Can someone help me configure a system please?

[Nessal]

Hi everybody. I'm trying to build a new computer and I have a $500 budget. I'm been out of the tech loop for a while so I really don't know what is going on. I've tried to do as much research as possible but I need this system kind of quick. My question is, what is the best bang for the buck right now for building a gaming system for $500 bucks? I only need the motherboard, CPU, video card, and ram. I have a ATX case and a ATX power supply however I'm not sure they will run with the newer stuff? It is currently powering my P4. My main concern is the motherboard and CPU because I have NO idea what to get. I've been reading about the AMD X2 3800 or the regular single core AMD 3800 and also the P4's and the Pentium D's. They all seem really promising but I don't know which is best for me.

I figured that this computer is mainly for gaming so maybe the cost of dual core isn't necessary. However if the cost isn't much difference, then why not? Thanks for the help guys!


Cliffnotes:
What motherboard+cpu combination is the best bang for the buck?
I have a old power supply that is in my P4 right now, will that run with AMD and the new Intel stuff?
Thanks!

 

[DaveSimmons]

Watt's the watts of the power supply? What's the brand? It should say on a label on its side.

What are you upgrading for? Games?

What speed is your P4, how much RAM do you have, and what is its speed / type?

 

[Bobthelost]

Single core 939
Motherboard
1GB value RAM
As much GPU as you can afford.

939 so you've got more chance of your PSU handling it, also since it's going out of date you can pick up DDR second hand very cheap, it's solid state stuff, doesn't die often.

 

[Trey22]

What video card do you currently run?

IF you have a decent CPU and a decent amount of RAM... you could always drop in a 7800GS. Not the best bang for the buck, but lets you keep your current hardware while boosting your gaming experience.

 

[Nessal]

Thanks for the responses guys. Right now I'm running a P4 2.4ghz 400mhz fbs with 512mb ram, ATI 8500 (YES 8500! ) My power source is a 300W antec power source that has that extra dongle thing for the P4. I'm not sure if it would work with the AMD motherboards.

 

[Nessal]

Originally posted by: Bobthelost
Single core 939
Motherboard
1GB value RAM
As much GPU as you can afford.

939 so you've got more chance of your PSU handling it, also since it's going out of date you can pick up DDR second hand very cheap, it's solid state stuff, doesn't die often.

yeah I was thinking about the 939 because I heard the only difference between that and the AM2 are that the AM2 can use DDR2. But then I also heard that there isn't much difference between DDR1 and DDR2. Are there X2's that are 939's?

 

[Bobthelost]

Yes there are, but you won't be able to upgrade to them (at a reasonable price) as they go out of production at the end of this year.

AM2 is much better for upgrading, but you'll pay for it, think about second hand stuff on the fs/ft thread.