Building new PC: Which CPU fits for Overclocking matching DDR2 Ram

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[cybergrizzly]

I am planning to build another PC as the old one is getting tired.   Of course, there are budget constrains and would like to have a good and solid performer for the money invested.   The PC will be used for working with AutoCAD, gaming and general purpose applications.   These are my proposed components:
 
MOBO:  Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L (Ver 2.0), Socket 775 (already purchased)
CPU Cooler:  Nuctua NH-U12P CPU cooler (already purchased)
DDR2 Memory:  Corsair XMS2 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop
       Memory Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5DHX (already purchased)
Video Card:  Sapphire 100222L Radeon HD 2900PRO 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16HDCP Ready CrossFire
       Supported Video Card (already purchased)
Power Supply:  Thermaltake Pure Power 600 watts (pending)
Monitor:  LG Flat LCD 22" widescreen 1680 x 1050 (already have it)
 
I plan to overclock the CPU as much as possible (shooting for 3.4 or 3.6 Ghz under 45 degrees or better), but noise is an issue reason why I bought the new Noctua NH-U12P cooler.   For the CPU I am debating between an Intel dual core E2200 or an Intel core 2 duo E4500, both of which are running at 2.2 Ghz except that the E2200 is a stripped-down version of the E4500 (so I read).  The E2200 has an 11x multiplier same as the E4500 (so I read).  At a RAM forum I was told that if using the E2200 with the mentioned setup I may be forced to lower the Corsair XMS2 from 800 to 667 or 533 to get things working.  Will I be lowering my performance by doing this as the Corsair XMS2 are 800.
 
Appreciate comments on the entire setup and advise on two issues, which CPU would be best for the setup and proposed overclocking settings to get the most of the setup (either with the E2200 or the E4500).  Checked the Intel E6550 CPU but it has a 6x multiplier and probably will not do good with overclocking.   I'd rather go with the E4500 if possible.

[Xtreview]

Welcome to the forum  .
In your case i would go with Q6600 (2.4 GHz with 9X multiplier (Quad core will be perfect for gaming  , AutoCAD and general purpose applications)) For long run.u can find one for 280$-330$ depending on your location .For dual core i would go with E6750 (dual core)witch is perfect for 450x8 = 3.6 Ghz (around 200$).
The Full 4 MB cache is useful in game just like other application .


Another option if possible u can wait a bit for 45 Nm processor and 4-4.5Ghz air cooling  .

[sox7000]

You have mentioned a 3 CPUs here that you are confused about
1-For the E2200 don't buy it because it will not give you a good oc headroom in spite of it's 11x multiplier i prefer going with 2160 or 2180  those will give you the best bang for the bucks and more overclockable.

2-for e4500 and e6550 go with the e6550 with it's 4M cache,supports the VT tech. and with it's 7x multiplier i sow people up it to 3.6 on air with slight voltage increment.

3-i totally agree with xtreview to wait till the 45nm CPUs  but i think you're in a hurry since you've already purchased some components

finally,if you're in a budget go with the e2160 or e2180 
if you're not go with e6550 according to your desires

if you are free to choice go with Q6600 as xtreview has said

[cybergrizzly]

My idea is to do some gaming, AutoCAD and general applications...as of now, the cheaper the CPU the better.   What I might do is spend a few dollars now with something doable (overclocking) and wait a couple of years and get my hands on a quad core when prices drop to within budget.

The E2160 sounds good, but I thought the E2200 was better !   Read some good things about the E2160 for overclocking.   With my setup and the E2160, will I be able to do some gaming like Call of Duty 4 and Flight Simulator X at high resolution?  What about AutoCAD ?   Remember, I will push the sucker to the max no matter that it burns in a couple of years.  The Noctua NH-U12P should do a good job at cooling the CPU as there are places that rank this cooler at level to with the Thermalright Ultra 120 Extreme.

[Xtreview]

Hi ;
As said if you are looking for long time use i highly suggest the Quad core processor (280$) , the new G0 stepping overclock pretty high.
The Pentium processor will do the hole job fine even @ stock speed . For high resolution the video card will be your first limitation .
For the Exxx overclock not all people can do with their chip over 3 Ghz , many already reported about FSB wall @ 400 mhz . the average overclock is 2.8-3.2 Ghz.

Auto cad just like other application will run pretty fast even @ 2.8 ghz.
For 90% (3.6 GHz) u have to go with :
1) 45 nm processor .
2) Q6600 or E6750 .

Good luck
Best regard

[sox7000]

My final words,
Go with the E2160,Overclock it as far as you can reach,Your Noctua NH-U12P will do the job
All of that just till the 45nm processors are reasonable priced.
Good Luck.

[Tommy]

Hi ;
As said if you are looking for long time use i highly suggest the Quad core processor (280$) , the new G0 stepping overclock pretty high.
The Pentium processor will do the hole job fine even @ stock speed . For high resolution the video card will be your first limitation .
For the Exxx overclock not all people can do with their chip over 3 Ghz , many already reported about FSB wall @ 400 mhz . the average overclock is 2.8-3.2 Ghz.

Auto cad just like other application will run pretty fast even @ 2.8 ghz.
For 90% (3.6 GHz) u have to go with :
1) 45 nm processor .
2) Q6600 or E6750 .

Good luck
Best regard

It's pretty much confirmed that Exxxx walls at 400 FSB. I had mine over 400 for a while, but strange things started happening even at low temps. I've only got this E2140 running at 3.2 GHz (sob, sob) but if you consider the fact that it was a 100% overclock, the price/performance ratio wasn't bad at all I wouldn't recommend it now though.

[Xtreview]

It's pretty much confirmed that Exxxx walls at 400 FSB. I had mine over 400 for a while, but strange things started happening even at low temps. I've only got this E2140 running at 3.2 GHz (sob, sob) but if you consider the fact that it was a 100% overclock, the price/performance ratio wasn't bad at all I wouldn't recommend it now though.

are kidding 100 % overclock is awesome , especially if it is stable  .
Too bad that those cpu cap out usually @ 350 - 400 FSB