Questions on new build.

[ibetf]

I fried my motherboard several days ago thanks to Windows crashing in the middle of flashing my BIOS. Yes, you are really screwed when that happens. I can either buy a $60 replacement for a 3 year old computer (Pentium 4 3.0, AGP, etc) or go for something current. My only problem is that money is tight right now. These are the items I am looking at followed by some specific questions.

Processor: Conroe 6300
Motherboard: Intel DG965RYCK http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813121048 $136

or

Intel DG965WHMKR http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813121052 $145
or

Gigabyte GA965PDS3 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128012 $160

Memory: I stick 1GB Brand and speed undecided.

Here is what I am most interesting in hearing about. I do not plan on overclocking. I will be adding more memory later. I am not playing any games at the moment but that could change if I see something I really like. If I go with either of the Intel boards I can hold off on buying a video card for a bit. My current card is the old Radeon 9600Pro which I will have to toss regardless. If I go with the Gigabyte I will have to buy a video card now (Nvidia 7900GS?). Am I OK with the 6300 chip or should I buy the 6400 for $50 more? Would I really see much of a difference, especially when I start gaming again? Both of the Intel boards seem to have happy users but the total number isn't many. The Gigabyte has over a 100 reviews but a lot of them are having problems (memory related?). Finally, do I need to spent the extra money for DDR2 800 memory or will something a little slower and cheaper be fine? We are talking about $50 a chip here, the same difference as in the two processors. Thanks for taking the time to read this and for your opinions.

[glc]

Why don't you just get your motherboard working again for $25? This will tide you over till you can afford a proper upgrade.

www.badflash.com