Another budget system help!

Cares

Senior member
Mar 8, 2005
868
0
76
My friend wants to build a system about $300. He only needs a motherboard, RAM, and processor. Here are some requirements:

1. Must have an AGP slot since he has a 9800PRO he wants to use.
2. Must be 1GB of ram (I think 2x512MB is the best choice)

Socket 939
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-K8NSC - $75
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3000+ Venice - $146
Memory: Corsair ValueSelect 1GB (2x512MB) - $80
Total: $301 (pretax/shipping)

Socket 754
Motherboard: BIOSTAR NF325-A7 - $57 or Soltek SL-K8AN2E-GR - $75
Processor: Old Newcastle or Sempron???
Memory: Corsair ValueSelect 1GB (2x512MB) - $80

He basically wants to do some gaming such as WoW, nothing too graphic intense. Is it wise to go the 939 route or go 754 and save a lot more money? Because if I go 754 then I think a Sempron would be good for him, or is Sempron totally crap? Also with 754 you can get cheaper processors/motherboards (not necessarily Sempron). Is dual channel memory a huge improvement? Any opinions? Is there a way to make it cheaper?
 

shoRunner

Platinum Member
Nov 8, 2004
2,629
1
0
the skt 754 semprons are a great value, especially if overclocking (many get 2.2-2.4+ on air).

but the venice will also be able to overclock, so i'd stay with it. more potential.
 

Hacp

Lifer
Jun 8, 2005
13,923
2
81
There is an oem venice for 115 dolalrs, and a hs/fan would only cost around 10 dollars. Check the hot deals forum.
 

Cares

Senior member
Mar 8, 2005
868
0
76
Would it be better to get a Newcastle or a Sempron if I went the 754 route.