Ok, so the last time I made this thread I was an underpaid worker looking to upgrade parts of a computer since I didn't want to spend a whole crap-ton on a new computer. Not wanting to go all out and eventually considering it not worth it, I scrooged and didn't buy anything.

Two years later, I am not longer *completely* underpaid . I still have the same old system (the only difference being that I now have to underclock it so that it doesn't constantly reboot). So, I figure what the heck? Lets put together a new system.

The only item that I currently have for the new computer is the monitor (new 22" LCD Monitor). Other than that, I am looking to spend ~$600. (I can be "convinced" to go further if needed). This will be my standard home computer used for gaming. While I won't be going completely crazy with gaming, I'd still like to have a formidable system that can be upgraded some if needed. My planned OS at this time is XP Pro (might think about purchasing Vista a long ways away, but not now).

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The Processor I am looking at: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

I'm looking for a good MB to go with this. I want a MB that supports a maximum capacity of at least 8 GB of RAM (though I will probably only start with 2-4). I don't know a lot about the RAM speeds but something that supports DDR2 800 or greater seems desired. I'll sort out exactly what type of RAM I buy after I figure out the MB. I'm looking at ~$140 for the MB.

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If this helps at all, the video card I am looking at is the Radeon HD 4850. There appear to be multiple flavors of this card so the one I get will probably be in the ~$170 variety.

Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

10/23/2008 12:34:06 AM

look at an intel x38, p45, or x48(expensive). diffrent companies have diffrent features so look around online.

10/23/2008 4:19:54 AM

You will probably want to get one of the P45 boards. Don't get the cheapest one. If you want SLI you could run a 750i board, but I have one and I am not impressed with my overclocking results. The 750i boards are crippled 780i boards and take a really high cpu voltage to get above 3.0GHz on a quad core and to get above 3.2GHz on a dual core.

This is a really good P45 board from the reviews I have seen.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131299

10/23/2008 7:57:18 AM

Yeah, thanks for the info. I had seen that board and it was near the top of my short-list. The only thing that kept me from choosing it at the time were the BIOS complaints about having to initially upgrade it before using it. Granted I was planning on updating it anyways since it is typically good practice, but it should be a choice and not a req .

Before moving on to memory I'm going to figure out the whole video card thing. Man, there are so many choices even after limiting it down to the Radeon HD 4850.

For instance, these are two cards on my short list:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121253 - $174.99 (ignoring rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121272 - $169.99 (ignoring rebate)

Now the second card is cheaper, its core clock is faster, and the memory clock is faster. The only advantages for the first is that it has more reviews (more of a testimonial than an advantage) and it is Vista certified. Unless that lack of certification means Vista will never be supported (despite the reviewers saying that they are using it), that won't be an issue for me since I won't be using Vista for the time being. Am I missing anything?

10/23/2008 8:45:59 PM

^i can't imagine a version of the 4850 that's not certified for vista, isn't it after all mostly drivers? in which case both cards are going to use the same ATI driver... so it's a non-issue.

on the right track, see this thread:
/message_topic.aspx?topic=472002&page=22

this has all been covered before, see the 5-6 people that also own a P5Q Pro on this board

the E8400 or E8500 will suit you well with the P5Q Pro, along with the 4850, i say go for it, just add a good PSU, case, memory, and hard drive (i would upgrade after owning a 5-year old hdd)

[Edited on October 23, 2008 at 9:36 PM. Reason : .]

10/23/2008 9:33:41 PM