Overclocking a budget PC... help =)

[Red]

Ok, so I might have to rush and build a extreme budget gaming system for my bro-in-law...squeezing most performancer per dollar I can, here is what I came up with:

Mobo = Albatron Ultra 400 $62
CPU - 2500+ Barton $86
Ram - 512MB PC3500 $75
Case and power supply -- Pro Source case + 300w power supply $37 shipped
Video - 9600 pro $139

The rest of the PC (Hard drive, CD-RW, DVD-ROM can be ripped out of his old computer). Will this system be overclockable and be able to play new games "decently" ? My total is coming up to around $400 and THAT might be even too much.

 

[nick1985]

nice setup. if that price is STILL to high, consider an athlon 1800. i have purchased 2 from newegg within the last couple of months and both have hit at least 2.2Ghz. it will save you 30+ although, i am partial to the 2500

 

[Red]

Thanks for the tip nick! Either way I go...1800 or 2500, will I be able to overclock in bios with the mobo I chose? And what is difference between 400mhz bus (pc3200 memory) and 333 mhz (pc2700) ... I can save some money getting a $20 cheaper mobo and save about $5-10 on ram if I drop from 400mhz to 333. How big of a hit is that performance wise?

 

[nick1985]

stick with the 3200 ram. and stick with that mobo. dont sacrifice ram or mobo, those are no-no's.

 

[cardart]

Hey if your around Fry's, you can get the 2200+ thorthon combo with ecs mobo. It should overclock to 3200+ barton if u have good ram.