interested in new build duo core

[ELDoro]

Hey everyone. I'm looking to build a new duo core system. I have never built anything above a 32bit system and was wondering if anyone could (willing) to recommend a Mobo and cpu to start out with? I'm looking to keep the build under $1,000 (not including a monitor).


thanks

[Cricket]

Originally Posted by ELDoro I'm looking to build a new duo core system. I have never built anything above a 32bit system and was wondering if anyone could (willing) to recommend a Mobo and cpu to start out with?

ASUS P5K motherboard and a Intel C2D E6550 CPU.

Cricket

[andper10]

Short Answer: I would start with the Asus P5K Motherboard: $135 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131180
and an Intel E6750 CPU: $205 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115029

What do you plan to use this computer for?

See full recommendation list below:

[andper10]

$135 - P5K - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131180 - EDIT: You can't get a P5L-MX because it doesn't support 1333Mhz FSB.

$205 - C2D E6750 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115029 - As Cricket said, you could get an E6550 to save money if you want: $176 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...5030&Tpk=E6550

$290 - EVGA 8800GTS 320MB - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130082 - This card is good for gaming. If you don't want to play games very often then you could get a cheaper video card.

$80 - Seagate 7200.10 SATA Hard Drive w/ PRT & 16MB Cache - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148140

$40 - LiteOn 20X SATA DVD (and CD) Burner with LightScribe: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827106072

$76 - CORSAIR ValueSelect 2 x 1GB DDR2 667 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145098 - You could get some DDR2 800 if you plan to Overclock, it isn't much more expensive: $105 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145034

$100 ($90 if you use google checkout) - Corsair 520W PSU - http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-520w...203270716.html - Cheaper than newegg at buy.com. I bought mine from there and they seem like a good company.

Case: Pick one that you like. A few popular ones are:
$50 - COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119077
$100 - Antec 900 - http://www.directron.com/ninehundred.html ($140 on newegg)
$130 - Antec P180 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129154 & http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129017 or P182: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129025
$170 - Thermaltake Armor w/ 25CM side fan - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811133021

OS: You can decide if you want to get Vista or XP.
$90 - XP Home OEM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116056
$112 - Vista Home Premium OEM - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116202

That totals $926 without the OS, Case, and shipping. I would consider getting some of the cheaper options that I suggested and squeezing the 8800GTS into the budget if you like gaming. Otherwise you might have to get an 8600 series video card instead. Enjoy your build!

[ELDoro]

plan to use for games and internet/e-mail

[Katreat]

Andper's list is excellent and probably your best starting place.

I agree that if you are really set on gaming you should really try for the 8800 series cards. If that does not fit your budget I would look at some older 9x cards like the X1850xt before I went for an 8600. You give up 10X but they are much better performers for the price.

You could also save a bit on the CPU. The E6750 is at a sweet spot for price and performance but all of the C2D models are excellent and you would not go wrong dropping down the list a notch or two if your budget is tight.

Kat