I want to be smart.... and I just need CPU, Motherboard, and Ram

[Titanion]

Let us say $300 to $400 for a budget, and I do plan to overclock.

Is there something better in this price range than an e8400 to get when I need to add a motherboard, ram, and a nice heatsink to overclock with? This is for gaming first and everything else second. I currently have a Corsair 750W PSU and an ATI HD 4890, + everythign else I need.

Any suggestions? I have built a couple systems now for other people using a Gigabyte motherboard and an e8400. Should I do something different for myself? How far away are games from using quad core?

 

[AKM880]

You could probably get a Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 and overclock it, I've heard they're great overclockers.

 

[jbakerlent]

For $355 you can get this system and it will perform great for gaming!
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103680&Tpk=phenom%20550
MOBO: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131363
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227297

 

[skora]

Its hard to say Intel socket 775 right now with AMD prices and combos making a lot of sense. The AM3 platfrom is fresh out making it upgradable where the 775 is EoL (end of life.) Systems running games are taking advantage of the tri cores and a notable increase in the benchmarks. While there's not a big jump from the tri to quads, the fact remains the prices are hard to beat. Since it looks like you're set up for an high power gamer rig, I'll throw 2 options at you. A tri core and quad.

AMD 945 x4 with Asus 790FX mobo $320
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.211945

4 gigs ddr3-1600 ram $76
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227297

Now the 790fx is more expensive than the gx, but if you are going to crossfire with another 4890, you'll benefit from having 2x pcie 2.0 x16 slots instead of splitting the slots into 2x pcie 2.0 x8 like the GX does. If youre not going to crossfire, then that processor has some good 790gx mobo combos for less.

The ram is good stuff for the price. I'd suggest it for the tri core setup here too.

The AMd x3 720 only combos with 790GX boards, but this is good for $205
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.205337

Then its just finding a HSF. That will put you over on the quad/790FX setup. But these are the two I'd pick from:

Ximatek Dark Knight $46
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233029

Sunbeam core contact Freezer 120mm $25. Now I'm linking you to a review I posted, I think its honest and if you can deal with the cons, its a great cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=35-207-004&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=100&SelectedRating=-1&PurchaseMark=&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&Page=1&Keywords=thorough

 

[hunter315]

^+1 for the quad option, but i would go with this combo instead
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.212581
Periodically the newegg pricing scheme gets screwed up, take advantage of it, get the BE for $20 less.

 

[skora]

^+1 for the quad option, but i would go with this combo instead
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.212581
Periodically the newegg pricing scheme gets screwed up, take advantage of it, get the BE for $20 less.

That's a brilliant find Hunter. +1

 

[tecmo34]

I would go with this deal...AMD 955 x4 with ASUS 790FX for $305....

Go with skora's ram & Dark Knight cooler

edit: okay hunter315 beat me to the punch... I had the reply window open and didn't see the response..

 

[chester1]

[You didn't say if you care for sli setup(next generation gc will be 2x faster then dual cards...as usual)i don't.if is important to you stay with what already recommended.if not there is a mobo Gigabyte GA-MA770T-UD3P motherboard for $79.00 (see review @guru3d.com) supports am3 and ddr3.Also there is a Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition
Four Cores, 3.4 GHz, 6 MB Cache
that you can special order for a little more then 955(techpowerup.com) and overclock it.You will still have money left....that darknight cpu cooler is a must if you plan to overclock.....good luck and have lots of fun with your new build.

 

[hunter315]

Dont bet on that 965, it may be out next week, it may not be out for a couple of months. If you have the mony dont get the 770, get the 790fx as you will be able to hold onto it for longer.

 

[Helloworld_98]

for $450 you can get an i7 920 ($200 from microcenter in-store), mobo ($170) and 6GB of ram ($80 from newegg).