Just for fun build!

[nocrapman]

Hi Guys,
I have had my new Phenom based primary rig running flawlessly for a few months now. Thanks to everyone that helped with that.

I have been toying with the idea of upgrading my old machine (in my sig). Everything works ok. But I am looking to make it into a backup rig as well as just something to play around with OCing etc.

Here's what I was thinking...

1. New CPU (Something fast and easily OC'able)
2. New MOBO (Something with enough options/info base to OC comfortably).
3. New RAM.
4. OS: XP prof (I own) vs windows 7 - (how do I get the trial beta I keep hearing about?)

Anything else that you guys think I might need? Aftermarket Fan/HS; bigger/newer PS.

Budget: Definitely under $400 but the lesser the better. Thanks!
3.

 

[mudkip]

E5200 / Gigabyte P45 UD3R / 4GB 1066Mhz (brand of choice) / W7 Beta can be downloaded but the RTM is already out

 

[BUCK NASTY]

For fun/low cost/overclockabilityand flexibility, you can't beat Phenom II x2 550/790GX or 785G chipsets. Both chipsets allow for unlocking of 2 additional cores as well as decent overclocking capabilities. You can get the CPU/Mobo for about $200.00 on Newegg.

 

[Velvet Wafer]

um, why dont buy am3? the socket has a bunch of nice, different procs with 2,3 and 4 cores. it also OC´s easily, and the better am3 boards have lots of options.. also it has ddr3...

 

[nocrapman]

E5200 / Gigabyte P45 UD3R / 4GB 1066Mhz (brand of choice) / W7 Beta can be downloaded but the RTM is already out

I was considering this combo:
E5200: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...7&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&Order=PRICE
and
P45 UD3R: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128359

vs the all time favorite E8400 chip for $100 more: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

This might be my first time doing a intel build.
How far can I Reasonably OC the 5200 vs the 8400?

 

[mudkip]

I was considering this combo:
E5200: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...7&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&Order=PRICE
and
P45 UD3R: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128359

vs the all time favorite E8400 chip for $100 more: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

This might be my first time doing a intel build.
How far can I Reasonably OC the 5200 vs the 8400?
How far can I OC the

The E8400 will clock 4-4,2Ghz with a lower voltage than a E5200. But you can expect to get the E5200 about 3,8Ghz under 1.30v . The E8400 cost almost three times more though

 

[nocrapman]

For fun/low cost/overclockabilityand flexibility, you can't beat Phenom II x2 550/790GX or 785G chipsets. Both chipsets allow for unlocking of 2 additional cores as well as decent overclocking capabilities. You can get the CPU/Mobo for about $200.00 on Newegg.

http://img.techpowerup.org/090808/.jpg

Thats an interesting idea!
I hadnt thought of this at all.
How difficult is it to unlock cores?
I was somewhat a little inclined towards intel for this build although my mind is not made up by any means.

 

[JrRacinFan]

If you want more fun OCing on an intel build, don't get an e5200. Their fsb wall is very very low.

Wait until the e6500k comes out. I have a feeling you will have quite a bit of fun with that with its unlocked multi.

EDIT:

Just noticed your build costs is around $400 max. You could probly do a Q9550+ this ... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813136060R or http://www.motherboardpro.com/DFI-B...sed-Refurbished-1-yr-DFI-warranty-p-1292.html

 

[nocrapman]

If you want more fun OCing on an intel build, don't get an e5200. Their fsb wall is very very low.

Wait until the e6500k comes out. I have a feeling you will have quite a bit of fun with that with its unlocked multi.

EDIT:

Just noticed your build costs is around $400 max. You could probly do a Q9550+ this ... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813136060R or http://www.motherboardpro.com/DFI-B...sed-Refurbished-1-yr-DFI-warranty-p-1292.html

The 6500 seems like an interesting option. I wonder how long before its released in the US?
What the benefit of going with the Q9550? 4 cores? I dont think I want to pay a premium for the xtra cores? Is there something else I am overlooking?

 

[JrRacinFan]

The 6500 seems like an interesting option. I wonder how long before its released in the US?
What the benefit of going with the Q9550? 4 cores? I dont think I want to pay a premium for the xtra cores? Is there something else I am overlooking?

Not only will you have 4 cores but it would also be fun to bench with too. I have seen a quite a few hit 500+ fsb.

 

[LittleLizard]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128392 - 85 + ship mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103680 - 105 cpu
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227322 - 112 ram

Total - 302

 

[nocrapman]

I was more inclined to get a Intel processor, but I dont see the point of investing in a 775 MOBO. On the other hand an AM3 base might give me lots of options...
Dang.... cant decide.

 

[Wile E]

I was more inclined to get a Intel processor, but I dont see the point of investing in a 775 MOBO. On the other hand an AM3 base might give me lots of options...
Dang.... cant decide.

Go AM3 over 775. If you can up the budget, 1366 is the best option of all of them.

