Best 2 overclockable setups: 1 AMD and 1 CORE2Duo

[kmmatney]

Originally posted by: magreen
Any of these three should have no trouble with a high-end graphics card. PCIe connector, 120mm fan, and check out the 12V amps, and Sparkle and FSP don't lie with specs.

SPARKLE ATX-400PN-B204 ATX 12V 2.01 400W Power Supply - OEM - $45

• +12V1@18A, +12V2@18A

FSP Group (Fortron Source) AX400-PN, 12cm FAN, version 2.2, 400W Power Supply - Retail - $44

• +12V1@18A, +12V2@16A

FSP Group (Fortron Source) AX450-PN, 12cm FAN, version 2.2, 450W Power Supply - Retail - $56

• +12V1@18A, +12V2@18A

I've had very bad luck with Fortron - the two I've bought (both for work computers) failed failed quickly. I have had good expereinces with Sparkle in the past, and my Enermax in my sig is over 5 years old, and has been through many upgrade cycles. It's always good to buy a quality power supply, and I would highly recommend the Antec true power series.

 

[kmmatney]

Originally posted by: ramjet428
Hi all,

I had to finally upgrade to a Dual Core system. I was running an Athlon 3200+ Venice CPU and Nvidia Nforce 3MB with DDR400 and Geforce 5200 AGP card. I was on a tight budget, so I considered the options.

As Athlon 939 Dual Core processors are about as scarce as hen's teeth, and an AM2 upgrade would have required the immediate purchase of DDRII memory and a PCI Express card, it was looking like a $400+ upgrade (Canadian Dollars) to get a decent setup.

I decided instead to go with an ASRock 4CoreDual-VSTA motherboard for $67 and a E4300 processor, $195, could not wait for the price drops...

The advantage here is that I could use my OSZ Premier DDR400 and AGP card and pick up DDRII memory and a PCI Express card later for cheap, as the motherboard takes AGP and PCI Express cards and DDR or DDRII.

Anyways, it was the easiest setup ever, ran stock at 200FSB for 1800MHz for 2 days, then started overclocking, 1st to FSB222 for 2000MHz, which ran my DDR400 at DDR444 speed.

Then went to FSB 233, and 266 so my RAM would stay at DDR400, I now have my E4300 running at 2400Mhz, Idle temp 35C, at load 40-42C. So far very easy, all stock voltages, using the Intel CPU cooler.

Going to stay at this speed until I get a better cooler, then its up to 300FSB for 2700MHz.

Very satisfied so far, this is my first Intel CPU since the 386SX days. (Ancient Times)

That's pretty much what I'm doing - bought a open box AsRock board for $27 shipped at NewEgg, and will probably order an E4300, but I'm waiting for the E4400 to come out, and will get that if it's not too much more. If the E4400 is a lot more, then I go with the E4300, and get it up to 2.6 Ghz or so.

 

[AnotherGuy]

Originally posted by: Rapishorrid

Now that I think about it I may not have an old PCI-E card laying around...

Memory
2GB OCZ Platinum Revision 2 - $116.90

Case
Antec P180 Midtower - $79.99

Where can u get the p180 for $80???

Hmm nice I see u goin with the ocz...
I couldnt wait nomore... I knew i was gonna do this... I just gave out my cc number for those G skills at $110 .... now ima get maybe the rest of the system before amd is even ready to ship anything... and then ill just watch myself shooting myself...

e4300 already at $130 man

ps. if u havent already ordered get the g skill better... cheaper no BS rebates and I read they actually do overclock nicely and run at tighter timings... 4-4-4-12 check the reviews in egg... save some bucks

 

[rmed64]

Went with X2 3600 + stock heatsink, Biostar Tforce 550 SE, 1GB DDR2800. Total cost: $219+7 shipping.

