Intel P35 Core 2 build decisions

[LatexRat]

I'm about to build my first core 2 system, and i'm a bit confused about which motherboard chipset to go with. Seems like the P35 is the lastest and greatest, so i was considering the ASUS P5K. Since these newer boards run at 1066, I assume I need much better ram as well, so i was going to go with CORSAIR Dominators. Topping it off with an Intel Core 2 Duo E6420.

Does it make sense to spend the extra for the P35, or stick with the older nvidia/intel chipsets? I would like to overclock this machine, but without buying the ridiculous $200+ motherboards.

Any recommendations are much appreciated ! Thank you.

 

[JimiP]

I do recommend the P35 chipset boards. Reason being... Penryn. P35 boards will be compatible and support 45nm chips.

 

[Butterbean]

I don't think you need to get new memory if what you have is relatievely recent. Anything more than some microns at DDR800 is a waste imo.

 

[Elias824]

Originally posted by: Butterbean
I don't think you need to get new memory if what you have is relatievely recent. Anything more than some microns at DDR800 is a waste imo.

yeah I wouldnt worry so much about the memory. but if you want to go crazy you can always get some ddr3. The p35's are probably the best chipsets out there right now, there has been alot of good reviews on them. I saw some G.skill 2gb 800mhz with micron chips on the egg for $100 on sale if you need some new ram

 

[moosey]

I agree with what's been said as well. Get the P35.

 

[Zardnok]

Definitely P35 is the way to go. Better memory controller alone will give you better performance even at stock speeds. As for what RAM you should use, figure out what speed you want to try for and go from there. If you are happy at 3.2, then any DDR2-800 RAM will work. If you want 3.6, you might look at better quality RAM that can OC more.

 

[DXtreme]

I too recommend the P35. I just built my first Core2Duo with Asus P5K vanilla and E6400. It easily hit 3.2 with no issues.

 

[Treyshadow]

I also would recommend the P35 solution.

I recommend the Asus P5K also. I am currently running an Asus P5K and an e6600 @ 3.6 on air using this board. (Enzotech Ultra-X Heatsink @ 1500 RPM)

 

[elmonen]

any experiences with MSI P35 NEO-F ?

 

[Elias824]

From what ive seen, it performs a little better but dosent oc near as much as the other boards will.