I'm posting this as new after the May 2008 Best bang for buck (http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/250825-31-best-bang-buck-system-2008) since I feel it could use an update (due to some price changes) and because I have questions unique to my own situation.

Ok, so I've built several systems before but never one I plan to OC so I'm asking for your help. This is what I've spec'ed out so far as the "best bang for buck" system to build (use: mostly gaming):

MOBO: Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3L (P35), 1600(OC)/1333 FSB, DDR2-1066 (1200 @ OC) - - - - - - - - - - $90
CPU: Intel Q6600, Quad Core, 2.4GHz, 8MB Cache - - - - - - - - - - $200
PS: Real Power Pro, 750W, ATX 12V version 2.2 - - - - - - - - - - $130
RAM: Corsair Dominator, PC-8500, 4GB, DDR2-1066, 5-5-5-15 - - - - - - - - - - $117
VC: EVGA 512-P3-N801-AR GeForce 8800 GT 512MB - - - - - - - - - - $150
(I have a few ideas for the Case & CPU heatsink but those are easy so I didn't include in above)

Note: I DO plan to OC

Now, I've made a concession on the RAM to get DDR2-1066 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145197 comes w fan!) but I don't know if it's a justified expense?

I'm just learning about the bus speeds and I'm trying to maximize the usage of the speed ratings for the CPU, Mobo, and RAM. Should I stick with this config (i.e. 1066-1066) and just try to run it a 1:1 or should I just get RAM rated at a lower speed (and thus better CAS times) and put it at 3:5 (might be other way around - bump-up the OC'ing on the RAM is what I mean)

Also, is there any advantage to getting the GA-P35-DS3L (as recommended in the prev review) over the GA-EP35-DS3L?? Seems like nothing but a waste of money to me but I could be wrong. Any other suggestions on the mobo - are there good contenders on the nForce side? I read a review recently where the X48 was put up against a 780i (i think) and the nForce chip scored slightly better in FPS for the games

Thanks in advance!

For any P35 chipset mobo, but definitely the -DS3L, you will most likely have compatibility problems with native DDR2-1066 RAM. Get DDR2-800 and oc it.

Personally, I would not trust a CoolerMaster PSU. I did once. Once. It croaked (but thankfully alone). There are too many better choices out there. It is getting long in the tooth, but you might start with the tiered listing at http://www.tomswiki.com/page/Tiere [...] gs?t=anon.

Yeah I read that DS3L's have some issues with 1066 RAM, but won't it be too much of a stretch for my RAM if I try to get it up to 1200?? I want to utilize the full capability of the EP35-DS3L, but that's making the RAM go 150% faster than it's designed to.

Thanks for the info on the PSU - the only reason I wanted that one was because it was the cheapest 750 in stock at the Microcenter here. I guess I'll get the PC&C PSU as suggested in the previous post http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817703009

Also - anyone else have any other comments please?? Best bank for buck heatsink? Anything?

I see no reason for a 750 watt PSU, get this one;
http://www.buy.com/prod/Corsair-VX [...] 52646.html
Heatsink;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233003

@chuckm Thanks for the links. Although I think I want a 750 W bc I may eventually want to put in a vidcap card & blu-ray drive in it too

Changed my mind about the RAM because of the many warnings against using 1066 with the DS3L

Getting the G.Skill PC 8000; it's DDR2-1000 but runs natively at 800.
here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231145

Per jtt283's suggestion, I'm changing my PSU choice to this 750W PC&C Silencer @ $119
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817341011

At the moment, p45, at $99.99 is the best bang for the buck for motherboard. P45/x38/x48 runs at 1600mhz fsb natively, and oc reliably to 2000mhz. P35 runs at 1333mhz fsb natively, and oc reliably to 1600mhz. P45 cost the same as p35, but perform the same as x38, which cost $200.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813130181

Thanks dagger. I read up on the P45 and I dunno, it looks like it's not easy (to put it mildly) to OC the board.

Like I said, this is the first time I'm going to OC so I think I'll be willing to pay a slight performance penalty to be make sure I can OC at all.

Is the difference in performance really noticeable enough to warrant all the added difficutly?

There is no "performance" difference if you do not overclock. It's just that p45/x38/x48 have a higher oc ceiling, which translates to higher performance if you choose to oc.

You will have a much easier time ocing on p45 instead of p35. For example, 1600mhz fsb is high oc for p35, which means you'll need to increase chipset voltage and keep an eye on heat level to run stable. The same 1600mhz fsb is stock speed for p45, which means you can leave it alone, since you are not overclocking the motherboard at all.