New 4400 X2 - Help with components

[alexkoon]

I am going to build a new machine and wil go for a 4400+ X2 (current machine is a Barton 2500+ - so a good upgrade for me I feel).

Its not a gaming machine so will put either a nVidia 6600 graphics card or maybe a 6600GT if funds permit. 1GB of memory (OCZ or Corsair). Heatsink wise I like to go with a Scythe Ninja.

2 -4 HDD's in the machine currently which I will move into this upgrade and a DVDr drive.

Questions:
1 - Does the 6600GT make a big diffenrence to the 6600 in non-gaming scenarios?

2 - What level of PSU power will I need? I was thinking of a 430 Seasonic S12 (I like a quiet PSU and silentpcreview.com rate this). Do I need more power?

3 - Which motherboard? Quiet, easy and stable and allow basic oc'ing. Really lost here as I thought about a DFI Ultra D but it seems to have memory compatibility and also big PSU requirements. Asus A8N SLI is quiet (heatpipe) but costs more and I don't need SLI.

Help! (Esp the motherboard!)

[kempez]

How about an A8N Ultra? Good boards and OC pretty well?

I think the 430w should be ok but I would maybe put a little higher rated one in there for safety and peace of mind.

I would say that if your going to be rendoring or crunching numbers with that proccie then 2gb of RAM would give it a bit more breathing space and let each core have its own GB of memory. Just a thought.

The 6600 and the 6600GT won't have a huge amount of difference outside of games: but I reckon I would get the GT, but thats just me

[BubbySoup]

In regards the 6600 vs 6600GT, outside of games you will see no difference. The difference between them may only be a small amount of cash, but if you are 100% sure you will never play games, then it would be wasted money all the same.

[Kef9]

You will probably need an ATX v2 (24 pin) power supply. Anything above 400w will be fine. I think there is too much hype about high rated power supplys. Its the stability of the power that counts. If your not bothered about gaming why not save some money and get an integrated graphics solution. i.e. ati xpress200

[kempez]

You will probably need an ATX v2 (24 pin) power supply. Anything above 400w will be fine. I think there is too much hype about high rated power supplys. Its the stability of the power that counts. If your not bothered about gaming why not save some money and get an integrated graphics solution. i.e. ati xpress200

Agreed but I just like that little bit more in case I get some more stuff to add to the system in the future. A quality PSU with good solid rails should be good

[alexkoon]

You will probably need an ATX v2 (24 pin) power supply. Anything above 400w will be fine. I think there is too much hype about high rated power supplys. Its the stability of the power that counts. If your not bothered about gaming why not save some money and get an integrated graphics solution. i.e. ati xpress200

I'll check out the ATI Express 200 - as long as it supports the X2. Machine is used mainly for crunching numbers and development (developer by trade). Also used for conversion of media to DVD using DVD Santa.

Was worried about power as I will be using 3+ HDD's until I save up again for a NAS server I plan.

[Kef9]

Tep the xpress200 supports the x2.