Hi

This is my first build attempt in 5 years so im a little behind the times. This is going to be a pure gaming rig. I would like to keep the price close to $1000.

This is what im currently contemplating, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/ [...] r=12401267


I am tore between a few items

1. To go dual core with the E8500 or a quad Q6600. I want to OC on air 4+ Ghz with the E8500 and 3.6 with the Q6600. Is this doable with the current gear I have picked out?

2. I was thinking of the http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] GA-X48-DS4 mobo, but is SLI really worth it?

Thanks in advance.

I would get the Xigmatic CPU cooler here. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233003 with this bracket http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233019
SLI/CF scales much better in higher resolutions, at normal resolutions a strong single card will do as well if not better than two lesser cards. IMO, if you're already spending the $1000 than get the Gigabyte mb. Also read through my topic a few threads down. All my parts are similar to yours, except I may go with the Q6700 for an easier OC.

After looking online for Q6600 OC I read that you can achieve 3.0-3.4 without changing the voltages. Also ASUS has a 4870 graphics card and has some of the best warranties.

Your link doesn't work because we all have different cookies than your computer...

If your budget is 1000$ then I would stay away from crossfire/sli.

And if its a pure gaming rig, then go for a e8400 with the Xigmatic cpu cooler/bracket like Mark $ suggested.

Why would you want to OC to 4Ghz? Bottleneck is the GPU right now. Also 4Ghz is better than 3.6Ghz for gaming.

I would also get a HDD and a dvd burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231166
Good 1066 ddr2 ram for $30 less

Thanks for the quick replies, I reading them over.

I think I have fixed the link
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/ [...] r=12401267

SuicideSil ence: why would you would go with e8400 over the e8500?

Link always worked for me, not sure why it isn't for the rest of them. Tussin, I'm going to have to agree with Bpog on the 4ghz being a bit excessive but to each his own.

Yup Yup fixed the link

Nice case BTW I love my CM690.

Unless you plan on adding another 4870, then 700 watts would be overkill and you can save with buying a quality 550 watt'ish psu. Somthing like this :
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817151027

The build looks good. The E8500 is only an extra 0.5 multiplier over the E8400 - just keep that in mind (and if it's worth the extra $$$).

The build looks good. I love my E8400 and know others who love the Q6600. It really comes down to what you plan on using it for.

Looking at your memory - DDR2 1066 is probably not necessary. You more than likely can get by (by a lot) with DDR2 800 - plus it's dirt cheap right now. From what I hear, the 1066 memory is just overclocked 800, so you can do that yourself.

Good luck with the build. You made some nice choices and should be happy with it.

DDR2 1066 is only $20 more for 4gbs than DDR2 800, why sweat the small stuff.

huron thanks for the advice. Looking at the ddr2 800 what is better for OCing. I am not sure if the low cas times of the OCZ will make a difference after being OC's

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231098
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820227139