Need new parts for my computer

[Shadow Conception]

So my motherboard for my main computer just died. It was a socket 478, with a P4 Prescott, 2GB DDR RAM, and a Radeon X1950GT. Seeing as most reliable motherboards nowadays are not socket 478, I think I'll have to upgrade quite a bit of my computer.

Assuming I stay with socket 478, this is pretty much all I have to buy (excluding the OS):

BIOSTAR P4M900M4 478 VIA P4M900 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT12864AA667 - Retail

Is it worth staying with socket 478, or can I get something better for my money?

So, I have a budget of about 250-300 bucks, preferably on the lower end of the spectrum. If I move onto newer socket designs, I'd need a new motherboard, a new CPU, new RAM, and possibly a new case with new fans.

I want:
- a dual core CPU
- at least 2GB RAM

Anybody have suggestions for these specific parts that are within the constraints set by my budget and preferences?

 

[daw123]

For an extra $75.00ish you can get a new MB, RAM and CPU:

CPU: Intel E5200 = $70.00 (free shipping)
MB: GIGABYTE GA-G31M-ES2L = $53.00 (shipping extra)
RAM: SUPER TALENT 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 = $27.00 (free shipping)

Free shipping on all items except the MB. Total is $150.00 (exc. shipping the MB).

Or replace the RAM with this if you want 4GB: G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 = $50.00 (free shipping). The total changes to $173.00 (exc. shipping the MB)

I got a lot of the above from this thread.

Also look out for combo deals and MIR on the 'Egg.

If you want to spend some cash look at a Core 2 Duo and more RAM.


Edit: Fixed links. M-ATX MB so should fit in pretty much any case. btw what is your existing case?

 

[daw123]

You could also look at an AMD build.

 

[Rockinacoustic]

AMD Phenom II X4 940/BIOSTAR TA790GXB A2+ Combo $175 AR

CORSAIR XMS2 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 $40 AR

And that leaves you $85 towards a new case and Fans.

 

[Shadow Conception]

I love you guys, thanks so much! I'll be definitely looking at these combos. 😀

Current case is some generic giant ATX tower. I never had any chassis fans 'cause the motherboard didn't have any connectors. The CPU always idled at 60C, and the mobo at around 50C.

For a case, I'm considering a Cooler Master Centurion. Always wanted that case, may get around to finally getting it. 🙂

 

[Shadow Conception]

My parents decided to pitch in as well. Now, my budget is around 500 bucks.

This is what I've built:

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819115055
134.99

Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819115055
159.99

Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT12864AA800 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820148163
20.99

EVGA 512-P3-N973-TR GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814130435
109.99

COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16811119068
44.99

MASSCOOL FD08025S1M4 80mm Case Fan - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835150007
1.99

Rosewill RFA-120-RL 120mm 4 Red LEDs LED Case Fan - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835200050
4.99


Total so far: $477.83

Now, I just need a power supply. For this system, would my carry-over Fortron Source 450W PSU cut it? Or do you guys think it needs more power?

Also, does the Cooler Master case come with fans, or do you have to buy them separately? Where do the fans get their source of power: the mobo or the power supply? My first build didn't have any chassis fans, so I didn't have to worry about them.

 

[StarvinMarvin22]

CPU/MOBO: Phenom II x4 940 // Biostar TA 790GXB

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ - Retail Text There are a bunch of choices here in this price range

PNY VCGGTX260CXPB GeForce GTX 260 Core 216 896MB 448-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail Text Great card with $30 rebate and two games

Antec Sonata III 500 Black 0.8mm cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - Retail Text Use Promo Code: EMCLVMR74

Upfront cost $517.16 .... ARs = $467.16