I need someone to help push me into the right direction. Originally had hoped to buy everything on sale through the holidays. Always seemed to be to late, oos, or not on sale. This current system is really getting bad, and not worth upgrading as per every ones advise. Originally planned on Q6600,wd500,p5k deluxe wifi. The longer I waited and read, the more I changed my mind. At this rate I'll never get built.
So now I'd like to get the Q9450 but probable can't wait for that long. Currently I have purchased a P180B case and am waiting on my evga 8800gt step up card. Am ordering the HX620 p/s, WD750waaks h/d and samsung SH-S203N DVD.
I have bounced between the p5k deluxe wifi - abit ip35 pro - gig ix 38-quadgt -p5k e wifi. Had decided on the ip35 when it went on sale, but by the time i went to order it went oos. So my thoughts are to get the e2180 now to get me going and then replace it with the q9450 when more feasible. On that assumption which m/b-memory combination would you recommend. Is it possible to get compatible memory now for the q9450 even though using the e2180 temporarily wouldn't need it? Which m/b will work out best for the q9450 cpu?
I would like to get the system together first and then o/c, knowing I'll need better cooling for the cpu, gpu. Want to make sure no doa's before doing any lapping or swapping coolers. Am leaning toward XP PRO for os. All input appreciated.

I think the ASUS P5K E with WIFI is the best bang for the buck right and according to ASUS it will run the Penryn. I'd go with the DD2 800 Crucial Ballistix if you're overclocking. You can always update the RAM later, it will only go down in price

I sure hope you are right as I am planning a build later in the year. But since prices now extremely low now, about $20 per GB for basic memory compared to over $100 per GB just a year ago, I am skeptical. Memory prices, perhaps more than any other component, are strongly influenced by supply cycles of shortage then overproduction. I know there is a long term downward trend driven by technology, but I think that what we see right now are extremely low prices due to cyclical supply issues.

I have no idea where prices will be a year from now, but I think they could easily be double or more for DDR2. Note that DDR, apparently because of lower production runs, currently still sells for about $100 per GB, about four times the price of basic DDR2 memory. As the industry moves to DDR3 and DDR2 production declines, this will put added pressure on DDR2 prices - in addition to the cyclical factors due to productive capacity.

Hopefuly DDR3 prices will decline in the near future since prices are currently very high, presumably due to smaller production and because it is new. Which means we could easily see lower DDR3 prices while DDR2 goes higher - much like the comparison of DDR and DDR2 today.

Hes right, DDR2 will continue to drop until DDR3 becomes "usable" by the mainstream. Then DDR2 will go up again ..

Thanks for the input g-paw. Currently not a bad price for that board. RAM always confuses me. That's why I am waiting till I order m/b to get ram. What type of ram would work the best with Q9450 and the P5k-e versus the e-2180 and same m/b? If the difference is not much I'd rather buy it now and just switch the cpu later. If not I'll get some cheap ram that you guys recommend. What is the difference between the ballistix and the ballistix tracer?

@ rockyjohn=
My luck usually is bad, so hopefully I can get great ram at the low prices. Recommendations both ways are appreciated.

The Ballistix would would work with both. A DATA makes good inexpensive RAM. Given the price difference right now, I'd go with the Ballistix , which will server you well regardless of the CPU. Once things shake out with DDR3, likely a year given todays prices, you can upgrade. Compared the 2 at newegg but didn't see any. Check the Curcial site, just click on the newegg link to the mfg product page.