Looking for help with CPU/MOBO/RAM choices

T

Trip1

n00b
Joined
Feb 18, 2003
Messages
37
Well this is probably my 2nd or 3rd time building a pC from components, although it has been awhile since my last time. My budget for this PC is approximately $1500CAD, which works out to around 1300 USD(gotta love that high loonie), its not a big deal if it goes over a little. I need to buy this PC now, i understand prices will be coming down July 24th for Conroe but waiting is simply not an option, unfortunately.

I am looking for one thing only, and that is the best possible price:performance ratio. I could care less whether this is intel or AMD, however if going with the latter I am not interested in a dieing S939 and would go with AM2. Something interested i read while looking around was this at THG: http://www.tomshardware.com/2006/06/12/your_diy_gaming_rig_for_720/
Im somewhat interested in doing that but i dont really know how good the performance would be compared to a higher end intel or AM2 system..

What i want is some advice on which parts, specifically CPU/MOBO/RAM, i should be using. I will be using this system at home, occasional gaming and web development(photoshop, some 3d apps too), definetly a multitasker.. will be overclocking as well.

Min. 1GB DDR2RAM.

maximum cost of the three parts, cpu mobo ram, is $750CAD ~668USD(gotta save room for the other stuff too)


thanks in advance for any help!~
 
Alright well after almost a whole day of researching and reading reviews etc i've got some components nailed down. Going with AM2 i think..

All prices CAD

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Dual Core Processor Socket AM2 Windsor 2.0GHZ 2X512KB 89W 90NM Retail Box $345

ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe ATX AM2 Nforce 570 SLI 2PCI-E16 2PCI-E1 3PCI SATA2 Sound GBLAN 1394 Motherboard $183

The CPU is pretty much set in stone if im going with AM2. The mobo isn't, its a pretty good price though and right now the list of AM2 boards isn't that big, and reviews are lacking..
Debating still on RAM although i have got a few options:

Wanna get 2x1GB, looking at
Mushkin XP PC2-5300 2GB 2X1GB DDR2-667 CL3-3-3-10 240PIN DIMM Dual Channel Memory Kit $279

but i'm not sure, i am finding it hard with the lack of reviews.. pls someone help ! thanks!
 
My final parts:

Antec P180 ATX Advanced Mid Tower Aluminum Case 4X5.25 1X3.5 6X3.5INT No PS W/ USB & Audio Ports
In Stock 15126 1 $141.42

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Dual Core Processor Socket AM2 Windsor 2.0GHZ 2000FSB 2X512KB 90NM Retail Box
In Stock 18462 1 $343.98

BenQ DW1655 Lightscribe DVD+RW16X16X8 DVD-RW16X16X4 CDRW48X48X32 OEM DVD Burner Black W/ SW
In Stock 17413 1 $45.98

ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe ATX AM2 Nforce 570 SLI 2PCI-E16 2PCI-E1 3PCI SATA2 Sound GBLAN 1394 Motherboard
In Stock 18777 1 $183.54

OCZ Gold EL PC2-6400 2GB 2X1GB DDR2-800 CL5-5-5-10 240PIN DIMM Dual Channel Memory Kit W/ Ramsink
2-5 Business Days 15365 1 $254.24

EVGA E-GEFORCE 7600 GT KO 580MHZ 256MB 128BIT 1.5GHZ GDDR3 Dual DVI-I HDTV Out Video Card
In Stock 18390 1 $206.00

Antec True Power 2.0 430W ATX12V V2.01 24PIN 120MM Fan Power Supply
In Stock 18152 1 $76.31

Shipping Insurance with 30 Days Express RMA (3.00%): $37.54

SUBTOTAL: $1,289.01

No PST - Outside BC residents
GST(7%): $90.23
YOUR TOTAL:
All quoted prices are in CANADIAN DOLLARS $1,379.24

Any recommendations?
 
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