Overclocking - just for high end computers?

[Jamin43]

As I learn about PC technologies studying online - I've been reading a few articles on Overclocking.

Looks like in order to overclock you need
* MOBO that allows you to overclock ( assuming will cost a little more )
* more power supply ( add 10-15 bucks )
* Better RAM ( how much more increased cost or is most memory fine )
* better cooling ability ( be it water cooling / better heat shield / or more fans - which could mean more expensive casing + $20-100? )

My question is
For Gamers - who want a high end PC to push the limits of their $3,000 dollar system - I can see the marginal increases in components as a no brainer.

But for a mid range computer ( say 500-600 max for complete build )- is there a reasonable economic justification to overclock your CPU - if you are spendingi an additional 50-100 in parts - wouldn't that money be better spent on upgrading the CPU to a little higher speed?

Or am I misjudging something in my analysis????

Thanks

 

[Jet]

The issue with your reasoning is this--yes, you can spend more money on a processor. However, you still won't get the performance of an overclocked computer--for instance, my E4500 I got ran at 2.2Ghz stock, but can easily be overclocked to 3.2Ghz--which back a year and a half ago, was faster than most, if not all, processors available. Likewise, now you can buy an E8300 (~3Ghz), for instance, and overclock it to 4Ghz--faster than any available processor today.

 

[Twist86]

It is all about getting the most for your price range and the research you put into the parts you plan to buy.


A good example is this.
E8400
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037
E8500
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036
E8600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115054&Tpk=E8600


These chips are exactly the same just underclocked/overclocked. If you were to buy the fastest you would spend roughly 100 bucks MORE. You buy the E8400 and a 30 dollar cooler you can overclock to 4.0ghz and enjoy a faster processor with a lower price tag AND get the feeling that you spent your money wisley (because you did)