Overclocked to 2.8Ghz 12 hours orthos stable. This thing is rock solid. Only thing that bothered me was the temps kept going up within the first 2 minutes fast and hit about 66c max according to the temp utility. However there have been issues with getting accurate readings on brisbane cores, so I dont know. As long as it stays below 70c and is stable as a rock, im good. Oh and voltage set at 1.425 in bios.

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/5683/stabletx9.png

 

[Rapishorrid]

Where can u get the p180 for $80???

What luck I have.. I go to post the link (it was a rebate at Frys) and the deal just ended! Now the search for a case has begun as well

now ima get maybe the rest of the system before amd is even ready to ship anything... and then ill just watch myself shooting myself...

Screw AMD!

e4300 already at $130 man

Since I won't have the cash for system until I sell this one, I am forced to wait for the price cuts - thankfully otherwise I would've shelled out way over $130 a long time ago.

ps. if u havent already ordered get the g skill better... cheaper no BS rebates and I read they actually do overclock nicely and run at tighter timings... 4-4-4-12 check the reviews in egg... save some bucks

Yeah the only reason I am hesitant about the G.Skill (I haven't ordered the OCZ yet) is the timings. I'll read some reviews on it see how it goes. Thanks for advice!

 

[Nemesis 1]

Interesting read many good points for either system. A fact that got my attention however in the 1st post.

c2d at same clock as x2 is already 20% faster. So if you have a X2 running at 2.8 up against a 3.2 c2d the differance in performance will be from 30% to 40% deprnding on the apps. Much higher than the 20% you state. The x-bit labs article you point to is with both systems running at same clock. Getting 3.2 from AMD cpu isn't all that easy is it?

On O/C a c2d not all people will get the good O/c as they just don't know what their doing and buy the wrong parts. Even if they get right parts many have trouble configuring the systems bios.

 

[AnotherGuy]

Originally posted by: rmed64
Only thing that bothered me was the temps kept going up within the first 2 minutes fast and hit about 66c max according to the temp utility.

If heat become an issue then u should look into that $30 amd cooler i have listed...
Nice overclock.

What luck I have.. I go to post the link (it was a rebate at Frys) and the deal just ended! Now the search for a case has begun as well

Did u read the Guide to overclocking systems from AT?
If ima need a case ima pick the 1 they recommend probably... Also... They picked almost the same components as i have listed...
E4300, Ds3, Corsair 520W.... the HSF that i like but i think its kinda 2 expensive... They as well recommend a psu in that category... but what do i know maybe the Xclio is fine enough

Originally posted by: Nemesis 1
c2d at same clock as x2 is already 20% faster. So if you have a X2 running at 2.8 up against a 3.2 c2d the differance in performance will be from 30% to 40% deprnding on the apps. Much higher than the 20% you state. The x-bit labs article you point to is with both systems running at same clock. Getting 3.2 from AMD cpu isn't all that easy is it?

Well since u cant guarantee an overclock... a 2.8 amd and a 3.0 c2d.... might be a little over 20% in overall... thats y i said 'AT LEAST 20%'... but then I didnt wanna be too mean to amd

 

[najames]

2GB memory for $88-$100.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=40&threadid=2036601&enterthread=y

 

[AnotherGuy]

$89+6.50 shipping = $95.50 that is ddr2-667

So for $10 more you dont want to get the 2 gig ddr2-800 of Supertalent from ewiz i suggested in first post?
Thanks but... thanks

 

[Rapishorrid]

Alright for a case I've got the Cooler Master Centurion 534 in mind. Also for the power supply I've decided to "upgrade" to theEnhance ENP-5150GH 500w.

With these parts switched into my list the cost is now $592.57 before rebates and $532.57 after.

 

[ramjet428]

I am presently using an Orion 485 Watt dual 12V rail power supply. It is powering my Core 2 Duo E4300 system which is over clocked to 2.4GHz. It was the same power supply I used for 2 years in My Athlon 3200+ system.

This same Orion 485W power supply sells here in Canada for only $39 Can. They also have a 585W version which only costs $49 Can.

