Motherboard / CPU Combo

Hello. In need of a bit of help. Currently have a Gateway DX420S. Not knowing as much as I should, I went out and bought an XFX 4890 graphics card and a new Power Supply to handle it. Turns out the 4890 just won't fit. So, my plan is to scrap some of the parts from my current computer and buy what I need. So, I'll pull the hard drive, cd, 2 gigs of memory. I have the graphics card and the power supply.

So, what I'll needing is a case, motherboard and cpu. Curious if I can get a couple recommendations. I've been searching and browsing the forums, but not too sure what I should be looking for. Price range would be around $200-$300 for the MB/CPU and up to around $100 for the case. I do use it for gaming as well as work.

Thanks in advance.

Base on Gateways site, your system consists of : Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 (1.86 GHz) ; Clock speed: 1.86 GHz ; RAM installed: 512 MB DDR2 SDRAM

From that, I would suggest, for now, keep your CPU and use the $300 for a combination of mobo, HSF and maybe memory.

I would try:

GA EP45-UD3P motherboard $135 /w -$20 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128358

Memory: Any 2x2gig 1066mhz brand from $50 - $80

HSF: Pick a quality cooler, that will work with multiple sockets and can handle a quad for future needs.

Thermalright Ultra Extreme aka T.R.U.E.
Prolimatech Megahalem

Both these coolers run about $70 - $80 online.

The motherboard has been proven to reach high FSB, which is ideal for your E6300 version1. Depending on your current memory sets, you may not even need to upgrade your memory.

Reason I don't recommend getting a new CPU is because Intel's Lynnfield is just around the corner. So upgrading to a quad at that time is more ideal than now.

As for a case, money saved from just buying a motherboard and HSF could go towards getting a nice mid tower. This last few months, there has been a huge influx of new cases. Cases that I have that I like:

NZXT Tempest, Antec 900 II, Antec 300

Cases that I don't have, but would consider:
NZXT Panzerbox, Antec 1200, Cooler Master HAF 932 and 922

You have DDR2 667mhz RAM, which CPUz will report as 333mhz. You can run your FSB:Memory ratio at a 1:1, so you can theorectically achieve 1333mhz FSB (333bus speed), that will give you a CPU overclock of 2.3ghz, (333 x 7).

I'm sure your CPU can handle 333bus speed, and even 400mhz bus speed. Its been proven to hit 384mhz bus speed. http://www.legitreviews.com/article/380/4/

The question than becomes, can your memory handle the increase from 333mhz to 400mhz? Hard to say if it will or will not, you'd have to try it for yourself.

Well, never mind, I'll just order the cooler separately. Those 2 really do seem like they are the top rated everywhere. Now to figure out what fan to order along with it, never knew there were so many options.

Ok, so last question I hope . I have my shopping cart full, but doing a couple last minute checks.

I'm a novice but doing my best so, bear with me. From what I see the Lynnfield process will require the p55 chipset, but the GA EP45-UD3P is built with the p45 chipset. So, I'm assuming you're saying that upgrading to a quad at that time doesn't mean upgrading to a Lynnfield processor, rather that prices will drop on current quads. Is that correct? If so, which ones should I be keeping my eye on?