Going the cheap route - but I'll be happy! $202.48

[pktaske]

OK - Decided I'm going to go the ultra cheap route. Considering the max rez I'll play any game on is limited by my 1680-1050 22" Hyundai, I'm getting this and will overclock the heck out of it. Using an old case and all my other peripherals including my trusted 4 y/o 400W PSU. I'm picking up a used HD4870 and away I go. Considering I'm more of an RTS guy and that I've been used to a P4 for the last ~3 years I'm sure I'll be duly impressed. Can't beat $202.48.


Patriot G Series ‘Sector 5’ Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM
$79.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220435


GIGABYTE GA-G31M-ES2L LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard -
$47.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128357

Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80571E5200 - Retail $64.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116072

 

[vznoobie12]

I wouldn't recommend going for a 775 setup. It's on the way out the door and while it looks good right now, you'll probably end up buying another CPU/Mobo when you feel the rust; which will be much sooner than you may want.

But you're right on the value. If you live near a fry's, I do recommend picking this up instead: http://newspaperads.mercurynews.com/ROP/ads.aspx?advid=32664&adid=8775586&subid=27955214&type=

It's cheaper than what you have listed.
x3 435 has an extra core, higher stock clock, and is newer technology.
AM3 platform is upgradeable, which I believe would benefit you greatly over having to buy another mobo/cpu the next time you upgrade.

EDIT: The mobo also comes with an onboard 4200, which may be enough to have you hold off on buying a used 4870 and getting a new one or a newer tech 5770 (depending on which RTS games you currently play).

From one RTS gamer to the next, good luck!

 

[KeithMoonsLiver]

From the newegg description, I don't think that motherboard supports DDR3 memory.

 

[pktaske]

yeah - Listed the wrong MB - I got the DDR3 for $59 from Gigabyte.

 

[pktaske]

I wouldn't recommend going for a 775 setup. It's on the way out the door and while it looks good right now, you'll probably end up buying another CPU/Mobo when you feel the rust; which will be much sooner than you may want.

But you're right on the value. If you live near a fry's, I do recommend picking this up instead: http://newspaperads.mercurynews.com/ROP/ads.aspx?advid=32664&adid=8775586&subid=27955214&type=

It's cheaper than what you have listed.
x3 435 has an extra core, higher stock clock, and is newer technology.
AM3 platform is upgradeable, which I believe would benefit you greatly over having to buy another mobo/cpu the next time you upgrade.

EDIT: The mobo also comes with an onboard 4200, which may be enough to have you hold off on buying a used 4870 and getting a new one or a newer tech 5770 (depending on which RTS games you currently play).

From one RTS gamer to the next, good luck!

No Fry's near me!
Not concerned about upgrading for the next 2-3 years. I just might wait on the GPU too although $100 aint much.

When I'm ready to invest again, all this new stuff people are talking about now will be dirt cheap and I'll be buying thier leftovers for next to nothing. My days of spending big dollars on PC's ended in 1992! I'll take the scraps.

I'm a wargamer at heart anyway. These FPS that kids chase are all the same. As us strategy guys know, if graphics make the game, keep it.
Pax...Nick