You can see it and others at this website: www.liata.com, they are the Canadian distributors. I would definately buy another, in fact, I will likely buy the 585 Watt model in the next couple of months...

 

[AnotherGuy]

I knew it I knew it I knew it!!!

Newegg raised the price of the gskill memory from $110 to $130... Im so glad i took the plunge on them before they did... well less than 24 hours that is... i got lucky, but somehow i had a feeling they would do smthn like this... ram prices went ridiculously cheap in a short period of time.

Im afraid all the Ram prices... some popular motherboards and maybe heatsinks might go up in price... since these etailers know that plp will jump like crazy buying new cpus that need ram mobos and heatsinks etc... now that 4/22 gets closer n closer

@rapish

I like that case for the price... the psu should be fine.... a little expensive thoe... im sure u can find smthn better than that for the price...

Anyone knows anything about E-Power power supplies? they seem to be cheap but some good reviews.. i found this E-Power 600W for $65 with 12v1@20A, 12v2@20A from same site as rapishorrid found the Enhance ps.

 

[Rapishorrid]

I'm in a tight situation here

The OCZ is still at $112, but I don't want to order it quite yet because the rebate must be postmarked within 10 days of purchase - since they don't ship or process on the weekends if I order now I am losing two days.. But then I face the possibility of the price getting jacked today and especially tomorrow. I'll probably order them later tonight.

 

[AnotherGuy]

AHhh im so close to get this deal... Has any1 ordered a DS3 from Ewiz before? Did u get a rev3.3 ?

I can get e4300 for $120, artic freezer 7 for $19.50 and $12 shipping for both... if i add the ds3 for $117... shippin becomes $15 for all items... thats some good savings there....

 

[magreen]

Originally posted by: AnotherGuy
Power supplies:
Power Supply is ONE important item and lately very hard to choose from. The Suggestions that follow are picked up from professionals and good reviews, not my random pick. The first three PS on the list are most recommended for an overclocked system with a beefy videocard, since they use a combined 12v rail amperage which can be distributed wherever its needed... not totally separate 12v rails as with most multi rail power supplies... For more info read this article at Extremeoverclocking.com

Recommended for Single Card GTX or R600 or mid-range SLI: (note that R600 recommends a 6+2pin PCI-E connector... but a 6pin has been also shown to be enough... not sure about this since the card is not even out yet)
Corsair HX 520W Modular for $105 before $10MIR at ZZF.
Antec TruePower Trio 550W for $95 before $25MIR at Newegg

Recommended for GTX SLI and R600 CROSSFIRE:
Corsair HX 620W Modular for $144 before $20MIR at ZZF.

Budget PSU for Light SLI or a Single GTS: (good reviews)
XCLIO GoodPower 500W for $58 at Newegg
Enhance ENP 5150gh 500W for $81 Ewiz

Budget PSU for a Single 8600gts or less:
Fortron Source 450W for $64 Newegg
Rosewill RP550-2 550W for $63 Newegg

Pls if u have a good Power Supply that is strongly recommended or another motherboard for any system please do suggest it.

IMHO you should switch the XCLIO and the FSP... I think you're getting fooled by the manufacturer naming the XCLIO a "500W" and FSP naming theirs a "450W". You have to look at the amps on the 12V rail... the FSP has +18+18 for 36 amps whereas the XCLIO only has +17+16 for 33. And FSP is known to be honest in reporting specs and not inflating their numbers. That FSP from another company would probably be labeled a 500W or 550W PSU.

 

[imported_Husky55]

Originally posted by: magreen

Originally posted by: AnotherGuy
Power supplies:
Power Supply is ONE important item and lately very hard to choose from. The Suggestions that follow are picked up from professionals and good reviews, not my random pick. The first three PS on the list are most recommended for an overclocked system with a beefy videocard, since they use a combined 12v rail amperage which can be distributed wherever its needed... not totally separate 12v rails as with most multi rail power supplies... For more info read this article at Extremeoverclocking.com

Recommended for Single Card GTX or R600 or mid-range SLI: (note that R600 recommends a 6+2pin PCI-E connector... but a 6pin has been also shown to be enough... not sure about this since the card is not even out yet)
Corsair HX 520W Modular for $105 before $10MIR at ZZF.
Antec TruePower Trio 550W for $95 before $25MIR at Newegg

Recommended for GTX SLI and R600 CROSSFIRE:
Corsair HX 620W Modular for $144 before $20MIR at ZZF.

