C2Q and video card recommendation for gaming build

[BlahBlahYouToo]

1. what C2Q cpu would you recommend for under $200?

2. DDR 800 is good enough if not OC'ing, or slight OC'ing correct?

3. what video card woudl you recommend for under $250? ati/nvidia is ok.

4. intel P45 good for all these components?

links to newegg would be appreciated since imo they have the most intuitive and informative product descriptions.

 

[Burrich]

1. Not sure here. I personally like using Dual core chips like the E8400.
2. Most are good for at least 900mhz. Why not get 1066?
3. 4870 1GB
4. Yes

 

[Denithor]

1) Q8300 (2.5GHz, 4MB cache) $189 -or- Q9400 (2.66GHz, 6MB cache) $230
Keep in mind, the cache is shared among *4* cores. Q8x00 series is kinda neutered.

2) DDR2-800 will get the Q8300 to 3GHz (7.5x400) and the Q9400 to 3.2GHz (8x400) before you have to OC the RAM. DDR2-1066 will take the Q8300 as high as 4GHz and the Q9400 to 4.26GHz (better have very good cooling). Buy one of these kits depending on how far you plan to OC. Personally I'd get the 1066 rated memory, run 400fsb and use the 4:3 memory multiplier to run RAM at DDR2-1066 (CPU @ 3/3.2GHz).
G.Skill 2x2GB DDR2-800 $40
G.Skill 2x2GB DDR2-1066 $45

3) MSI 4870 1GB $205AR -or- XFX GTX 260/216 Black Edition $250AR
4870 is the better value ATM and it gives better upgrade options (see below)

4) Gigabyte EP45-UD3P $115AR
One of the best OC boards on the market today
Bonus: 2 PCIe 2.0 x16 slots for Crossfire - add a second 4870 later

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

Originally posted by: Denithor
1) Q8300 (2.5GHz, 4MB cache) $189 -or- Q9400 (2.66GHz, 6MB cache) $230
Keep in mind, the cache is shared among *4* cores. Q8x00 series is kinda neutered.

2) DDR2-800 will get the Q8300 to 3GHz (7.5x400) and the Q9400 to 3.2GHz (8x400) before you have to OC the RAM. DDR2-1066 will take the Q8300 as high as 4GHz and the Q9400 to 4.26GHz (better have very good cooling). Buy one of these kits depending on how far you plan to OC. Personally I'd get the 1066 rated memory, run 400fsb and use the 4:3 memory multiplier to run RAM at DDR2-1066 (CPU @ 3/3.2GHz).
G.Skill 2x2GB DDR2-800 $40
G.Skill 2x2GB DDR2-1066 $45

3) MSI 4870 1GB $205AR -or- XFX GTX 260/216 Black Edition $250AR
4870 is the better value ATM and it gives better upgrade options (see below)

4) Gigabyte EP45-UD3P $115AR
One of the best OC boards on the market today
Bonus: 2 PCIe 2.0 x16 slots for Crossfire - add a second 4870 later

thx fellas.

how good is the msi warranty?
i've had bad luck with video cards over the years and had to rely on lifetime warranties from xfx and bfg which have been great.