Which components can I save for new build?

[bwhurd]

QUESTION: Which components are worth saving from my current setup, if any? Can I get a decent gaming computer (to play oblivion) with what I have and $500 bucks? I would appreciate specific brand name component suggestions. I want to go budget with ability to upgrade sigfinificantly.

THANKS!


The following is my current build. The damn thing crashes all the time, i think a bad motherboard. I've brought it to multiple places and they can't figure out why. They say maybe some bad component. It was buillt (poorly) by a custom computer builder may 4 years ago.

Motheroboard
ABIT NF7-S2G

Processor
AMD ATHLON X0 2600+ 1.92GHz

Memory
2GB (2x1GB) DDR PC3200 400MHz
128Mx64 184pin CL2 Kingston

DVD/CD Writer

Harddrive
9600 RPM 80 GB
External 360 GB

Sound Card
M-AUDIO - Delta 1010LT - 10-In/10-Out PCI (for home studio multitrack recording)

Video Card
Radeon 9250/9200 series agp (0x5964)

 

[WR2]

DVD/CD Writer

Harddrive
9600 RPM 80 GB
External 360 GB

Sound Card
M-AUDIO - Delta 1010LT - 10-In/10-Out PCI (for home studio multitrack recording)

Thats probably about it.

 

[dmacfour]

keep the HD, sound card, burner, and maybe the case. my last build was just a replacement of the memory, processor, and video card. everything else was new enough to be transferable to the new build. I assume you arn't going to buy a new monitor or input devices?

 

[lunyone]

Here is what I would get to augment your current build. Saving HD/Sound Card/Burner.

CPU - $80 e2160 Easy to OC to 3.0gig with stock cooler, see link at bottom.
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch.hmx?&scriteria=BA23881

Mobo - $98 shipped - $20 MIR = $78 for p35 mobo. This is tough to beat at this price.
ABIT IP35-E INTEL P35 CHIPSET ATX FORM FACTOR 1xPCI-E(X16)/2xPCI-E(X1)/3xPCI/4xDDR2 W/SATA2,LAN(Gb),USB 2.0 & AUDIO
http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch.hmx?&scriteria=BA23929

Memory - $97 shipped - $40 MIR = $57!! Tough to beat this price.
OCZ Platinum Revision 2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820227139

GPU - $141 shipped
SAPPHIRE 100176L Radeon X1950PRO 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814102061

PSU - $60 shipped Solid PSU and power efficient too at >80%
Antec earthwatts EA430 ATX12V v2.0 430W Power Supply 100 - 240 V UL, CUL, FCC, TUV, CE, CB, C-tick, CCC - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817371006

Case - $40 shipped - $10 MIR = $30 shipped!! If you want to get it.
COOLER MASTER Elite 330 RC-330-KKN1-GP Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811119115

Total with case - $513 - $70 in MIR's (if you trust them) = $443!!
Total wihout case - $473 - $60 in MIR's = $413!

Linakage of OC'ing e2160 from Tom's recent review.
http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/09/12/pentium_dual_core/

You can go with AMD also, but future upgrades on the CPU might be limited too (not sure on this). Intel will have the 45nm chips out soon, so you'll have those to upgrade to also.

My 2cp's