29 replies to this topic

[Imagine]

Hey guys, I've run into some troubles with planning a new build. It all started when I bought a PC with the following specs for £50.

 

Case: Antec 900 with all fans

CPU: Intel Pentium D (Can't remember which model) OC'd to 4.3GHz but still at POS level.

RAM: 2GB DDR2 667MHz (Ordered another 3GBs)

Mobo: MSI Platinum P965

PSU: 600W Thermaltake PSU

Graphics: GeForce 8400GS (Ordered a 5770 for £38)

 

I was wondering if anyone knows what the best Core 2 Quad processor to buy at a *reasonable* price is. I've been looking at the Q6600 but can't seem to find info on whether it holds its own in today's Gaming/Productivity world.

 

In terms of spending I picked up the PC originally for £50 and have spent around another £50 on the graphics and RAM. My max budget for the CPU in theory is around £50-75 unless something biblical came up.

[d6bmg]

You have already bought an outdated setup. You can partially update it by changing the GPU & processor, but I doubt the performance gain will be worth spending the extra money in it.

Still, if you want a descent C2D then search in ebay for E5700 or E8500. Before than look into motherboard spaces for the supported processors.

[Imagine]

You have already bought an outdated setup. You can partially update it by changing the GPU & processor, but I doubt the performance gain will be worth spending the extra money in it.

Still, if you want a descent C2D then search in ebay for E5700 or E8500. Before than look into motherboard spaces for the supported processors.

 

My plan for this machine was to build it up, mostly because I don't have the finances to build new really. I've managed to scout out a Q6600 for £45 on eBay which should do this build nicely I hope. That would bring my total expenditure on this machine to £200 in total.

 

The mobo would support both those C2D's but they're both at the same pricing-region as the Q6600, would it be worth it?

[d6bmg]

^^ Yes, Q6600 is worth it's price.

[Imagine]

^^ Yes, Q6600 is worth it's price.

 

What sort of overclocks could I potentially expect from the Q6600? I have hoping to push 3GHz(ish)

[d6bmg]

History says that Q6600 can be overclocked to 3GHz with MSI Platinum P965 with ease.

A google search will help you regarding this matter. I would have posted the link to that thread if I knew whether posting links to other forum is allowed or not.

[damian]

Only problem i see is being able to cool that Q6600, especially if you plan on overclocking it. They get pretty hot!

[Imagine]

Only problem i see is being able to cool that Q6600, especially if you plan on overclocking it. They get pretty hot!

 

I have a Zalman CNPS9900. Would that be enough? My friend gave me a Pentium Dual Core to hold me over until I get my hands on a C2Q. Got it OC'd to 3.5GHz already. Man I miss overclocking

[d6bmg]

 

Only problem i see is being able to cool that Q6600, especially if you plan on overclocking it. They get pretty hot!

 

I have a Zalman CNPS9900. Would that be enough? My friend gave me a Pentium Dual Core to hold me over until I get my hands on a C2Q. Got it OC'd to 3.5GHz already. Man I miss overclocking

 

 

3.5GHz? Watch out the temperature!!

[Imagine]

On the Pentium Dual Core @ 3.5Ghz it topped out at about 40c in Prime95.

[damian]

It's not a Q6600 though

[Imagine]

It's not a Q6600 though

 

Speaking of the Q6600, I just picked one up on eBay at the last second for £43 including P&P. Good deal?

 

As of next week my PC should consist of;

 

Core 2 Quad Q6600

4/5GB DDR2

MSI P965 Plat

AMD Radeon 5770

600W PSU

all enclosed in an Antec 900.

 

Is that a good build for £150?