Most Affordable MoBo for E8400?

If you're on a budget, why not get an E5200 for half the cost of the E8400?

Is the system going to be used for gaming?

Im not sure such thing as good onboard video exists, at least where modern gaming is concerned.

You need to provide more information, as in what the pc will be mostly used for, whether you plan to OC or not, do you require any specific features etc.

I'm going to use it for games like crysis but I won't OC it.
Does OCing shortens your component's life?

E5200? I'm gonna check it.

Edit:

I have check E5200, but it's not a core 2 duo.

I've heard that core 2 duo are far from performance vs dual cores.

Is it true?

Maybe it does, but if you do it properly the components will become obsolete way before the OC would damage them. I still have Coppermine Celeron 566 thats been OCd to 850mhz for past 7 years or so, works fine as my mums typing machine/music player  

As for e5200, even though its named dual core(marketing), its the same 45nm wolfdale core that you find in c2duos like e8400, just has less cache and runs at lower stock speeds. If that bothers you than maybe go for e7xxx. BUT:

If that pc is supposed to be a gaming machine than graphics card is far more important than cpu. The choice on this one should mostly depend on size of monitor/resolution you will play your games in. What is it?

I see, so they both have 2 cores but with just different marketing name?
And their difference aside from marketing name are just cache and stock speed?

We're planning to buy a 22 inch Widescreen LCD.



Wow, about your pc, you really convince me there to OC.
Will stock cpu fan will work just fine for OC?

Yes and yes (E5200 also has no hardware virtualization, which only matters if you are running virtual machines).


I would recommend an HD4850 or 9800GTX+ for that resolution, or an HD4870 512MB if budget allows.


You should be able to get a decent OC on the stock fan.

If you go with e5200 than i had mine OCd to 3.6Ghz on stock cooling, but that may vary dpending how much voltage that specific chip will require, ambient temperature, case ventilation etc. But in general, like Animal said, you should be able to get decent OC on stock cooler. I also agree with at least hd4850 for that monitor. I have virtually the same setup(OCd e5200, 2gb ram, OCd hd4850, 22" screen) and it allows me to play Crysis in 1680x1050 with High details(dx9) at around 40fps. Its still playable with 2xAA enabled. So Im afraid anything less than 4850 just wont cut it at that resolution. But it looks awesome in 1440x900 too  

@theAnimal

Thank you!

What virtual machines? Like virtual drives from Daemon/Alcohol120%?

@MaDMagik

Thank you!

What do you mean that specific chip will require(volt)? E5200?
Are there many kinds of E5200?

Regarding Case Ventilation
I don't close my case. I believe that's what they call barebone(not sure).

My new specs would be:
from E8400 to E5200
from 9600GT to HD4850
MB: ?
Monitor: 22' WideScreen LCD.

Actually, I spend more watching movies & animes than gaming.
I just can't play well when I'm tired.

Edit:

After reading some reviews, I'm currently confuse between

E5200 and E7300.

He didnt mean virtual drives like daemon, these will run just fine  

What i meant with the voltage is that basically every chip/setup is different and every one will reach certain speeds with certain voltages, and they have direct impact on temperatures. But with OC you really just need to follow few rules and you will be safe. Read the great guide on overclocking on top of the OC section, thats pretty much all you need.

As for e7300, it might have slight edge over e5200 but where i live it costs twice as much and for me its nowhere near worth it. I would rather pump that spare cash into better mobo/more ram/better gfx.

What mobo? Say how much you want to spend on it.

Probably around $130 or less. It depends on how much MoBos with good upgradability costs today.

I need a good mobo that will last and good for future upgrades if needed.

The E7300 cost almost double the price here too. So, I guess I'll stick with E5200.

My only problem now. Is the mobo and psu.
With a dvd-rw, hdd, HD4850, and OCing.
Is 450W enough? or I need to aim higher?

A good quality 425W+ PSU would be enough. Antec Earthwatts or Corsair are good choices.

Thanks animal,

ONE main part is left.

The MAINBOARD, according to my research,

my target should be a P45 or a P43.

MSI, ASUS, or GIGABYTE? And if you could suggest a product, that would be GREAT.


THANKS.

Have a look at this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

I dont know how these rebates work but its below $120 before the rebate anyway. I have it myself and its a great board. Rock solid with my OCd stuff. It has Ati Crossfire support so you can add another 4850 in future if needed, it also supports all lga775 processors so again you can throw in a nice Quad in future as well. The BIOS is also clear and easy, great if you never OCd before.

The Gigabyte ep45-ud3 would be a good choice too: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

The good brand 450w psu might be enough now, but when you want to add another 4850 you will need to get a new psu as well.

Thanks!
Motherboard Problem Solved.

Some reviews in both products have many problems about the board but I think
the dealer is the reason.

450W now BUT, If I add another 4850 will 500W be enough? or 550W?

550W would be good for 2 4850s. Good quality of course.

Thanks animal and madmagik.

No problem, good luck with your build.