I just built the system in my sig at the end of March. I have to check what batch my CPU is, but I think it's from the 'crappy' recent batch (G or F or something), I'll update this post with it.
Anyway, I can get the system stable at 3.4GHz but it takes 1.5V in bios (1.45-1.47 actual). I'm currently running at 3.2GHz with 1.35V actual and it's 100% stable (I'm lowering all the voltages one step at a time to see how low I can get them at 3.2). I figure I can probably get somewhere in between 3.2 and 3.4 stable with lower voltages but even at 3.2 it's fast enough, so I'll likely run it there.
I recommend the Ultra 120 or Ultra 120 Extreme for a heatsink. I have only built one other PC myself, and this thing was relatively easy to put on the CPU. I've read that mounting the Tuniq can be a challenge. The Ultra 120 comes with spring loaded screws so you can't under/over tighten it.
My temps are roughly 34-36idle and 51 gaming load, 56-60 Orthos small FFT/blend load. This is with a Scythe SFF21E (1200rpm) fan on the Ultra 120, in a P182B case with the two exhaust fans on low.
My advice is get the E6600 and learn to OC with it. Even the recent batches will probably have a 99% of hitting over 3GHz. OC'ing a C2D is pretty easy once you understand the varaibles (FSB, multiplier, memory bus speed, memory divider, voltages that's all that really matters).
Anyway, I can get the system stable at 3.4GHz but it takes 1.5V in bios (1.45-1.47 actual). I'm currently running at 3.2GHz with 1.35V actual and it's 100% stable (I'm lowering all the voltages one step at a time to see how low I can get them at 3.2). I figure I can probably get somewhere in between 3.2 and 3.4 stable with lower voltages but even at 3.2 it's fast enough, so I'll likely run it there.
I recommend the Ultra 120 or Ultra 120 Extreme for a heatsink. I have only built one other PC myself, and this thing was relatively easy to put on the CPU. I've read that mounting the Tuniq can be a challenge. The Ultra 120 comes with spring loaded screws so you can't under/over tighten it.
My temps are roughly 34-36idle and 51 gaming load, 56-60 Orthos small FFT/blend load. This is with a Scythe SFF21E (1200rpm) fan on the Ultra 120, in a P182B case with the two exhaust fans on low.
My advice is get the E6600 and learn to OC with it. Even the recent batches will probably have a 99% of hitting over 3GHz. OC'ing a C2D is pretty easy once you understand the varaibles (FSB, multiplier, memory bus speed, memory divider, voltages that's all that really matters).