New Build..What to buy??

[uneedav8]

I need a new system that will be able to handle multi-taking heavy duty apps like 3d programs and running multiple virtual machines. The only thing I know for sure that it needs to run Vista Ultimate x64. I am going to probably get a Q6600 C2D, as thats the most I am willing to spend on a CPU at the moment. I also need 4 gigs RAM, everything else is open. I was thinking of purchasing a DFI P35 board, a 680i SLI or LT. I don't need SLI but like the dual ethernet load balancing features of the P35 and 680i SLI chip. Just need fast disk and memory performance, I am not a heavy OC'er. Is the X38 with DDR3 worth considering instead?

 

As for memory, it will be 4 gigs either 2 or 4 DDR 667 sticks. I know it would be better to get 2x 2 gigs just in case I will add 4 more gigs later. It just seems that 2x 1 gig is so cheap right now. Will it even be worth the extra cost it to purchase CL4's when populating all 4 ram slots? Which will be fastest combination out of the box for now? Will there be a speed difference between 4x 1 gig vs. 2x 2 gigs?

 

Need to get this system together pretty soon...Thanks for any help.

[Branjo]

I think 4 x 1Gigs puts more stress on the chipset, but none that should apply if your not overclocking. Im in for the Q6600 myself, At this precise moment clubit have the G0 stepping, ive already paid for them but like my build thread says ive been waiting chewing whats left of my fingernails. Why DDR667? DDR800 isn't alot more expensive, sometimes its actually cheaper. I picked up 4x1Gb of DDR800 Buffalo firestix for $210 with free shipping from Axiontech.com

 

I weighed up the pro's n cons of DDR3 and just went with DDR2, not alot of people going for them plus the price is quite high.

 

The X38 again is just out of "My" price range but looks great, it comes in both DDR2 or DR3 support, and it has the dual LAN's your looking for. I think if money wasn't a factor for me I would have got an X38 myself, but its the road less traveled with regards to support.

 

I take it you will be using your GTX and your PSU in your new build, or is it a completely new rig?

[uneedav8]

Thanks for the reply, DDR800 was what I meant. So what makes the GO stepping so sought after? OC'ing ability? It will be a completely new build...I will be keeping my sig comp in tact.

[wevsspot]

G0 stepping is a cool runner, low volt and good overclocker.

 

If I were going to upgrade, here is what I'd get;

 

DFI LanParty LT P35-T2R

http://www.motherboardpro.com/DFI-LanParty...-775-p-369.html

 

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16819115017

 

G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (4gb total)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820231065

 

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB (2 for RAID 0 + 1 for backup)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16822136074

 

EVGA 768-P2-N831-AR GeForce 8800GTX 768MB

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814130072

 

PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817703009

 

Total cost $1805 give or take

[CPDMF]

The P35 is the far better chipset for a quad. It doesn't have any problems running 4 X 1Gigs of RAM at CL4 or overclocking 4 gigs of RAM. I have a the DFI LP P35 and the Asus P5K Premium. I prefer the Asus over the DFI, but they are so close it's basically a tie.

 

http://www.diy-street.com/forum/showpost.p...76&postcount=82

 

Wevs has put together a nice component list for you as well. I have used the G.Skill HZ and have always been happy with them.

[Angry_Games]

I'd get a Gigabyte P35 (I played with the DS3R for $129, it rocked, it's in the OCDB/SSDB)

[wevsspot]

AG,

 

Does that Gigabyte board have network teaming? That's a darn good price!

[uneedav8]

DFI LanParty LT P35-T2R

http://www.motherboardpro.com/DFI-LanParty...-775-p-369.html

 

I didn't even know there was a Lanparty LT version of this board......is the heat pipe thing that is missing the only difference between the LT and the UT?

 

 

 

 

I'd get a Gigabyte P35 (I played with the DS3R for $129, it rocked, it's in the OCDB/SSDB)

 

That is cheap for a P35

[yetterben]

the transpiper is missing and the whole heatpipe design is diffrent thats it. Its eally only like 30 bucks cheaper. Motherboardpro.com is the cheapest i have seen these boards to date

[wevsspot]

MotherboardPro has the LT version for $239.99 + $7.99 for shipping. The only difference between the LT and UT is the fancy cooling. No heatpipe cooling and no transpiper on the LT.

 

It would be the perfect board for a water cooling setup.

[Angry_Games]

AG,

 

Does that Gigabyte board have network teaming? That's a darn good price!

 

I have no idea what network teaming is (and gee, I'm a network tech lol).

 

I just know that the Giga boards are fantastic, I'm still running a GA-965P-S3 cheapo as my main rig, and this P35-DS3R was a kick-butt monster for the Q6600. There are many 'levels' of these boards, some with more raid, some with less, etc, just like the differences between NF4-D, Ultra-D, SLI-D, SLI-DR.

 

I always choose the cheaper ones because I don't need all the bells and whistles. The Gigas always overclock super-fantastic, and they are ultra-reliable and stable, and that's more important than any bell, whistle, or DFI claim of being overclock champ (because they aren't, not even close)

[wevsspot]

Well,

 

Any board that AG recommends so whole-heartedly has gotta be a show stopper! I've been toying with the idea of trying out a Giga board, haven't ever owned one myself. Maybe thats a smart alternative to the LT I've been considering. I've got an itch to get a Q6600, but I've been hesitant because I want to keep the same clocks I'm using with my E6600 (3.4 24/7 - water cooling of course).