Hey all, building my first new rig since before even dual core came out, so a bit far behind on current hardware. I will mostly be gaming, but also use Adobe apps and do some DVD authoring so prefer quad core. Anyway here are the bits I have chosen so far.
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Pro Q6600 2.40GHz £152.74 inc VAT
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Tracer RED 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 PC2-6400C4 800MHz Dual Channel Kit £76.36 inc VAT
MOBO: I was looking at the Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3 Intel P45 (Socket 775) at £88.11, but heard mixed reviews, with this I have just barely enough left for delivery.
I already have:
GPU: ASUS 4850 512mb, allows me to play 90% of all new games on overkill settings, even with my current 3000+ CPU
PSU: OCZ StealthXStream 600W
Sound: X-FI Platinum
Case: xblade (yes i know little room in these things and not great airflow, but the Antec 1200 is £115 which I can't afford yet)
I do not really know what mobo to get, the GPU is pci-e 2.0, but so many mobos I look at say pci-e x16 and don't state 2.0 like others do, mostly ones under £100. Are there any decent motherboards for preferably under £90 or so that would not limit my system in any way? I do not care about multiple GPU's, good built in sound cards etc. One 4850 is enough for all current games.
Also, the CPU I have chosen states a guaranteed overclock to 3.0ghz, however much cheaper Q6600's at 2.4ghz don't state that and say they are 95W Energy Efficient. Does that basically mean they won't overclock that well? As if I got the cheaper one I could spend more on a better mobo.
Also any cheaper alternatives on RAM that are decent would be appreciated. I have £324 to spend on these 3 pieces including delivery.
Thanks
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Pro Q6600 2.40GHz £152.74 inc VAT
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Tracer RED 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 PC2-6400C4 800MHz Dual Channel Kit £76.36 inc VAT
MOBO: I was looking at the Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3 Intel P45 (Socket 775) at £88.11, but heard mixed reviews, with this I have just barely enough left for delivery.
I already have:
GPU: ASUS 4850 512mb, allows me to play 90% of all new games on overkill settings, even with my current 3000+ CPU
PSU: OCZ StealthXStream 600W
Sound: X-FI Platinum
Case: xblade (yes i know little room in these things and not great airflow, but the Antec 1200 is £115 which I can't afford yet)
I do not really know what mobo to get, the GPU is pci-e 2.0, but so many mobos I look at say pci-e x16 and don't state 2.0 like others do, mostly ones under £100. Are there any decent motherboards for preferably under £90 or so that would not limit my system in any way? I do not care about multiple GPU's, good built in sound cards etc. One 4850 is enough for all current games.
Also, the CPU I have chosen states a guaranteed overclock to 3.0ghz, however much cheaper Q6600's at 2.4ghz don't state that and say they are 95W Energy Efficient. Does that basically mean they won't overclock that well? As if I got the cheaper one I could spend more on a better mobo.
Also any cheaper alternatives on RAM that are decent would be appreciated. I have £324 to spend on these 3 pieces including delivery.
Thanks
