Cheapest Q6600 Build

[Gumbercules]

As most of you know already the Q6600 is going to be dropping down to about $270 on july 22. I am looking to purchase a new rig during that time and wish to have these following parts included.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail

GECUBE HD2900XT
Newegg.com - GECUBE HD2900XT-VIE3 512MB 512-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 VIVO HDCP Video Card - Retail

NZXT Lexa Case
Newegg.com - NZXT Lexa Black/ Silver Aluminum Construction Plastic Front Panel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500 WATT PS2 ATX 12V 2.0 Power Supply - Retail

Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro
Newegg.com - ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail

LG DVD Writer
Newegg.com - LG Black 18X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 18X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache IDE Lightscribe DVD Burner - OEM

Vista Home Premium
Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows Vista 32-Bit Home Premium for System Builders Single Pack DVD - OEM

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi
Newegg.com - Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio 7.1 Channels 24-bit 96KHz PCI Interface Sound Card - Retail

So far the price of my rig is about $1095. I need your help in choosing a suitable motherboard, 2GB of RAM, and a reliable PSU using as little money as possible.

 

[saltynay]

why are you desperate for quad core???

 

[Ste]

So he can do some crazy SMP Folding of Course!!

As for the power supply look at my guide linked in my signature.

 

[Gumbercules]

If I was desperate for a quad core then I would go out and buy one right now. Plus I want the Q6600 for crysis.

 

[Gumbercules]

Hey Ste, I checked out your power supply guide. I searched newegg and found this PSU.

Newegg.com - SILVERSTONE DECATHLON DA650 ATX12V / EPS12V 650W Power Supply 100 - 240 V - Retail

Is 650W enough to power the rig?

 

[Ste]

More than Enough.

You could even get away with a 450 Watt Fortron.

 

[saltynay]

change your video card then you will want a 8800GTX go with the evga version that way if you want to go full out you can upgrade to the 8900Gt

ram: g-skill 2x1gb hz's (the black ones)
mobo: get one with a 680i chipset

 

[Deathawk]

I'm not so sure if that's the best idea with a HD2900XT and a quad core processor. It'll probably run, but it's nice to have some head room.

For the RAM, get G.Skill HZs Newegg.com - G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

For the motherboard, the MSI P6N SLI is a good board, not sure if the Platinum version fits in your price range, though. Don't listen to Saltynay, you'd be better off with a 650i chipset, especially in a CHEAPEST BUILD. Why would you WASTE more money on something that gives no signifigant improvements over the 650i.

For a powersupply, here's a good deal, I think.

Newegg.com - mushkin 550200 ATX12V 550W Power Supply 115/230 V cUL,CE,CB,FCC - Retail

I say stick with the HD2900XT, unless you have the money to spend on the 8800GTX. But you're trying to make a "cheapest" build, so I say you should be fine with the HD2900XT.

 

[b1gapl]

Go for either the MSI P6N Platinum or P6N SLI-FI, for cheaper.

That PSU looks pretty good.

Agreed with everyone else, on the G. Skill HZs.

 

[Sora]

650w is about what your going to want since a Quad-Core takes twice as many watts and the R600 is power hungry as well. I don't think I would run anything less than 550 on there but preferably 600+ so that Silverstone is very good.