Choosing for new Core 2 Duo System

[Hougtimo]

Hi,

I have always been an amd fan, and have exclusively used their processors untill now. I have decided to build myself a Core 2 Duo system. I can cope with choosing the processor / ram / Hard Drives etc..., but I'm a bit stuck on the motherboard. I want something that will allow me to overclock well (never had much luck getting a good one for overclocking) and something relatively cheap as I don't have a lot to spend on this system. I am looking at something under £80, but will stretch to £100 for the motherboard. Also I am in the UK, so something from EPCBuyer, or Overclockers.co.uk would be grand.

Thanks for your help!

HougTimo

EDIT :: Also it needs to fit into an Antec P180

[shaking_ground]

Hi,

I have always been an amd fan, and have exclusively used their processors untill now. I have decided to build myself a Core 2 Duo system. I can cope with choosing the processor / ram / Hard Drives etc..., but I'm a bit stuck on the motherboard. I want something that will allow me to overclock well (never had much luck getting a good one for overclocking) and something relatively cheap as I don't have a lot to spend on this system. I am looking at something under £80, but will stretch to £100 for the motherboard. Also I am in the UK, so something from EPCBuyer, or Overclockers.co.uk would be grand.

Thanks for your help!

HougTimo

EDIT :: Also it needs to fit into an Antec P180
hey bro, you may not be able to find what you're looking for without going a few bucks over. The two best "cheap" OC boards are the DS3 and p5b-e.
either of those boards range from 130-160 USD. Things are a touch pricier in Europe, so you are probably looking at around £120.

The case is no prob, it is just standard ATX form factor, any board will fit.

[Hougtimo]

Thanks for the prompt reply. Would the Abit AB9 be any good for what I want? With regards to overclocking?

[shaking_ground]

Nevermind. my uk estimates suck.
at overclockers.uk

DS3- £91.99

cant find p5b-e. only p5b. the only major difference is that p5b-e has ICH8R which is happy times:beer:

[shaking_ground]

Thanks for the prompt reply. Would the Abit AB9 be any good for what I want? With regards to overclocking?

good results have been seen on the AB9 pro with bios revision 1.4

Sorry about the dbl post

[Hougtimo]

It's ok. thanks for your help!!! I really appreciate it!

[dicecca112]

I'd avoid the AB9 it has memory issues, yes some have been fixed, but go with the the two shaking listed. P5B-E I am using currently, did 375FSB without a sweet on stock Vdimm

[Hougtimo]

Right, how does this sound for the final system:

CPU : Intel Core 2 Duo E6400
Motherboard : Abit AB9 Pro
Hard Drive : Western Digital Caviar 250gb (SATA)
PSU : Coolermaster Extreme Power 650w
RAM : 1gb DDR2-667 (Already got)
Graphics Card : HIS Ati Radeon x1300 256mb PCI-e
DVD R/W : Samsung SH-S162A
Case : Antec P180
Total Build Cost (Including VAT and Delivery) : £542.95

[shaking_ground]

i'd still suggest that you stick to the two boards i previously listed. they have proven very consistant overclockers. I was unaware of the AB9 memory problems, so if you want to do research and see if yours is compatible, that's one route. Otherwise, just go with what is tried and true.