need help w/ config. of new rigs for pals

[stech4u]

been out of the loop after buying myself a new rig back in november. so i was wondering what the current rig setup that has the best performance/price ratio for my pals.

their range is $400-600 (and maybe a bit more). i was thinking of going w/ AMD again. possibly, most of the stuff from NE.

here's the list:

-CPU/MOBO
-RAM (2x512MB dual channel)
-VIDEO CARD (9600pro still good??? they dont play a lot of games.)
-CASE/extra FANs
-AS(3/5?)/FAN+HSF for cpu
-rounded cables(? from SVC)

if i'm missing something please do advice. hope to hear your suggestions. TIA

 

[So]

New

Egg

 

[stech4u]

yah i know NE...but wondering what most ppl have these days lol

 

[Fuchs]

well with only 400-600 to go on itll be hard to find anything comparable to most people are using. You may need to get the same stuff you used when making yours back in november.

 

[stech4u]

okay

http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.aspx?rigid=25604

+ i heard that the 2400 xp-m cpus are about the same price (as the barton back in nov.) but gives better OC or price/performance. is this right? and whats a good HSF should i get w/ it?
+ which mobo should i grab thats stable and easy to OC w/ the xp-m chips?
+ whats the best pc3200 these days (2x512 sticks)?
+ i'll prolly slap on a ti4200 or 9600pro unless there's something better than those for their price/performance range. is there?

other than that, everything will prolly be the same. TIA

 

[FreshFish]

You might need an OS too.

 

[stech4u]

OS lol...thats why i posted in general hw ^^

 

[stech4u]

^TTT

+ i heard that the 2400 xp-m cpus are about the same price (as the barton back in nov.) but gives better OC or price/performance. is this right? and whats a good HSF should i get w/ it?
+ which mobo should i grab thats stable and easy to OC w/ the xp-m chips?
+ whats the best pc3200 these days (2x512 sticks)?
+ i'll prolly slap on a ti4200 or 9600pro unless there's something better than those for their price/performance range. is there?

other than that, everything will prolly be the same. TIA

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: stech4u
okay

http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.aspx?rigid=25604

+ i heard that the 2400 xp-m cpus are about the same price (as the barton back in nov.) but gives better OC or price/performance. is this right? and whats a good HSF should i get w/ it?
+ which mobo should i grab thats stable and easy to OC w/ the xp-m chips?
+ whats the best pc3200 these days (2x512 sticks)?
+ i'll prolly slap on a ti4200 or 9600pro unless there's something better than those for their price/performance range. is there?

other than that, everything will prolly be the same. TIA

Re: xp-m 2400+, yeah I'd say that's about right. ATM, I've got a vantec aeroflow (paid $25) on mine. It's does a good job for being a "budget" HS+F.

Re: Mobo's. I've got both the NF7-S and the Shuttle AN35N-Ultra. The shuttle was only $55.

Re: ram- Corsair works very stably in both mobo's. Just see what your budget can handle relative to low CAS timings.

RE: Vid cards. Agree here too. But the 9800pro is good price/performance too. Maybe out of your budget though. If going to do a lot of gaming, I'd try to squeeze it in.

 

[stech4u]

corsair, which particular one am i looking at that most ppl are using and getting from NE? TIA

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: stech4u
corsair, which particular one am i looking at that most ppl are using and getting from NE? TIA

There's the XMS line. It's the higher quality/performance line. There are several fifferent price levels with in XMS family. Get something here if your budget can take it.

Otherwise, there the "Value select" line that is less expensive. I have some of that working fine (Cas 2.5 @ 166/333) in an nForce mobo with a Barton.