I need Intel budget rig advice

[TescoVee]

I'm getting ready to build a computer for my 14 year old son.
I have already purchased an E4500.
I am probably going to buy the Abit IP35-E mobo.
I'm looking to do a mild overclock.
My son is a gamer but not an"extreme gamer"

I need advice on memory, videocard and mobo if anybody thinks there
are better budget choices than the IP35-E.

I plan on buying a $30-$50 video card to get the system up and running.
In a few months I will go for a $200-$300 video card.

I see that Ram is dirt cheap. So I need advice on 2gb for this rig.


Thanks in advance.:beer:

 

[SerpentRoyal]

The HP DDR2 667 was only $9/GB AR last month. That's the best RAM for your rig. Currently, you can go with Kingston "N5" DDR2 667 or 800. Both will be able to push any E4500 to its full potential. The N5 DDR2 667 will be able to push a capable E4500 up to 3.7GHz with 1.8Vdimm and 4-4-4-12-2T timing. There is no need to spend more $ on DDR2 800.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820134117

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820134046

Don't be fooled by those el-cheapo OCZ modules. Most will require more voltage to run at rated speed. Some will also require higher NB voltage to achieve stability.

 

[Denithor]

Crucial Ballistix 2 x 1GB CAS4 DDR2-800 kit for $50 after MIR
Corsair XMS2 2 x 1GB DDR2-800 kit for $41 after MIR

Either of these will be awesome and provide great performance at low cost.

Regarding the video card: by an EVGA card now and in 2-3 months use their "step-up" program to get full credit for what you spend now applied toward your new card from them. Just make sure to keep the box and all contents intact so you get full credit for the trade-in.

Enjoy the build!

 

[bryanW1995]

step up ends up costing you more than you bargained for usually. You can buy a brand new 8800gt for 200-300 RIGHT NOW, and it's a HUGE improvement in the price/perf category. Many people are comparing it to 4200ti and 9700pro. If you must buy an el-cheapo video card then snag something dirt cheap on fs/ft then sell it back when you get the new card.

 

[j0j081]

Originally posted by: bryanW1995
Many people are comparing it to 4200ti and 9700pro. If you must buy an el-cheapo video card then snag something dirt cheap on fs/ft then sell it back when you get the new card.

don't forget the 6800gt/ultra.

 

[TescoVee]

Thanks for the advice on memory. I hope somebody can give
me some tips on a $50 or under videocard. The reason I don't buy
an expensive one is I cant afford it right now. Perhaps around
March I will pick one up.

Thanks again guys.

 

[VirtualLarry]

You could probably pick up a 7600GT for cheap. That, or a X1950GT, a little more expensive but about twice as powerful. The X1950GT is one of the most powerful DX9 cards on the market. (The Pro and XT versions are slightly more powerful, respectively, but they cost more too.)

 

[Denithor]

The problem with a $30-50 video card is that you exactly what you paid for -- crappy performance in games. If you really must get a cheap card, follow brian's advice and get a very cheap one from the FS forum here. You could even advertise in the want to buy forum and see what people offer.

 

[Markfw]

Clubit has some 2x1gb for $25 AR (OCZ)

Edit: one of the rebates expired, its now $40 AR

 

[TescoVee]

I saw a posting on slickdeals.net that pointed to a 2gb stick for $50 no rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...s&Item=N82E16820148097

I'd like an expert opinion on whether this is a good fit and price for my proposed build.

Thanks

 

[Denithor]

That's great memory for that price. Even at clock speed you won't be held back in any overclocking attempts you make (11x333 = 3.66GHz, faster than I would personally want to run a cpu on air).

In the ~$50 price range, the best new card you are going to get is this 8500GT which is factory overclocked and passively cooled and a fair buy at $60 after MIR. The rebate ends on 11/15 so don't wait too long.

Otherwise find a nice used card (7600GT or something equivalent) in the FS forums.