!! 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
$39.99





GIGABYTE GA-P31-S3G LGA 775 Intel P31 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail Item #: N82E16813128077 Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy
$64.99





Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model HH80562PH0568M - OEM Item #: N82E16819115018 Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
$194.99
Subtotal: $299.97

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



Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail Item #: N82E16819115017 Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
$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/Produc...82E16813138122
--the mobo is biostar if you care about name brands but it doesnt look like a bad board

CPU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115029
--65 nm conroe,4mb l2 cache
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115038
--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/Produc...82E16820231172
--2gigs 2x1
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145043
--2 gigs 2x1 has a better rating with more reviews
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820134596
--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/Produc...82E16813141012

Memory:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148070

Processor:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115037

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.