Time for me - $800

[newbuilder14]

I've built a couple of PCs for friends, but now I'm ready to build my own. This Pentium 4 just doesn't do the job for me anymore (gaming wise). I build someone a computer for $500, therefore since I only play one game that has rather mediocre requirements, I am limiting myself to a budget of $800. Now I realize this can't get a Core 2 Duo system, but it should be able to get a single or dual core AM2 build. This is what I have put together:

3200+ Orleans or 3800+ x2 Windsor
Biostar TForce 550 or Asus M2N-E
1gb xms2
80gb SATA - I seriously think this is plenty for me - I may get a bigger one, though
FSP 450w
BFG Tech 7600gt (good price)

Total was around $650. I have an XP Pro disk available - I have to see if it has any licenses left.

Even the P4 530 + PNY 6600 + 512mb value RAM I have plays CSS fine, so I think this will be quite an upgrade.

[glc]

I bet you could squeeze a E6300 into that budget. You could put it on a P5L-MX and use 667 value ram.

[newbuilder14]

I'll consider that... probably won't go with a mATX motherboard, though. So how well/bad would the 3800+ x2 compete with the e6300? In the future it really won't matter though, because AMD is just going to make something better, and so on and so forth.

[glc]

The E6300 will blow it away.

[newbuilder14]

What's a good motherboard that will keep me in my budget? I would prefer a standard ATX sized motherboard.

Can anyone tell me how to overclock the e6300 safely? I will buy another HSF if necessary. I know how to overclock the CPU easily, but what worries me is the RAM ratio..?

[andper10]

Case: $50 - Choose your own

Mobo: $116 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128017

Processor - $183 - Intel Core 2 Duo E6300

Ram - $115 - 1 GB Corsair Value Select DDR2 667 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145568

Power Supply - $75?

HD - $44 - WD 80 GB SATA2 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822135106

Optical Drive: $32 - LiteOn CD and DVD Burner - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106013

Sound: Integrated

O.S. - have already - Windows XP

Video Card - $200 - Sapphire Radeon X1900GT - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102022

Total: $815 w/o shipping

I know that would be pushing the budget, especially if you don't have any XP liscenses left. But, it would be a nice budget gamer! I don't know about the Power Supply though, you might have to spend a little more than $75 on a suitable one. The case estimate might also be a bit low. Just my two cents worth.

[newbuilder14]

Thanks for the reply I really appreciate it. Anyone know about the OCing situation with the RAM ratio?

[glc]

If you want to overclock, you need a P965 or a 975X board. The 945's have been refitted to accept C2D's but won't overclock. You are probably looking at an Asus P5B, Abit AB9, or a Gigabyte S3. You can hit 1333 (333) FSB with 667 ram without a hit, just run the ram 1:1. If you want to go higher, you need 800 ram.

[newbuilder14]

Thank you - I know that requires some calculations on your part. Think that'd be safe on the stock HSF? That would be 2.33ghz, about a 20% OC?

[Mr.Ferrari]

Well your going to be going from 1.86 to 2.3ghz (assuming just 667, those sticks might be able to push 720-730 with some coaxing). I believe that will be viable within stock voltage.

So yes stock hsf should be fine.

If your not gonna be doing any super major high res gaming, I highly suggest the 7600GT as a good choice. Spend more money on other things, i.e hard drive / ram.

[newbuilder14]

What do you mean push 720-730? MHZ in memory?

[Mr.Ferrari]

*on the assumption of corsair valueselect.
I mean in DDR terms. Processor fsb will be 334 at ddr 667, and final pumped fsb will be 1333mhz as glc noted.

[newbuilder14]

Hmm thanks... still don't understand though, haha. DDR terms meaning what? What are those numbers 720-730 - those are totally new to me. Do you mean pushing DDR2667 RAM to 720-730mhz?

Anyway, I think I may just go with an AMD type build.

-I'm not doing extremely CPU critical tasks here - just moderate gaming and work
-I'll get the chance to give AMD a try
-I can always upgrade in the future if AMD comes out with something new
-I like the fact that many times AMD idles <30C.

[Mr.Ferrari]

1. Double Data Rate (DDR). And yes I meant that number in terms of pushing the memory.
CPU FSB x2=DDR Rate, Cpu FSB x4=Final/bus fsb (in this case 1066 stock or 1333 with theortical overclock)

2. AMD is fine, choice between socket am2 or 939 is yours, but if you want upgradability, go AM2.

3. One thing though, a conroe runs cooler then an equivalent AMD partner, anything idleing below 30c means either your in a REALLY cold room. Or more likely, your temperature sensor is off by 10c.

The overalll part choices are the same, if going am2 get something Abit or Asus in terms of quality and stability for motherboard. And keep the corsair xms2.