Please review this C2D build

[rbautch]

I'm building a PC for frequent video encoding and intense multitasking. No gaming. With video encoding, obviously processor performance matters most, so I plan to overclock as much as possible. I've been reading the build threads for a few weeks, and came up with the following list:

Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Conroe 2.4GHz 4M sharing L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor $311

ASUS P5W DH DELUXE/WIFI-AP Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 975X ATX Intel Motherboard $230

ASUS EAX300SE-X/TD/128 Radeon X300SE 128MB 64-bit DDR PCI Express x16 Video Card $40

Antec NeoPower NeoHE 550 ATX12V 550W Power Supply $115

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 $280

Antec P160W Anodized Aluminum Super Mid Tower PC Enclosure $120 (already purchased)

Here are my questions:
1. Since I plan to overclock anyway, is the E6600 worth the extra $130 over the E6300?
2. Do I need an after market heatsink/fan to maximize OC potential? Any recommendations?
3. Can/should I save any money on RAM?

[newbuilder14]

1. Yes
2. Yes, look into Sycthe, Thermalright, or Zalman coolers.
3. No, not if your overclocking - you should should stick with the 800mhz RAM.

One more thing, get an ATI Radeon x1300 series card - good for what you need to do. The X300SE is just okay.

[Mr.Ferrari]

How far do you plan on overclocking? The 965 chipsets are optomized for overclocking e6300/e6400. You will probally recieve more performance in overclocking a e6600 with a 975x chipset.
Your ram will be the limiting factor way before you hit the wall on a p5b-deluxe .

I highly suggest a x1300 as suggested above for video encoding.

I would also choose one of these powersupplies instead:
Silverstone ST65ZF
Enermax Liberty 500
Same price, but much better quality.

Truthfully though in your setup, with overclocking, all you need is a decent/cheaper 500w. Like this:
Silverstone ST50EF

[rbautch]

Thanks for the responses. I'm a novice overclocker, and I'd be happy with whatever extra performance I can squeeze out of it. Would this mobo be a better choice for the E6600? I may be powering up to 6 hard drives, so I'll go with your Enermax PSU recommendation.

I'm confused about the video card recommendation. When I encode video, I'm not watching it. I set it up a few encodes, and let it run in the background.

[chuck4456]

The best board for you and the E6600 would be an ABIT AW9D or AW9D MAX. Use a Zalman CNPS 9500 Cooler and go with the vid card and PSU that has been suggested.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Well the x1k cards do have AVIVO. This might be something you could benefit from, or something you would not. Just check this link.

1. The asus p5wdh is a decent board for a stable platform. But the Abit AW9D-Max is the one I would recommend for a overclocker. Newly released by abit it gives the perfect balance of the 975x's awesome memory controller (and therefore speed), with 965's high overclockability.

The asus also has had some issues when overclocked. Just not...the most comfortable board to be working with when new to overclocking.
AW9D-MAX

2. For the cooler. I suggest one of these:
Thermalright Ultra120
You will need to purchase an additional fan. I can suggest one based off of your noise tolerance levels..

Sunbeam Tuniq Tower
Awesome cooler and comes with a fan.

Just make sure your case has enough clearance for either of these heatsinks.

[rbautch]

Great, thanks guys. I have to say this forum is awesome. I have never seen so many knowledgeable, helpful, and patient people on any forum!

[chuck4456]

Glad to be of help.

[rbautch]

I had a little trouble finding the Sunbeam Tuniq Tower in stock anywhere, but finally found it at www.crazypc.com. Because of it's size and potential for installation difficulty, I'm also considering the Thermalright XP-90C Heatsink, which is a fraction of the size, and in this test appeared to perform as well as the Tuniq. Any thoughts on these two coolers? How about a suggestion for a fan to go with the XP-90C? This PC will be right at my feet, so I'll lean toward the quiet side on the fan.

[Mr.Ferrari]

Well. I'll tell you know it will perform no where near the tuniq. Nonetheless, the xp90c is an awesome small form factor heatsink. Just make sure you pair it up with a quiet fan of your choice.

The smaller the heatsink, the more air it willl take to recieve somewhat near the results of a bigger heatsink.

If you dont mind the price of the xp90c then go for it. As long as it works for your needs.

[newbuilder14]

Woah, hold up. Try the stock speeds of the E6600 and I doubt you'll feel the need for overclocking.