Intel dual core build (cpu/mobo/ram) for around $300/350?

[fustercluck]

Just your typical "help me decide what to buy" thread 🙂 - Hope this forum is ok.

I might have to buy a new computer this weekend if mine really is broken, which it probably is. I already have a video card, sound card, and monitor. Just need a CPU, Motherboard and RAM. Would like a dual core Intel. Don't want a quad core, I'm sure dual core will be hot enough as it is. Would like 4 gigs of RAM but trying to stay on a budget here, still, 4 gb of ram has never been cheaper: OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Though the rebate ends today. There are lots of equally good RAM deals at newegg though.


Will probably overclock, since I always do, but might just let it run at stock for a while.

Would really appreciate any help, even though it's possible I might not need to buy anything, it's good to be prepared.

 

[ther00kie16]

e7200 (you can take this to almost 4ghz) - $130
Xigmatek S1283 - $37 (could probably go with a 92mm hsf to save $10 cuz it's only a dual core)
Gigabyte EP35-DS3l - $98
any 2x2gb kit (800mhz or faster) - $90
Total: $355 not including some savings with combined shipping and any rebates

 

[fustercluck]

Well done sir, thanks.

 

[chinaman1472]

Cut back to a E2160 for almost half the price of an E7200 and can overclock to at least 2.6GHz. Some can hit 3.2GHz. Should be plenty.
If you're not overclocking though, go with the E7200.

 

[fustercluck]

$130 seems too good for the E7200, I appreciate you trying to save me cash though 🙂

Right now it's looking like I'm going to get the

E7200 Wolfdale $130

Corsair Dominator 4GB $120 AR

As for the mobo, not really sure yet. Looking at these two:

GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L as recommended earlier

and the ASUS P5K SE LGA

Though I really haven't looked at motherboards at all. Going to buy everything tomorrow though so I need to decide soon, probably either of those mobos will be fine. Still at $350 either way, which is really amazing to me for all those parts. Computer stuff seems very reasonable these days. Newegg has great prices as always, I don't know why people have been kinda down on them the past year or two.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[ther00kie16]

Wow, the Asus's reviews are atrocious, better go with the tried and true DS3L

 

[fustercluck]

Originally posted by: ther00kie16
Wow, the Asus's reviews are atrocious, better go with the tried and true DS3L

I was thinking that too but I've seen worse. It averages out to 4 stars anyways. But mostly I'm a sucker for free shipping 😛 - Will probably get the DS3L though for a few bucks more.

 

[jdkick]

You could go with the Corsair XMS2 2x2GB for $85 and either save some $$$ or step up to a better board.

Edit: Just noticed the ASUS P5K PRO for $110.