!! Needing Suggestions - Getting new Motherboard / Processor / Memory !!

[Enti]

Looking to not spend over mid $300

Need:
New Motherboard (sub-$100) -
New Processor (Core 2 Duo) -
New Memory -

Need the best for gaming in these categories but not too expensive as I said.. only looking to dual-box max with them so don't need anything super super =P
If you could provide the link to a site such as newegg if suggesting something, would be great.

Thanks!

[Enti]

What is your system now? (FULL SPECS)

What game(s) do you want to play? Bceause WoW is odl and doesn't require a Core2Duo gaming rig. There is a HUGE difference there.Playing wow m8 and I want a core2duo :)

Right now pretty bad. I'll DxDiag for ya.


------------------
System Information
------------------
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: INTEL_
System Model: D945GTP_
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.66GHz
Memory: 2038MB RAM
Page File: 615MB used, 3307MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode


---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 8600 GT
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0402&SUBSYS_22861682&REV_A1
Display Memory: 512.0 MB
Current Mode: 1920 x 1200 (16 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0011.7516 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 5/2/2008 22:46:00, 6108160 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
Mini VDD Date: 5/2/2008 22:46:00, 6554496 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-4742-11CF-6E68-8D0200C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x10DE
Device ID: 0x0402
SubSys ID: 0x22861682
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D ModeWMV9_B ModeWMV9_A
Deinterlace Caps: {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run

[Enti]

so whatcha thinking fur?

[daviddoran]

Well your post didnt say what speed your ram is now, but here is a quick build from newegg. 2gb ddr2, quad core, and a decent mobo. If you already have DDR2 800, you could get a mobo that has 4 memory slots, and go for 4gb. You might even look into a mobo with a second x16 slot, in case you want more than 2 monitors someday.



SUPER TALENT 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model T800UX2GC5 - Retail Item #: N82E16820609027 Return Policy: Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy ('http://www.newegg.com/HelpInfo/ReturnPolicy.aspx#22')
$39.99




http://c1.neweggimages.com/ProductImageCompressAll/13-128-077-04.jpg
GIGABYTE GA-P31-S3G LGA 775 Intel P31 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail Item #: N82E16813128077 Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy ('http://www.newegg.com/HelpInfo/ReturnPolicy.aspx#2')
$64.99



http://c1.neweggimages.com/ProductImageCompressAll/19-115-018-05.jpg

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model HH80562PH0568M - OEM Item #: N82E16819115018 Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy ('http://www.newegg.com/HelpInfo/ReturnPolicy.aspx#5')
$194.99
Subtotal: $299.97

Or for an extra $15 you can get a stock intel cooler. I'd buy an aftermarket one tho.


http://c1.neweggimages.com/ProductImageCompressAll/19-115-017-04.jpg
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail Item #: N82E16819115017 Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy ('http://www.newegg.com/HelpInfo/ReturnPolicy.aspx#5')
$209.99

[thet3rminat0r]

I dont know if you wanted to run SLI or not but being with your guidelines to go with one setup that looks promising would be:
MOTHERBOARD:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138122
--the mobo is biostar if you care about name brands but it doesnt look like a bad board

CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115029
--65 nm conroe,4mb l2 cache
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115038
--45nm wolfdale, 6mb l2cache
------I personally would spend a little more here... These look like good overclocking cpu's and have great potential. there are quite a few ranging from 120-200 i dont know what your limit is here or what exactly you are looking for.

MEMORY:
DEPENDS ON HOW MUCH U WANT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231172
--2gigs 2x1
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145043
--2 gigs 2x1 has a better rating with more reviews
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134596
--4 gigs 2x4 same cas and timing as other, less upgradability but for some more money u can save

TOTAL:
325-350-377 depends on what ram u go with. done with a static mobo of 175

[thet3rminat0r]

from the post above me... both great setups depends on what u want... i spent more on mobo and ram OC ability he has more spent on the quad core... kinda depends what you are looking for in ram speeds etc both great setups for the price though. You could also mix and add a quad core to my setup or add my mobo to his setup etc..

[Enti]

Thanks for input fellas, going to take a look at the stuff and I'll let ya know what happens :)

[Enti]

Heres what' I was looking at from a few days ago...

Motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813141012

Memory:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148070

Processor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

Let me know whatcha think :)

[neux]

Me, personally, would never buy Video card cheaper then $200, because I personally think cheaper would be just junk, and I will need upgrade in a year.
Over year ago I bought 8800GTS320 for $300, and now already thinking on upgrading it.

same with mobo and CPU, I get high quality and with good word on net.

cheap stuff have way too small life expectancy, made out of cheap components and don't work more then few years under heavy work load.

but that just my opinion and my luck with cheap stuff ever bought...

[neux]

If you're JUST playing WoW, you don't need a monster system. :)

Tigerdirect has a Geforce 8800GT for about $100. XFX brand. I bought one, its great.
The Core2Duo CPU is like $170 for a 2.66ghz one, and $190 for a 3ghz one.
That blows your budget right there.
I bought a Asus P5Q Pro mobo, and some DDR2 800 ram, dual channle (2GB) - that was another $200.

Then I realized my current PSU wasn't good enough, so I spent another $150 on that. (you can get one cheaper I'm sure).

What I'm saying is that for $300, you're not going to get very far.... I tired, and ended up spending like $650.

Remember, if you upgrade just one aspect of your system, you're gonig to bottleneck it.QFT, this man knows wisdom!
don't need monster PC for WoW is true, but for anything else...

example:
I have one of my old PC that runs WoW at 30fps on all high
but can't even show 720p videos =(
6yers old PC, don't even remember specs now.

[Enti]

If you're JUST playing WoW, you don't need a monster system. :)

Tigerdirect has a Geforce 8800GT for about $100. XFX brand. I bought one, its great.
The Core2Duo CPU is like $170 for a 2.66ghz one, and $190 for a 3ghz one.
That blows your budget right there.
I bought a Asus P5Q Pro mobo, and some DDR2 800 ram, dual channle (2GB) - that was another $200.

Then I realized my current PSU wasn't good enough, so I spent another $150 on that. (you can get one cheaper I'm sure).

What I'm saying is that for $300, you're not going to get very far.... I tired, and ended up spending like $650.

Remember, if you upgrade just one aspect of your system, you're gonig to bottleneck it.Based off the things I posted above.. that's in my budget upgrading my motherboard, processor, and memory. how does $290 blow my budget? I leaves a good $80~ for memory which is usually enough >.>

[Enti]

I'll answer you question with a question.

Video card?
HDD?
PSU?

Having a hot-rod CPU with a shit video card and a slow HDD is a waste of money IMO.

And then when you want to buy a hot-rod video card, you better make sure you've got the PSU to handle it.Nvidia Geforce 8600 GT - 512MB
MAXTOR STM3200820AS - Sata (7200 RPM w/ 8MB Cache
Not sure on psu