Budget PSU for Light SLI or a Single GTS: (good reviews)
XCLIO GoodPower 500W for $58 at Newegg
Enhance ENP 5150gh 500W for $81 Ewiz

Budget PSU for a Single 8600gts or less:
Fortron Source 450W for $64 Newegg
Rosewill RP550-2 550W for $63 Newegg

Pls if u have a good Power Supply that is strongly recommended or another motherboard for any system please do suggest it.

IMHO you should switch the XCLIO and the FSP... I think you're getting fooled by the manufacturer naming the XCLIO a "500W" and FSP naming theirs a "450W". You have to look at the amps on the 12V rail... the FSP has +18+18 for 36 amps whereas the XCLIO only has +17+16 for 33. And FSP is known to be honest in reporting specs and not inflating their numbers. That FSP from another company would probably be labeled a 500W or 550W PSU.

:thumbsup:

Great post!!!

@Anotherguy

Good luck with the G. Skill and happy shopping. !!! Too bad I have already built my system 6 month ago.

This is a very interesting thread!!!

 

[AnotherGuy]

Originally posted by: magreen

IMHO you should switch the XCLIO and the FSP...

Hmm the only difference between the 2 spots is that the xclio has 2 pci-e connectors... (sli ready?) the fortron has only 1. Now I am not sure if u can just buy another pci-e connector and just connect it in the power supply.... or if the vidcards already come with pci-e connectors.... ??? so that doesnt mean anything?

Can some1 clear this out? So does the numbers of PCI-e connectors on the power supply make any difference when it comes to ability to do SLI?

 

[AnotherGuy]

As 4/22 price cuts finally taking effect... final prices have been updated...

 

[richardrds]

Something to consider if you are on the bubble trying to decide which budget system to purchase is the future upgrade capabilities with the two platforms:

The AMD X2 3600 with an AM2 mobo should have a decent upgrade path because the next gen CPU (K10 Barcelona) from AMD is a quad core Opteron server chip that will run on AM2, AM2+, and AM3 mobo's. But, this is a server chip and will be an expensive upgrade.
The Good news is that AMD will be releasing 2 new Desktop CPU's based on the K10 Barcelona archetecture. The Agena (quad core) and the Kuma (dual core) hopefully by the end of 2007. These should be affordable and will also work with AM2/AM2+/AM3 mobo's.

It is still unknown whether Intel's next core (Penryn) for the C2D will be able to run on current P965 and 680I chipsets. They are trying to mod the chipsets so they will work with the penryn core but the jury is still out on whether a new mobo/chipset will be required for those wanting to upgrade from current C2D's to the new Penryn core. The next upgrade after Penryn from Intel will be the Nehalem. Nehalem is supposed to have an onboard MEM controller like AMD chips have had since the A64's. This means that a new mobo/chipset will be required to support the Nehalem CPU's.

So, if the above information is correct (I think it is), then the AMD X2 3600 using an AM2 mobo/chipset should have a longer life with better future upgrade options then the Intel E4300 C2D on the P965/680I chipsets.

 

[Rapishorrid]

My OCZ Platinum came in the mail today Without taking it out (no use for it yet) I can say that it is indeed beautiful! I also got an offer on my computer and my RMA confirmed for my graphics card. Should be set to sell this rig in no time and ready to order the rest of the parts.

 

[AnotherGuy]

Richard if u are 100% sure about the am2 and the agena processors compatibility... then i might really consider the am2 upgrade since its cheaper too... I wish there was a timeframe on when to expect to know if Penryn will be socket compatable with current 965 chipsets....