Or, you can also wait and see what 1156 has to offer.

I agree, now is a very tough time for an enthusiast looking to piece together a new build.

If I absolutely couldn't wait, and/or just can't get enough money to go another step higher, I would grab AM3.

 

[Zoelef]

Hi Guys,
I have had my new Phenom based primary rig running flawlessly for a few months now. Thanks to everyone that helped with that.

I have been toying with the idea of upgrading my old machine (in my sig). Everything works ok. But I am looking to make it into a backup rig as well as just something to play around with OCing etc.

Here's what I was thinking...

1. New CPU (Something fast and easily OC'able)
2. New MOBO (Something with enough options/info base to OC comfortably).
3. New RAM.
4. OS: XP prof (I own) vs windows 7 - (how do I get the trial beta I keep hearing about?)

Anything else that you guys think I might need? Aftermarket Fan/HS; bigger/newer PS.

Budget: Definitely under $400 but the lesser the better. Thanks!
3.

$120 - Gigabyte GA-MA785G-US2H + 4 GB G.Skill DDR2-1066
$61 - Athlon II X2 245

If your case supports mATX motherboards and you can get snag a copy of the Win7 RC Beta, you're set (for now) at under half your $400 budget. The onboard HD4200 might give your X1900XTX a run for its money as well.

 

[nocrapman]

Go AM3 over 775. If you can up the budget, 1366 is the best option of all of them.

Or, you can also wait and see what 1156 has to offer.

I agree, now is a very tough time for an enthusiast looking to piece together a new build.

If I absolutely couldn't wait, and/or just can't get enough money to go another step higher, I would grab AM3.

Just found out that Zipzoomfly is offering 20% cashback through Bing.
With that I can get the i7 920 for about $240 after cashback!
Now if I can a decent MOBO (and I dont need SLI) and HSF, and RAM at a good price point, I will be all set...

 

[nocrapman]

$120 - Gigabyte GA-MA785G-US2H + 4 GB G.Skill DDR2-1066
$61 - Athlon II X2 245

If your case supports mATX motherboards and you can get snag a copy of the Win7 RC Beta, you're set (for now) at under half your $400 budget. The onboard HD4200 might give your X1900XTX a run for its money as well.

I wonder why only a handful of folks have used this processor...
This seems like a good combo for the money; I am a little worried about this CPU though!

 

[JrRacinFan]

I wonder why only a handful of folks have used this processor...
This seems like a good combo for the money; I am a little worried about this CPU though!

CPU is good. There shouldnt be any worries on that at all.

 

[TheLaughingMan]

Windows 7 Release Candidate

Free til next June

 

[nocrapman]

Apologise for bugging you guys over this (agonizing) decision!

Here are the parameters I have come to for simplifying my decision:

1. I will go dual core with this build - (less energy wasted/less temps to deal with/cheaper).

2. I will go with a platform that has some future value for upgrading - (ruling out effectively the 775 based chips).

3. The overclocking should be simple like the current AMD Phenom black edition chips with unlocked Multis.

Where does that leave me??? AMD phenoms??
Any other possibilities?

 

[JrRacinFan]

Leaves you with the upcoming i5/i3 or the now available AM3. If going AM3 I would really like to see you go X2 550, rivals the e8XXX series. BUT the X2 240 chip is good.

 

[nocrapman]

Leaves you with the upcoming i5/i3 or the now available AM3. If going AM3 I would really like to see you go X2 550, rivals the e8XXX series. BUT the X2 240 chip is good.

i5 may happen in Sept/Oct and when new... might be as pricey as the i7... right?
The 550 seems like a good choice in that light!

 

[JrRacinFan]

Yah, the i3/5 cpu's are going to be as much but the motherboards are going to be cheaper.

 

[Zoelef]

I wonder why only a handful of folks have used this processor...
This seems like a good combo for the money; I am a little worried about this CPU though!

It should be good, if you want a bit more power, go for either of:
$66 - Athlon II X2 245 (2.9 GHz)
$76 - Athlon II X2 250 (3.0 GHz)

But I shy away from the Phenom II class since it stars at $90, which is almost $25 above the X2 245 (my choice given the slight price cut).

 

[nocrapman]

It should be good, if you want a bit more power, go for either of:
$66 - Athlon II X2 245 (2.9 GHz)
$76 - Athlon II X2 250 (3.0 GHz)

But I shy away from the Phenom II class since it stars at $90, which is almost $25 above the X2 245 (my choice given the slight price cut).

What I like about the Black ed. Phenom IIs is the unlocked multis and the ease of Ocing.
Is it the same with the 245/250?
Otherwise at $60 for an AM3 chip, its a great deal...

 

[nocrapman]

Update+MOBO search

So as suggested by a bunch of you, I went with a 550 BE - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103680
From a different vendor with bing CB - it will cost me $80.
Now I need suggestions for a good MOBO (with DDR3) for overclocking and a good cooling solution (air)?

Thanks!