Advice on a new MOBO/CPU

[Budee]

My computer won't boot up anymore. First I thought my HD was bad and replaced it, and after trying to install windows and having weird things happen, I'm pretty sure its a hardware problem somewhere else. My computer is 3 years old so I'm thinking it would be easier to get a new cpu/mobo. I currently have an ASUS A8N-SLI DELUXE. I'd like advice on a replacement mobo/cpu that would accept my 4 sticks of RAM (ddr pc3200XL Corsair RT). I'd like to keep my budget between $300-$500. I also game, but at the moment money is tight so closer to the $300 would be best for me.

Thanks

 

[WR2]

What motherboard and CPU are you replacing?

In fact just list the whole system specs so people can check for overall compatibility...

 

[WR2]

For just $185 you can get a new CPU/MB/RAM;
E2180 2.0Ghz CPU, Gigabyte EP-31 DS3L motherboard and 2GB of DDR2 800 RAM

 

[Budee]

i have an athlon 3800 with 2 gigs ram, sata hard drive, and the MB is mentioned above. I have 2 gigs of ram, a nvidia 6800 GT. The MB does have built in ethernet and surround sound that I use. I play games like TF2 and oblivion, but with my 6800GT I can't play anything too new atm. I'm concerned with getting a good cpu/MB that would work halfway decent for games for the next few years. I'll worry about upgrading the vid card later.

 

[sedefsmrti]

Considering you can get DDR2 for next to nothing, you should not limit yourself with DDR ram you already have.

Buying a new MB that supports DDR would be a waste of money, IMO.

You should go with P35 based MOBO, you can get one for less then $90. Antoher $150 for C2D E6750, and $50 for 2GB of DDR2.

 

[WR2]

Probably would be a good idea to list your power supply as well.

For around ~$300 you could get a video card as well;
E2180 CPU / GA P35-DS3L MB / 2GB RAM / HD 3850

 

[Budee]

I have an Antec 550w PS. My system was pretty high end when I got it 3 years ago. that cpu seems a little faster than my existing one. Not bad for 70 bucks. The MB looks like it compares to what I have now. Is there another good sweetspot for a better cpu? Oth, If this board u suggest accepts a much better cpu, I could always get one later on.

Thanks

 

[Budee]

What would be a good P35 Mobo. Hopefully one that is good for gaming and can handle full size graphics card. I saw one from gigabyte for 90 bucks but it couldn't hold a full length graphic card.

 

[WR2]

I saw one from gigabyte for 90 bucks but it couldn't hold a full length graphic card.

Which motherboard did you see and how did you figure out it wouldnt hold a full length graphic card?

 

[Budee]

I was reading the comments on newegg, but I might have gotten confused as the model. This one from gigabyte looks like it will hold a full size card from reading user comments. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128084

I think that one should do nicely. I'm thinking of going with the e8400 as it looks to be about as fast as my old athlon 3800 was 3 years ago (near the top, but not too expensive like the best cpu). I think the e8400 would keep up fine for the next few years. I don't like to replace my computer very often.

I'd like your opinions on this board.

Thanks

 

[WR2]

They will all hold a full size video card.

The Gigabyte GA-EP35-DS3L I linked above would be a better choice and less expensive.

 

[Budee]

Is the memory you suggested: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161172

Ok with an E8400? I don't really know much about ram.

Thanks