Core2 upgrade re-using old bits and pieces

[davejuk]

I've been meaning to upgrade for about 6 months now, since core2 showed up.

This is my current system. Nothing is overclocked, although I have replaced the stock CPU cooler with a much quieter fanless model.

Intel P4 550 (3.4GHz "Prescott")
Intel D925XCV Main Board
2 x 1GB DDR2 (533/667MHz) *
ATI Radeon X1800XT 512MB *
2 x 80GB WD 10,000RPM Raptors HDD's *
2 x 200GB Maxtor HDD'S
Pioneer DVR111 DVD Burner
Antec 550W PSU
Large Silverstone case, not sure of model

* = parts I plan on re-using

I did intend on getting a quad core Kentsfield but I'm not paying £500 for a processor. So I plan on getting a cheaper core2, then get a quad core when prices are down to around the £200 mark in 6 months time.

I use my PC mostly for work but I do like to play games. It might also be worth noting that I have the Dell 30" LCD which has a native res of 2560x1600, which would be my optimum gaming resolution. Otherwise I'd have to go down to 1280x800.

So at the moment I have the following questions:

E6600 "Conroe" or E6400 "Allendale"? Is it worth the extra £60 for Conroe's 4MB cache Vs. Allendale's 2MB?

What main board would be best for getting these chips up to a decent clock speed, say around the 3GHz mark?

Are all chipsets that support Conroe able to handle the quad core Kentsfield's?

I might also consider upgrading my graphics card in 6 months time when I go quad core. Would it be worth getting a dual 16x PCI Express main board now, so I could add an extra X1800 XT, or would I be better off dumping it and getting a newer one?

Other than that, I'd like recommendations for a case and power supply.

Thanks.

 

[davejuk]

Firstly, Hello

If you want a cheaper CPU for now and plan to upgrade later then I would suggest a ASUS P5B Deluxe Mobo with a 6300. Your memory should be good enough for a 2.8OC dont know about above this. What make mem is it?

The P5B boards are good overclockers at a good price as is the DS3 and DS4 gigabyte boards.

Alf

That's what I was thinking. And thanks for the main board recommendation, I'll check it out.

Memory is Corsair "Value Select", purchased as a 2x1GB pair. I can't see any information on timings on the box but I expect it's on the modules themselves/

2.8GHz should be fine but it would be nice to get to 3GHz, or beyond.

 

[davejuk]

Does the Asus P5W DH Deluxe support nVidia SLI? Or would I have to go with ATI crossfire?

 

[davejuk]

OK thanks. Not exactly an ideal solution then. I don't expect I'll get 2 graphics cards anyway, but it would have been nice to have the option to choose.