ajil

Yeah its a big jump for seemingly not much return. BTW I ordered my 8500 around the 1st of december and it is e0 stepping.

In the process of building my cpu, following this guide to the letter. My gigabyte ep45-ud3p on auto had the voltage and timings for my ocz reapers (8500) at 1.8 and 5-5-5-15. The timings were right, but the voltage on the actual ram sticker (and on websites) was 2.2, so I have boosted it up. I also changed the timings to 5-5-5-15, which is the same, but it is not on auto. I'm mainly posting this because of the EXTREME amount of time test #8 takes! It's a bit much to ask someone who just spent weeks researching and a lot of money to spend hours testing their new system before they ever get any fun out of it. My roomate keeps poking his head in and saying "your STILL building that thing?" Anyway, I'm trying to be patient and wait out the tests, that way I know everything is up and running correctly. It also gives me something to compare to when I start my OCing. Nice guide B:)

I've heard a true isn't really necessary for dual core, so I would like to save the $$$ if possible and get something cheaper. Is that reliable or should I just break down and buy something a little more expensive?

Just a quick update, I've got everything ordered and on the way. Actually I'm just waiting on the motherboard, which of course is the last thing to arrive. This will be my first time attempting to overclock, even though I assembled my last two rigs on my own. Is there anything else I might need that I have forgotten? I don't want to have to wait once my motherboard arrives to get this thing up and running. I do have some artic silver5. Oh yeah, I forgot that I will need an aftermarket heatsink/cooler! Someone suggested the XIGMATEK HDT-S1283, is that something I should go ahead and order? Also do I need to lap? I just read up on that, seems like a pretty standard thing for oc'ers. Where would I find the papers for it? Thanks a bunch!

lol, I do have a 50" panasonic vierra, it is just in the den. The cpu is going in my bedroom. I have cpu speakers, but I'm not one of these people who plays with the volume way up.

As the title says, I am looking for a monitor I can use for both my xbox 360 and new cpu. I'm thinking a 24" will be fine, but I'm not sure what all I need to make it work with my 360. Of course cheaper is better, but I will spend more for quality. Looking to spend around $350. Oh yeah built in speakers would save me from buying new ones. (for 360 use) Thanks for the help guys!

Well like I said it was 90 dollars off so only $100. Oh I've made some major revisions, so critique away! I still need some input on the video cards especially. I'm getting itchy with anticipation over here, will probably buy sometime in the next couple of days.

Does anyone have any suggestions on the video cards? Thats the area I really can't decide on. Of the options listed, which would give me the most bang for my buck? Which is the most future proof? Once I figure this out, it will help me decide on a motherboard.

Thanks for the replies. I am going to purchase a 24" monitor to go with the system. Out of curisoity, is there any way I could use a tv for my monitor? It would be nice if I could combine the tv/monitor b/c I could play my 360 or pc on it then.

UPDATE: Everything is ordered! I managed to stay under my budget of 1000 (just barely) *I have my OS, Monitor, and optical drive already* Case Coolermaster HAF Power Supply Cooler Master UCP RS700 Processor Intel e8500 Motherboard GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard $137 plus rebate of 20 Video Card SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card Ram ocz reaper hcp 4gb $45 after rebate Hard Drive Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive $69 I will be assembling sometime this week, at which point I'm sure I will have tons of questions. Thanks for the help guys.