Budget Build

**trailhunter** · 12-05-08, 03:09 PM

Ok guys, my AMD 4200+ processor took a dump last night. I have an old Asus motherboard that is AM2 not AM2+. Corsair Low latency memory, etc. etc. Everything else seems to be ok just the processor. I put my old 3200 in and it runs but wow how slow. (Maybe overclocked for to long

)

I have never been much of an Intel fanboy but they are kicking butt in the processor game right now, so......

Here is what I am looking to do: Instead of going back AMD at this point in the game. I am looking at the E8400 processor, since you can ROD the shit out of it and it is pretty dang cheap right now. I would like to get your opinions on a reliable motherboard for low $s and what type of memory can I get for low $s but still be good enough for me to amp up the processor speed reliably and easily?

All the other parts are going to be reused. Like my raptors and 600w power supply and 8800GT.

This computer is going to be replaced by a new one next year when Intel/AMD and Microsoft come out with their newest products. I will move this one over for the kids and wife to use.

I am looking at these products currently:
motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131299 maybe something cheaper would work good?

memory: I have not researched much. Ideas?

Oh and I am going to stick with XP on this machine.

**Cybs** · 12-05-08, 03:13 PM

Actually, I wold check the mobo and see if there are BIOS updates available to support better processors. I'm not saying the board is an AM2+ but my "older" Asus board was an AM2+ and I didn't think it was as well as it supported the AMD Quad 9950 processor that I thought I had to buy a new board for. That being said, I'd check NewEgg to see what processors they have that are AM2. I'm hesitant to recommend getting a new mobo and chip right now because new chipsets will be coming out shortly and I see no need to throw good money at what will shortly become outdated equipment.

**Cybs** · 12-05-08, 03:17 PM

For example:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103272

And

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103773

Personally, I would go with the second one since it has the larger cache but that's me. I have the second one in my backup gaming rig and it kicks ass. I like it more then my Quad 9950 black edition

**Mcstrange** · 12-05-08, 03:19 PM

That board is way more than you need to spend...

look here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010200280%201070509 908%204027&name=$75%20-%20$100

Im a fan of asus and gigabyte, but foxconn, msi and others would probably get the job done; use the customer reviews to help guide you.
- look for a board that supports ddr2 800 and your only cash outlay will be for the mo-bo and chip. No real need to spend tons if your building a newer better machine sometime next year.

**~~Syrringe~~** · 12-05-08, 03:20 PM

memory: cant do better for 100$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145197

**Mcstrange** · 12-05-08, 03:21 PM

Hell I'm slipping; Cybs is right. Just get a newer AM2 chip and just run that till your full system upgrade.

**trailhunter** · 12-05-08, 03:27 PM

I will have to see if my mother board will support AM2. I don't believe that it will but I will check.

Thanks guys, I will get back to you.

**Cybs** · 12-05-08, 03:31 PM

Oops, missed the RAM part. That's a little tricky. If your going to do 4xXGb then stick with DDR2 800 since AMD's memory controller won't do over 800 on 2 channels. If your going to stick with XP, you'll likely want to go with DDR2 2x1Gb which is dirt cheap. I did a quick sort by DDR2 800, 2x1Gb and Gaming as the recommended use... plenty of good RAM in there for less then $30. Of course it all depends on what the motherboard supports.

Trail, we've talked about this and you know I'm very cost vs. performance conscious. IMO, I would go with the DDR2 800 since I doubt you'll see a huge boost in performance vs. the jump in cost for faster RAM.

**Cybs** · 12-05-08, 03:33 PM

Originally Posted by trailhunter

I have an old Asus motherboard that is AM2 not AM2+.

OMG... you said it was an AM2! SLACKER!!! BTW, if you think you board might be having issues, check to see if you can get it RMA'd for free.

**Mcstrange** · 12-05-08, 03:36 PM

Wait what?
If he just drops a X2 6000 in there why would he need memory? Out the door for 80 bucks which seems reasonable for a machine thats gonna be a hand me down in a few months.