What to get? How to decide?

[LiamJH]

Hello again folks...

I've been researching on here now for a good few weeks whilst prepping myself for my next PC build. I've been out of touch with hardware though for over 18 months or so, but am eager to jump back in...

From trawling through the numerous pages here though, i still cannot answer a couple of questions:

The computer is going to be used for many things but primarily work / media use & games. I do not want to go SLI or Crossfire, but have decided i will definately get a 8800series card, i understand from this that the minimum PSU i should look at would be the Corsair 620W, or anything above (if i get the GTX 80series)... It would be nice to know that the PC will handle all existing games and forseable future releases with utter ease, hence choosing G80...

This is all based on having no set budget, so money is not the deciding factor in anything - but is there much point in getting the absolute top of the range in all areas - for me at least, with my usage in mind?

I am not clued up on overclocking, but am open minded about it won't rule it out.

So it's a case of people's views about getting an E6300 or just going for the higher E6600? Which Motherboard to accompany - bearing in mind i'll not be going SLI or Crossfire? This has been the biggest stumbling block for me for a good couple of weeks, complete idecision...

I will require a WiFi connection - but i cannot go the route of getting a USB dongle, the signal from these is too weak from my access point (over 75m away, through 2foot stone walls and up!). So based on this i was looking along the lines of the Asus P5W DH, although do not mind adding a PCI WiFi card in if another Motherboard can be recommended?

Monitor will be the Dell 2007WFP given the reviews i've found both here and elsewhere, plus i've managed to have a go with one myself, best kind of recommendation there is to me!

Case is sorted already - Akasa Eclipse 62 with 2No Amber fans already seated.... Just need the other bits n bobs now!

Finally as i've written, i should note - regarding the overclocking - i do like the idea of taking the CPU up to 3GHz, which seems achievable from this forum at least with all variety of the C2D chips, but again must state - will not be attempting this for a while after the system is built and i've researched what i'm doing!

Over to you guys!

 

[trojan698]

If you're not intent on going crossfire, motherboard wise I'd recommend going for either the Asus P5B Deluxe (with built in wifi) or the Gigabyte DS4, both of which clock brilliantly.

The E6300 offers great VFM with most easily reaching 3Ghz, although the E6600 does have the extra cache and higher stock clock speed. If you're overclocking you should also look into an aftermarket cooling solution such as the scythe ninja+ or tuniq tower in order to keep temps down.

You can always post a spec me thread with a budget and someone here will recommend components. gl

 

[LiamJH]

Thanks for the response trojan698, i have no budget to be honest. I could spend as much or as little as was needed, but i like to be able to justify my expenditure if you get what i mean?!

Is it a fair assumption to say that getting an E6300 to 3GHz is as easy as getting an E600 to 3GHz? Obviously i appreciate it's a higher clock, but the last thing i want is to push too far of course being completely new.

I can't explain why, but the E6600 just seems the more appealing - this may be completely unjustified! Just my own thought. The CPU side of things is not a case of best bang-for-buck if you follow, it's more a case of immediate performance out of the box, the overclocking will come down the line...

 

[trojan698]

Yeah, It's up to you tbh, most people on here have either the E6600 or the E6300, I was too eager to wait for the former so opted for the E6300. Both will easily clock to 3Ghz with either of the above boards, it's just deciding on whether you want the extra cache.