Suggestions: RAM and Video Card

[bxp24]

Hey Guys,

I'm getting ready to purchase parts for a computer I'm building for someone, but am still trying to pin down which RAM and video card to buy. The guy has a flexible budget and wants a good system that won't be obsolete anytime soon. But, he's not going to do any overclocking and he's not really a gamer. So, I'm trying to build him a system that's high-end, but not over-the-top. The mobo is a Socket 939 Abit AV8, cpu is Athlon 64 3500+:

I want to get him 1GB of good, name brand memory. He's not overclocking or anything, so he doesn't need the best RAM out there. When I check out Mushkin RAM on Newegg, there's so many choices, I don't know what to get. For instance, would the "special 2-2-2" RAM be ideal for the dual-channel 939 mobo or no? I really don't know.

Also, I'm not sure which video card to get. I've been reading the 6800 vs. 9800 threads on here, but there doesn't seem to be a clear-cut winner. He doesn't really play games, but I want to get him a good card that will be able to play a game two years from now should he want to. Looking to spend around $250, a little more if I have to. The key here is just building a setup with longevity as he probably won't be upgrading anytime soon.

Thanks for all the help.

--Brad

 

[howdyduty]

Since not going to play much games, a Radeon 9600, Radeon 9800, or nVidia 5900XT would be a good choice. They can still play games fine but just not at the hard core fps standards for the latest/upcoming games.

 

[So]

No, don't wast your $$ on special ram if he's not overclocking. Geim him a pair of value Crucial PC 3200 sticks.

 

[bxp24]

Thanks for the help. Looking at the Crucial memory: What's the difference between these two? Thanks again.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-440&depa=0

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-480&depa=0

--Brad

 

[Arcanedeath]

The top one is cas 2.5 and the bottom one is cas 3 that appears to be the only diff.