Need advice on new conroe build

[Merovingian]

I basically want to build a computer for my buddy who doesn't play games but wants a computer that will be fast and able for basic internet, word processing, etc. but will last him awhile. Basically, when vista comes out, he's going to want to upgrade his GPU and that's about it. Here is what I'm thinking...

- Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 $219
Want a solid Overclocker at a cheap price
- Seasonic S-12 430W $100
Need a quiet psu that should provide enough power to add a 7600GT equivalent GPU sometime after vista comes out.
- OCZ Gold Series 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5400) Unbuffered Dual Channel Kit System - OEM Memory. $139
Dunno how important Ram speed is on a conroe chip for things like vista but I would imagine that basic ram should suffice. Any comments on that are much appreciated.
- Motherboard with on board video, sound, PCI-e slot, ethernet port but gigabit not required, usb, firewire not required but might be nice, DVI output for onboard video, at least 2 SATA ports, at least 2 PCI slots. Am I missing anything? Anyway, the most important feature is a solid overclocker from a good company at a reasonable price. I have no idea what to buy here that doesn't cost $200+.
- NEC DVD burner 3550A $30
- CPU cooler? Any ideas on that would be appreciated. I have a zalman 7700cu back when that was considered among the best air coolers for cpu's, now they have all these heat pipes, etc. I really want good quiet cooling so any advice here could help or I suppose I could drop by SPCR for that one.

Thank you very much for your input and your time. - Michael
- Seagate 250GB SATA HD

 

[Zinthar]

I'm also building an Allendale system (though I'm leaning towards the E6400 for its slightly better OC'ing abilities). Here's a look at what I would recommend based off of the research I've done over the past couple of weeks (which is mostly the result of recommendations of the extremely helpful experts here & at the extremeoverclocking forums):

CPU: Allendale E6300 $219
or Allendale E6400 $259 (approx.)
Mobo: Gigabyte P965-DS3 $154 (best overclocker for Allendale and cheap, but no on board video or firewire, and very picky about RAM before BIOS upgrade)
RAM: Patriot 2GB (2x1) DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) 1.8V CL4-4-4-12 $165 (lotsa people reporting issues with OCZ and the DS3, and the 1.8V Cas4 Patriot has lots of room for overclocking from what I've read)
VGA: For me (gaming machine): ATI Radeon X1900 XT $290 w/ rebate
For you: Anything PCI-E x16 that meets your needs (Low-end: ATI X300SE for $38, Mid-range: 7600GT for $150, High-end: X1900XT for $290)
HDD: Looks like you have one, I went with Seagate 320GB for $90
Optical: Any DVD Burner $30-35

CPU Cooling: I'm thinking about going with the Scythe Ninja Plus + Arctic 5 thermal for about $50, I've read great things about it. I'm nervous about whether I can fit a different north bridge heatsink/fan with it on the DS3 mobo.

For the PSU, you might be able to drop to a lower priced model without hurting your quality...a couple of members recommended Enhance 80+ (>80% efficiency guaranteed) PSU's. Enhance ENP-5150GH (500W) for $68 or ENP-5140GH (400W) for $59 from EWiz.com.

Does anyone have other recommendations for CPU or North bridge cooling options for the Allendale and DS3 mobo?!?

 

[Merovingian]

Zinthar, thanks for your reply.

CPU: I agree. I think I'm going to go with the E6400 in hopes of getting a 10% increase in clock speed for $35, thank you.

Mobo: Well, I don't want any thing finicky and maybe I don't have much choice seeing as how this processor has just come out. Take a look at what newegg reviews had to say about it... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813128012 For you this could be just fine as you can sort out the problems on site but for me, I'm going to be across the country and not wanting to have to teach some newb how to troubleshoot his computer over the phone. :laugh:

HDD: 320GB looks mighty attractive for $90, might have to pick that up instead.

Thanks again for your help.