Recomendation please

[Zeusfan]

I need a mobo, processor and memory combo that is upgradeable, fast and dependable. I will run XP Pro and upgrade the processor later on. Right now I need the most bang for the buck without overclocking. I have 400 to spend max. Honest answers appreciated please.

 

[Transmaniacon]

MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358 - $134.99

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036 - $187.99

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231209 - $49.99

Total: $372.97

 

[kubes]

When you say upgrade the processor later on, what is the current processor you are using until you upgrade your cpu? This will affect the mobo and ram choices you have.

 

[aevm]

That's a good combination (GA-EP45-UD3P, $115 after rebate) + E8500 ($188) but if you're going to upgrade the CPU anyway and you're getting a GA-EP45-UD3P, then your only reasonable upgrade choice is Q9550, $280. You might as well get the Q9550 now instead of upgrading later. Your total cost would be lower and you get the full speed right away.

Q9550 $280
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115041

If you're not a gamer and you don't need Crossfire/RAID/FireWire you could also get a simpler MB and save some cash.
GA-EP45-DS3L, $85 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128345

If you're not interested in overclocking, you can find cheaper RAM than that G.Skill.
CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 800 $25 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184

Compared to transmaniacon's list, this goes like this:

- overclocks less well
- 10% slower in applications that use only one or two cores
- costs $18 more
- no Crossfire/RAID/FireWire
- no support for 3 or 4 monitors, just 2

However, if you are the kind of guy who runs several things in parallel, or if you like FSX or GTA4, or if you use multithreaded applications for work, or you rip DVDs or CDs, it will be almost twice as fast.

It totally depends on what you need.

You can also combine GA-EP45-UD3P with Q9550 and the cheaper RAM (total 115+280+25=420). There's also a GA-Ep45-UD3R, a little cheaper than the GA_Ep45-UD3P, and you lose Crossfire but gain $10 and a third PCI slot.

 

[jcknouse]

What I'd go?

ASUS AM3 MB
Crucial Ballistix 1333 memory
AMD AM3 720 X3 BE

With shipping about $408 to my house

allows upgrade to more/faster memory later
allows upgrade to newer CPUs later in AM3 class as they come out
2.8GHz speed without overclock
allows for Crossfire

 

[Zeusfan]

Ok, thanks for the ideas so far. Here is some more info for what it will be used for. To begin with I am a Treasure Hunter so I will be doing topo maps data bases, and documents. Of course there will be the usual downtime emails, some card games, plain ole surfing the net and pictures of my finds past and present. I already have 1 1/2 tb of storage, Full tower case 600 watt power supply, 3 dual layer burners and 1 BlueRay Sony on order. I have a few other goodies like card reader and I also will need bluetooth interface. I have a USB plug in for that. Since I don't have a processor now I need a good one now that can be upgraded later without a pain

 

[Zeusfan]

I like what you suggested but I need to go with a board that has built in video. Do you know of a board with all the specs of the one you suggested plus video? I want to use the better processor and compensate with the Mobo, memory, and the case I have.

Thanks again,
Ralph

 

[jlvitt]

ASUS M3A78-EM - 78.99
AM3 compatible mATX mobo

AMD Kuma 7750 - 63.00
2.7ghz dual core stock - does have unliked multiplier if you decide to later will overclock to 3.3 standard h/s + fan

4gb DDR2 800 G Skill
45.99


Total - $187.98 + s&h

this mobo is also capable of running the 140watt phenom II's or the AM3s
but you could get a decent gpu, more memory, or a nice big hd for the spare change you have left

 

[jlvitt]

the motherboard i mentioned above has the ATI HD 3200 built in igp. So you could definitely move up into a quad core with the spare change you have - i'd go phenom IIx940