that makes one cheaper? I have used Thermaltake, Antec, or Sparkle exclusively for years now. Thermaltake I was told isn't probably the best to use in a gaming PC, and I am unsure about Sparkle.

Personally, I feel Fortron Source and Sparkle Power PSUs (same company) are better quality than Antec PSUs...just my own observation.

Originally Posted by IronMentality I'll definitely stick with the stock Intel heatsink. Good to hear we're passed the old Intel LGA775 set your PC on fire days with the temps those chips used to put out.

It was the Socket 478 P4 Prescotts that were the really hot running CPUs, not the LGA775 P4 Prescotts.

Cricket

[Mr.Ferrari]

Cricket that psu is an OEM Epsilon Unit from FSP

That is an excellent psu but if you do not plan on running a dual card config, then I suggest this one instead. Will power everything you need and is much cheaper.

http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=PS-...a9cc771c8ad72#

[newbuilder14]

The PSU the OP linked to was an OCZ GameXStream 700w.

[IronMentality]

Originally Posted by Cricket Personally, I feel Fortron Source and Sparkle Power PSUs (same company) are better quality than Antec PSUs...just my own observation.It was the Socket 478 P4 Prescotts that were the really hot running CPUs, not the LGA775 P4 Prescotts. Cricket

Do'h, mixed the two up as far as the 478 and LGA775 goes.

Alright, let's do a little PSU comparison:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104954 - FSP, 450W w/Dual Railings

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103018 - Sparkle, 460W w/Dual Railings

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341001 - OCZ, 600W w/Dual Railings

Can 450W or 460W PSU from above power a Core 2 Duo system with the ATI x1900XT, and 2GB of DDR SDRAM at 667 MHz or higher, and a 24" Dell LCD?

[chuck4456]

Asus mobos seem to be a lot more forgiving than Intel when it comes to RAM compatability with the P965.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Originally Posted by newbuilder14 The PSU the OP linked to was an OCZ GameXStream 700w.

Yes but its a OEM Fsp UNIT. Meaning, OCZ Gamextremes are the exact same psu as Fortron's Epsilon series but are a little cheaper and have a better warranty.

Alright, let's do a little PSU comparison: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104954 - FSP, 450W w/Dual Railings http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817103018 - Sparkle, 460W w/Dual Railings http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341001 - OCZ, 600W w/Dual Railings

As far as bang for the buck goes you cant beat the Enhance 500W

But out of those choices OCZ would be the best but not needed for your kinda setup.

Some other good ones would be:
FSP Blue Storm 500W

Enermax Noistaker 485W