Advice on the big 3

[cramlow]

I need to replace my old Intel e4400 system and have about 500 dollars. I only need a MB, RAM, and CPU, as I will reuse the other parts.

I want to stick with Intel so I dont have to reload my OS (win7).

What combination of these 3 do you guys recommend that will last me at least two years of gaming.


Thanks,
CR

 

[MadAdmiral]

What makes you think you won't need to reinstall your OS? Most copies of Windows have some tie to the motherboard. If you replace it, you'll need to reinstall Windows. If you have an OEM copy of Windows 7, you'll need a new copy entirely. That's another $100.

CPU: i5-2500K $225
Mobo: ASRock P67 Extreme4 $153
RAM: G.Skill 2x2 GB 1600 mhz CAS Latency 7 $65
HSF: Scythe Mugen 2 Rev. B $40. You didn't ask for one, but I had $60 left over, and the i5-2500K can get an amzaing overclock without much effort.

Total: $483

This will last well over 2 years, possibly up to 5 years, with GPU upgrades. The i5-2500K is a beast.

 

[mortonww]

i5 2500K ($230) and

ASUS P8P67 PRO m-ATX ($150)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131691&cm_re=P8P67-_-13-131-691-_-Product

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8 GB, 1600 MHz, CAS 9, 1.5 Volts ($105)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314

Then buy a CPU cooler with the remaining cash and overclock that K-series processor to your heart's content. Well, that might put you a bit over $500. You could drop to 4GB of RAM and lower your CAS latency, but it's up to you.

EDIT: Or.....what he said.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

for $13 over Admiral's suggestion, there are some basic 8GB (4GB x 2) G-Skill DDR3-1333 CAS 9 for $77.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231422

Its basic ram, but twice as much for not much more

 

[MadAdmiral]

I'd rather have the $13 in my pocket and the better overclocking sticks. More RAM isn't needed for gaming. Of course, if you're not overclocking, I'd go with these Corsair XMS3 2x2 GB 1600 mhz CAS Latency 9 stickf for $40 after rebate.

 

[cramlow]

Thanks for the advice guys! Drat, I didnt rememebr the fact the OS ties to the hardware IDs and I'll have to reinstall, thanks for that reminder. As far as the parts go I think I'll mix n match what all of you have mentioned and buy me some parts!

Thanks very much again guys!