 

[richardrds]

Originally posted by: AnotherGuy
Richard if u are 100% sure about the am2 and the agena processors compatibility... then i might really consider the am2 upgrade since its cheaper too... I wish there was a timeframe on when to expect to know if Penryn will be socket compatable with current 965 chipsets....

Every article that i have read with leaked information about the AM2+ K10 Bacelona/Agena/Kuma cores have all said that they will be backward compatable with the AM2 mobo's and forward compatable with the AM3 mobo's (DDR3) due out in mid 2008. This means that Barcelona/Agena/Kuma will work with DDR2 or DDR 3 Memory, and will also work with HTT1.0(2Ghz) or HTT3.0(4Ghz) HTT Bus.

The Bacelona/Agena/Kuma cores are designed around the AM2+ mobo/chipset so they will use DDR2 Mem and the new HTT3.0 (4Ghz HTT Bus). But these new cores will work when placed in a AM2 mobo, but the HTT bus will down speed from 4Ghz to 2Ghz which is the HTT1.0 speed. They are also supposed to be able to work with DDR3 mem that will be used in the AM3 mobo's due out in Mid 2008.

In theory there might be a small performance penalty when you use an Agena/Kuma core in a AM2 (2Ghz HTT1.0 bus) vs the AM2+ (4Ghz HTT3.0 bus), but i think the penelty will be small because the current HTT bus is not even close to being maxed out with todays AMD CPU's.

I run my mobo with the HTT x 2 with the OC in my sig, I really should be using
HTT x 3 with my OC (267Mhz bus, 2.4G OC) but my darn AV8 mobo has a bios bug at that rate so when i overclock from standard 200Mhz (HTT x 5) to 267Mhz i have to set it at HTT x 2 and not the recommended HTT x3. So my HTT bus in my rig is running at
267 x 2 or 534Mhz half duplex and 1.068Ghz full duplex. So i am only pushing the 2Ghz Full Duplex HTT bus in my rig at about Half of its full pottential of 2 Ghz full duplex, and my PC scores above average for all benchmarks at my OC speed (2.4G) so the down speeded HTT bus in my rig is not hurting me at all. I even set my bus to HTT x 1 just for an expierment and i only saw maybe a 2 to 3% penelty hit in benchmarks.

AM2 = HTT1.0/DDR2 (should work with AM2/AM2+/AM3 CPU's)

AM2+ = HTT3.0/DDR2 (should work with AM2/AM2+/AM3 CPU's)

AM3 = HTT3.0/DDR3 (Will work with AM2+/AM3 CPU's, Current AM2 CPU's can't support DDR3 Memory so they will not work on AM3 mobo.)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


9 Minute Youtube video of AMD VP talking about Barcelona K10 quad core architecture:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_n3wvsfq4Y

 

[The-Noid]

Xclio goodpower and stablepower are pretty ok. I would reocmmend them.

 

[AnotherGuy]

omg richard i think u just made me change my mind to the amd system... Now in search for the best motherboard under $130... if nothin then the dfi infinity will take the spot... This sudden change came from this logic:

an x2 3600+ overclocked to at least 2.6 hopefully, will be good enough for at least a year... that is when barcelona will be well out and prices goin down because of the Penryn release... So since i have confidence that Barcelona will be doing pretty good in terms of performance... at least better than a core2duo quad... I think this 1 way street of upgrade is better than the Intels 1 way street Upgrade to a current core2duo quadcore... since Penryn looks like will be a different socket from i have read around the web.. rumors.
Even if Penryn turns out to be compatable with the current 965 socket then Barcelona will not be far off from it in terms of performance... I just hope Barcelona will be a good enough overclocker... coz Penryn might kill it just like it did with the core2duo vs. x2s... Hope I made a good choice.

 

[Diogenes2]

This DFI AM2 board is well under $130

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813136015 ..

I just put together a system with it, and am very pleased..