Originally Posted to ZDNetWelcome to the updated and revamped Hardware 2.0 “Very Best Kit List” for Mar/Apr 09. Here I’ve put together a list of the best high-end and mid-range and budget components currently available. So if you’re thinking of buying, building or even upgrading a PC, this list is a must-read for you!
This new kit list has been expanded significantly from the last time I published a kit list.
These components are on this list because I firmly believe them to be the best either in terms of performance or price - although I’m ready to admit, as always, that there’s room for debate and some choices “go with the gut” more than others.
NOTE: Each time I come out with a list of kit I always end up fielding a few emails and comments from people wondering if companies have “bought” space on the list. Let me tell you now that the only way for a product to get on this list is to be the best - period. Manufacturers, vendors and PR companies have zero influence over this or any other recommendation that I make.
Also note: I’m looking to expand this list by adding more categories and components. If you’d like to see anything added, let me know!
Final note: All prices are approximate … shop around for the best deals!
CPU
Extreme - Intel Core i7 965 Extreme Edition
Quad-core, 3.2GHz
The Core i7 processors represents a new era in architecture for Intel. Gone is the LGA 775 socket, instead replaced by the larger Socket LGA 1366.
With the Core i7 Intel has also reintroduced Hyper-Threading, giving the desktop CPUs the power of eight virtual cores. You also get the brand new X58 chipset and support for DDR3.
Additional info - What you need to go Core i7!!!
Price: $1010
Mid-range - Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
Quad-core, 2.4GHz
The quad-core Core 2 Quad Q6600 is one of the best CPUs Intel has ever made. Sure, there are more powerful pieces, and the Q6600 is now looking a little old (the 65nm architecture it’s based on now dates it), but it’s still a great CPU. For most enthusiasts it’s still the first rung on the ladder of quad-core ownership.
Price: $195
Budget - Intel Core 2 Duo E7300
Dual-core, 2.66GHz
The E7300 is an excellent CPU. It’s a 2.66GHz part based on Intel’s 45nm Wolfdale architecture. But that’s not the reason I’ve chosen the E7300 for this package. I’ve chosen it because it is highly overclockable.
You can get this CPU up to 4GHz easily (Google is your friend) where it will run 100% stable. This puts an enormous amount of power at your disposal!
However, to get the most from the E7300, you’ll need a motherboard that offers you plenty of overclocking potential. But don’t worry, I’ve chosen one that’s perfect for the job!
Price: $130
Motherboard
Extreme - Asus P6T Deluxe/OC Palm
The Asus P6T Deluxe is, without a doubt, the best motherboard to match up with the Core i7. There are cheaper boards, and there are now boards that cost more, but the P6T Deluxe/OC Palm is the best. It’s a fast, stable board that’s packed with features and settings for the enthusiast and overclocker.
Excellent board!
Price: $330
Mid-range - BioStar TPower I45
The BioStar TPower I45 is a great mid-range board because it combines rock-solid features with the ability to handle overclocking so you can unleash the hidden potential of your other hardware. I’m now amazed how many lower-speced boards offer very sophisticated overclocking features.
Another well laid out, fully-featured board from BioStar. Keep an eye on this company over the coming year, I expect to see more good things from it!
Price: $160
Budget - BioStar TP45HP
The TP45HP a good all-round board that offers plenty of options in the way of USB, SATA, Ethernet and so on. It’s also another example of a rock-solid board that shouldn’t give you any problems in day to day usage.
But the main reason I’ve picked this particular board for this package is that it’s a great board for overclocking. In fact, I’d go as far as to call it an overclocker’s dream board.
Price: $110
RAM
Extreme - Corsair Dominator TR3X6GB1600C8D 3×6GB
6GB of high-performance DDR3 RAM with loads of overclocking potential - what more could you ask for!
- DDR3 rating - PC3-12800
- Freq - 1,600MHz
- Timing - 8-8-8-24
- Bandwidth - 12.8GB/s
Price: $215
Mid-range - OCZ PC2-8500 Reaper HPC 2×2GB
Fast, reliable RAM with plenty of over head. Coolers are a bit weird but if you can ignore that, this is a good buy!
- DDR2 rating - PC2-8500
- Freq - 1,066MHz
- Timing - 5-5-5-15
- Bandwidth - 8.5GB/s
Price: $80
Budget - Corsair 2X2048-6400 2×2GB
Solid product with a decent backing. Also offers some overclocking potential. Great value for the price.
- DDR2 rating - PC2-6400
- Freq - 800MHz
- Timing - 4-4-4-12
- Bandwidth - 6.4GB/s
Price: $50
