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Need a budget MOBO for Intel or AMD

EliteRetard

Diamond Member
Kind of a repost, but the question is about a MOBO AND CPU...so Ive posted in both MOBO and CPU sections. Hope thats O.K. Kind of a long read...but I really really need the help, so if you could I would really apreciate it.

Last (current) computer was a P2 333 and its definately feeling its age. Aint got much in the way of cash...about 300$ for the system.

The computer always has multiple windows of IE and/or email programs open but doesnt really run to many heavy duty programs...more basic stuff like word powerpoint etc. There is some gaming...though currently the machine is limiting that. Nother uber, but current games used are things like alpha centari civilization and masters of orion.

I figure with a little more power other slightly heavier games and apps will be used but Im sure either chip (805 or 3000) should handle that yeah? My thinking is that the 805 will be the better choice because of the dual core...but what all would you guys vote for?

Due to the budget nature, and the fact that upgrades only happen like every 10 years, I am factoring in OCing to increase longevity (probably wont OC right away...other than to test out its limits/capabilities). Thats also why I aint looking at sempron/celeron, not enough longevity. I know both chips can OC pretty decently...but lets say total newb here, which is the easiest and safest to OC, OCing can/does reduce chip life increase heat etc which will handle it best (probably 3000 but will the 805 do fine as well)? And were not talking about super fancy coolers either...its either gonna be stock or maybe 25-30$ cooler max (any reccomends on a cooler? Silent aint really a factor).

Part of the thing too is the MOBO (totaly gay that the sections are split...I really need the answers to both questions)...due to the budget Im looking at integrated graphics, but that usually means low end boards. I was hoping to get an Xpress200 or Geforce6 series integrated MOBO because there is some mild gaming involved...but which one would be best for which chip and how far could I OC with it (given the other limitations and need for easyish OCin)? Are there other integrated graphics chips/MOBOs to consider (How do the unichrome or intel graphics fair)? Or would it be wise to get a cheper MOBO without graphics, but better OCability and then to buy a cheap 40$ video card (though thats really taking a stab at the budget)?

I think the rest, like RAM HDD etc are fairly simple...but any and all info on this stuff would be very much apreciated. I know with the intel chip there are older MOBOS that use DDR instead of DDR2...but I think Im gonna want DDR2 with intel. The only question then is to get 533 667 or 800MHz RAM...and again newb to OCing, so I dont know whats needed/best/required to acheive the best bang for the buck.

Last thing to mention is the budget...it is 300$, but it can stretch a hair if it would really be wise to do so. Already got a CD/DVD drive and were not looking at cases/PSUs or monitors were fine there...I figure a third to half goes to HDD and RAM and the last 150-200$ goes to CPU and MOBO. I know, the chips are in the 100-125$ range...so Ive really been looking out for a good combo deal. Missed the 100$ one at frys with the 3000...I probably coulda been good with that. If I have to spend more, well I guess I just have to spend more.

Oh and I know AM2 and the big C are here, but this system cant wait any longer...and I figure now is the best time to get theese chips...while theyre still cheap and available (well sorta).
 
Go AM2. You can get a sempron and a Biostar Tforce AM2 mobo at the egg for around 150. Then later on you can just drop in a dual core if you need it.
 
Keep checking back with Fry's on their combo deals. The 805 combo deal is one of the best I've ever seen, as low as $140. If you buy the components separately, then tbike's suggestion is a good one.
 
If you can wait till AM2 is out & debugged, say maybe by early 2007, then wait.

If you just can't wait, see if you can buy this mobo and an inexpensive socket 939 Athlon 64 cpu.
 
Yeah I need the machine in like a week or two max. Cant wait a month or untill 2007. And with the frys deals...I gotta find one online. Aint a frys within 100miles of here. Nor a radio shack best buy circuit city staples or any other store even remotely related to electronics.

And so if I did go for the 805 which MOBO do I want to get? Again, needs decent OCing (if I could get 3.5 on the 805 thatd be great) and would be nice if it had decent video. I dont know anything about the current integrated vide and there aint really any benchmarks comparing them or they are all tested with some uber ass game at 2048x1600 16AA 8AF and the integrated ones dont score or get 1FPS. Doesnt tell me anything.

I dont play uber games, probably wont ever...since Ive only really got time for turn based types that I can play over the course of a week or two. Might play some RTSs like red alert...I dunno whats new out there like that...something with levels so I can play and stop when needed. Im sure those type of games arent demanding. Monitor maxes at like 800x600 or 1024x768 anyway.
 
Newegg has an asus ati xpress 200 board the p5rd2-vm that gets decent reviews. It's listed for the 805.
 
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