Future Build (hopefully this by early spring)

[drew and not u]

I think you've got a good configuration there. The x1900XT is a killer card for the money (tomshardware just named it the best videocard value at the $250 price range. article here). I understand your lack of desire to overclock, and there's not really even any reason for you to. that E6400 is already blazing fast at stock speed, and the only reason to OC really would be to achieve higher benchmark scores (which clearly do not matter in your case).

It's clear that you know what you want and that you've done your research. I'd say get your cash together and run with it, you won't be disappointed with that system. :thumb:

[Marvin The Martian]

If money is a concern overclocking is for you, it saves you money ;)

Tom's wrong... can't beat this at 250 a pop

Edit: Also, tom's has been wrong on more then one occasion.

[polobunny]

Originally Posted by Marvin The Martian

If money is a concern overclocking is for you, it saves you money ;)

Tom's wrong... can't beat this at 250 a pop

Edit: Also, tom's has been wrong on more then one occasion.

One could get 13K in 3DMark05 with a X1900XT, where's the matter? >_>
Besides it's not like you can be sure to get those clocks/timings.


(I really need to fiddle more with my stuff neh.... no time)

[gvblake22]

justin, that image you posted is results from an X1900XTX, not an XT :thumb:

[Mithosphere]

Originally Posted by Marvin The Martian

If money is a concern overclocking is for you, it saves you money ;)

Tom's wrong... can't beat this at 250 a pop

Edit: Also, tom's has been wrong on more then one occasion.

It only saves me money if i overclock it correctly, if i make a mistake and blow something up, or short it out, or OC it too much, i may have to pay for a new one altogether.

[Marvin The Martian]

Originally Posted by Mithosphere

It only saves me money if i overclock it correctly, if i make a mistake and blow something up, or short it out, or OC it too much, i may have to pay for a new one altogether.

Point taken, but:

I bought a 6800le for instance which was locked to 8/4, and I could unlock it to 12/6 for games 16 for benches. The core clock is stock 300, but with a modded bios it does 450 without breaking a sweat provided with the proper cooling (vf700 at the time). Now granted the ram is just ddr and I was close to 1ghz ddr but didn't quite make it at 970 benchable with a voltmod. Without voltmod it did 850 without problems, 900 most games/benches. Anyway got the card for E120 and for that I got performance which beat all nu's, most gt's and some ultra's. This card is still running as we speak in my fiance's rig, though flashed to 400/800 because I switched my new 7900gt's stock cooler with the vf700 which was on the le. My venice is also still running at a comfortable 2.5ghz from 2ghz stock and it's rock stable.

The point is: if someone with a memory span which is about as long as a goldfish can oc seamingly safely by concentrating on what he is doing and generally just do things one step at a time so can anyone. Of course it's at your own risk, but if you can read some forums/threads/guides anyone can oc. You might not get as far as someone with more experience or skills, some people just have that touch, but imho everyone can oc. And it's fun, at least I think it is, because you see what you paid for being faster then advertised. In fact, seeing as most model ranges incorperate the same technology but adapeted to their selling price ( indeed not to what they are technicly capable off but what some manager decides what you should get for performance for the amount off money you got to spend this upgrade cycle ) a e6400 is nothing more then a oc'd e6300. So either you let some manager decide what kind off oc your system is running at, and this basicly means if you aint paying top dollar you aint getting top notch performance, or you take a look at what it's capable of yourself.

Wow long post... must really feel the urge to defend overclocking here

[polobunny]

Originally Posted by gvblake22

justin, that image you posted is results from an X1900XTX, not an XT :thumb:

I take the fact you called me Justin as an offense. :P
And no, while it says XTX it is my X1900XT. No bios flash or anything, straight out of the box overclocking.

Mitosphere, there's little to no danger of breaking something when slightly overclocking a Core 2 Duo. Obviously I cannot put a percentage of risk you're adding, but aslong as you let the vcore alone it's all good.
Even then, adding a notch of power won't hurt it either.

[stinger608]

Originally Posted by polobunny

I take the fact you called me Justin as an offense. :P
And no, while it says XTX it is my X1900XT. No bios flash or anything, straight out of the box overclocking.

Mitosphere, there's little to no danger of breaking something when slightly overclocking a Core 2 Duo. Obviously I cannot put a percentage of risk you're adding, but aslong as you let the vcore alone it's all good.
Even then, adding a notch of power won't hurt it either.

There ya go polo

I always like a knowledgeble statement from someone with experience!!!!

[Marvin The Martian]

W/e ...

[Capper]

Lots of good, and very valid points of view.
In the end....Building your own computer is a great way to save money, and get the features you want. Overclocking is a great way to maximize performance and also save money......but as pointed out here, there are risks if you do it carelessly, and there are great benefits and few risks if you research what to do and are careful.
That being said, its all up to the individual, his/her needs and wants. If you are happy with the performance, let it be.....if you feel like being adventuresome, be careful and get help from people here, or other places that have experience.