Need Suggestions/Help on a new Mobo+CPU+RAM Combo.

[johndoejohndoe]

1st Post.

Price range/limit: US$450 - US$550

Situation: I have just ordered a ATi 9600XT Video card for my system, and it will arrive soon. I am now in the market for a upgrade for a new Motherboard, Processor, and Ram. Who can give me a good configuration of the 3 that would put out the fastest performance. I think I want at least 512MB DDR RAM all together. At least a 2.8 Ghz CPU. At least someting that supports SATA and IDE, and lots of USB ports.

Also, I think I want a new CD burner. What would be the best one out? Is it still the 52X? If so, which one would you recommend, considering my budget?

Question: 1) Would a 2.8 Ghz P4 with 800 FSB be faster then a 3.0 Ghz or a 3.2 Ghz P4 with a 533 FSB?

I do not know how to overclock, and do not intend to with anything that I am about to buy. Please give exact models so I know what to buy on places like newegg.com

Thanks for your help in advance!

 

[tjchino]

P4 2.6C - BX80532PG2600D - $174.00
ABIT IS7 - IS7 - $99.99
Corsair XMS 512mb - TWINX512-3200LLPT - $135.00

Total for that is just over 400, drop 50 on a burner - (samsung, plextor, several others - depending on color and whether you want dvd playback at all). Then you'll be right at 460.

that's how i'd do it with that money.

 

[johndoejohndoe]

Somone told me to get Corsair XMS 1GB RAM. Is it worth it to get an extra stick of 512MB of this Corsair XMS 512mb - TWINX512-3200LLPT RAM?

Thanks!

 

[johndoejohndoe]

Also, what is better about Corsair XMS 512mb - TWINX512-3200LLPT for $135.00, then there is about this Corsair XMS Extreme Memory Speed Series 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200C2PT - OEM for $108.50? Link <a href="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-420&catalog=147&manufactory=BROWSE&depa=1">here</a> for the PC-3200C2PT

 

[johndoejohndoe]

Anyone?

 

[Crashman]

There is no 3.0 or 3.2 with 533 bus.

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[tjchino]

i'd personally stick with the 512. I don't think the gig would yield the sort of price/performance difference one might like.

as for the two different corsair memories. the one i've recommend is the twinx, so it comes as two matched 256mb sticks. that way it can take advantage of the is7's dual channel memory (i think it doubles the bandwidth or something when two sticks are in as opposed to one). i would assume that is why it is more than the single stick of 512.