Recommend CPU & Mobo - v. specific requirements

[Quixote]

I'm in a position where I can do a pretty good upgrade to Core 2 Duo on the cheap. I have :

- Pentium D 805 (Running at stock because my mobo cannot overclock to speak of.
- 2 * 1gb PNY DDR2 667 - Slowish timings at 2T command rate in dual channel but it is 667 speed.
- X1800XT - Currently running through a 4X PCI-E slot due to mobo limitation.
- AKASA Paxpower 400W.

My mobo does not support core 2 duo & as you can see, is generally limiting me a bit. I want to get a core 2 duo but need a motherboard to go with it. It's essential that it have memory dividers because I plan to overclock the C2D. I'm not looking to buy new RAM & my stuff is essentially value RAM, so I figured I would clock it down so it is clocked back up to stock speed as I raise the FSB.
I'm not upgrading my graphics card because I'm more than happy with the performance it provides but I would like to use it on a true PCI-E 16* slot.

So my question - what resaonably priced (£100 or less) mobo would you recommend ? AND, using cheap RAM like I am, would the e6400 be a better choice for CPU (6600 & above are not for consideration due to cost).

I don't want a super high clock, would be happy with 2.6 - 3.0 ghz but I don't want to have to fiddle too much to get it.

What mobo would you recommend & which CPU ? I've considered the Gigabyte DS3 / S3 but I think they don't have memory dividers - or am i out of date ? Also, the Asus P5B (Non-deluxe) but are there cold boot problems etc. There is also the DFI infinity 975 board but they have a reputation for needing a lot of tinkering, many settings & wanting expensive RAM. There's also some Foxconn 965 borad for about £80. Please feel free to suggest anything else too.

Thanks for your time.

 

[SiriusB]

Never heard of a decent motherboard not having memory dividers. DS3/S3 are very good boards and people have gotten some very impressive overclocks using them.

If you plan to overclock then there is not much difference between the E6300 and E6400 [~400MHz iirc]. I think there is only £30 difference in price so it is up to you.

SiriusB

 

[semi-pro waster]

Like SiriusB says I'd go with the DS3 or DS4 (basically the same but supports Crossfire, firewire on the motherboard and has a slightly better sound system). I'm pretty sure they do have dividers, you might find that your Ram is being held back by your current motherboard and it more capable than you give it credit for anyway, there is a big guide in the Motherboards sub-forum about how best to set them up so it is probably worth a look.

The main difference between the 6300 and 6400 is that the 6400 uses a multiplier of 8x rather than 7x so it becomes a bit easier to reach 3.2ghz since your Ram only needs to do 400mhz for instance. The stock speeds are 1.86ghz and 2.13ghz respectively if memory serves.