Some questions on preparation on building a new PC

[Tarmenion]

Hi all,

Been a long time since I posted here, back in 2001 I had the longest threads going (searched my name and posts are still here and I printed it as well for reference) :)

I plan to build my 2nd PC and have some basic starting questions.

1. I plan on doing AMD again and checking out the processors what is the difference in Socket 939 and Socket AM2?

2. OEM or Retails? What is the difference? I have 2 chips in mind to buy and the retail is $50 so here I wondering is it worth it?

3. Processor: Is there a big difference in in X2 and FX series? I thinking with going with X2 to save about $100. This will be for a gaming.

I would love to here some suggestions on cases, motherboards and video cards if anyone has any.

I plan to go Asus again on the mobo. Last video card I had was Geforce TI4200 and lot changed since then hehe A LOT of cards to choose from. I plan on a full tower case as well with some pretty neon lights :D

Thats all the quiestions I have for now.

Thanks in advance for any help

[flanzig1]

Well, for now the Intel Core 2 Duo CPUs is kicking butt in gaming.
If you still want AMD, the Socket 939 is being phased out, it's getting hard to find good CPUs. AM2 is the latest socket for AMD, there has been some stability issues with ram.
What is your budget and would this be for a complete system or just making a new tower?

[Tarmenion]

Thanks for the reply.

This would be a complete system. Budget? hmm 2k I guess, I like to go cheaper but at the same time I want to make a nice gaming rig. I was thinking of buying not the top of the line stuff but like a couple of steps down, like 300 for Vcard and 300 for processor, 150 for mob, etc..

I was thinking of doing a Pentium but heard AMD is better for gaming with quicker response times but I way open for opinions.

[flanzig1]

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E6300/if budget allows E6600
Mobo: Asus P5b or one of the P5B series as budget allows
Ram: Corsair Value Select DDR2 667 2gig kit
If going to do Vista soon: get a tide over video card like the Nvideia 7600GS
Case: what ever style you like
PSU: Good brands: Enermax/Fortron/Sparkle/OCZ/Antec/Silverstone (size to be determined by final select of parts)
HD Seagate 7200.10 (pick the size for your needs)

[Tarmenion]

Thanks Flanz