what do you guys think of this combo?

[wasamicron]

I want to put together a new computer based on this combo. What do you guys think? I might even try to overclock for the very first time. I am not sure what ram to pick up. Should I get the 1066 speed? I saw a comment for the motherboard review that said you need a quad core processor to take advantage of this speed of ram? Any tips appreciated alot. I'm not a gamer, but plan to install vista ultimate (because I have the 32 and 64 bit versions thanks to Bill Gates).

 

[AstroManLuca]

First, 1066 RAM isn't necessary.

Also, the X2 "Kuma" is pretty old and I'd only get it if you absolutely can't afford something better. I'd rather go for either a socket 775 with Intel E5200 or an AM2+/AM3 board and a Phenom II X3 710. Both options are more expensive but they'll perform quite a bit better. Also, the E5200 usually overclocks really well. Athlon X2s can only make it to around 3 GHz, which isn't good when you're starting at 2.7.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Originally posted by: wasamicron
I want to put together a new computer based on this combo. What do you guys think? I might even try to overclock for the very first time. I am not sure what ram to pick up. Should I get the 1066 speed? I saw a comment for the motherboard review that said you need a quad core processor to take advantage of this speed of ram? Any tips appreciated alot. I'm not a gamer, but plan to install vista ultimate (because I have the 32 and 64 bit versions thanks to Bill Gates).

What kind of budget do you have - $150-ish? As AstroManLuca said, the Intel E5200 is, overall, a better chip than the AMD Kuma. Since you are not a gamer, a recent Intel or Nvidia IGP does Vista Aero quite well.

 

[perdomot]

I suggest this combo instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?ItemList=Combo.165025
Just raising the multi to 16.5 gets you 3.3Ghz on default voltages easy.

 

[AstroManLuca]

Originally posted by: perdomot
I suggest this combo instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?ItemList=Combo.165025
Just raising the multi to 16.5 gets you 3.3Ghz on default voltages easy.

That's a pretty sweet deal. It is a good $70 more expensive, but well worth it. Almost makes me want to get it, but I'm still intent on riding out my X2 4800+ for a while longer.

 

[Jester666]

Originally posted by: AstroManLuca

Originally posted by: perdomot
I suggest this combo instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?ItemList=Combo.165025
Just raising the multi to 16.5 gets you 3.3Ghz on default voltages easy.

That's a pretty sweet deal. It is a good $70 more expensive, but well worth it. Almost makes me want to get it, but I'm still intent on riding out my X2 4800+ for a while longer.

If that X2 4800+ is socket 939, you should definitely consider selling it on ebay. For what they're selling for, you could pay for the entire new combo and get a huge upgrade.

 

[heyheybooboo]

Originally posted by: wasamicron
I want to put together a new computer based on this combo. What do you guys think? I might even try to overclock for the very first time. I am not sure what ram to pick up. Should I get the 1066 speed? I saw a comment for the motherboard review that said you need a quad core processor to take advantage of this speed of ram? Any tips appreciated alot. I'm not a gamer, but plan to install vista ultimate (because I have the 32 and 64 bit versions thanks to Bill Gates).

That's a good deal.

The X2 7750 Kuma will run 1066MHz RAMs. You could run 800MHz if you wanted to save a few bucks. For a future upgrade to a Phenom II you would best be served with the 1066MHz RAMs.

For another $10 you need the X2 7750 Kuma / Biostar 790gx combo. It has the same IGP sideport memory as the Gigabyte mobo but also has the sb750 which will help boost your OC a bit by improving PLL timing

 

[wasamicron]

Thanks for the replies. I'm kinda cought up in balancing cost with performance. I keep telling myself " a little more cash will get me more". Just when I think that I've made up my mind, it's back to "a little more cash will get me even more" scenario. I think all the suggestions so far would work for me.

 

[polarbear6]

Originally posted by: perdomot
I suggest this combo instead:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?ItemList=Combo.165025
Just raising the multi to 16.5 gets you 3.3Ghz on default voltages easy.

+1 to that
and incase ur stil tight go for a 710 chip

 

[perdomot]

Originally posted by: wasamicron
Thanks for the replies. I'm kinda cought up in balancing cost with performance. I keep telling myself " a little more cash will get me more". Just when I think that I've made up my mind, it's back to "a little more cash will get me even more" scenario. I think all the suggestions so far would work for me.

I'm always balancing price vs performance too which is why I went X3. With the new PHII cpus offering an excellent value and the 720BE unlocked multi, it's an easy choice IMO.

 

[jjmIII]

$189 minus MS Live cash-back.