CPU and MB, which one should I buy. P4

I am going to build a new PC. I would like to spend no more than $500 on the MB, 2.8-3.0 800FSb processor P4, and 512 MB of RAM. What do you guys recommend for RAM. I would like your opinions on the top 3 for RAM. I would like to know if I should stick with good old fashion ASUS or go with another brand like MSI or GIGABYTE. I would also appreciate it if you folks can tell me where is the most affordable place to go to buy these components online. I have been an avid gamer. I recently started playing planetside and its no longer cutting it on my 800 mhz athlon. I would greatly appreciate many opinions.

Thanks

Abe

Do you plan on OCing your Cpu?

Nice. I was looking at those boards. I really dont care for onboard audio. I will be using my Sound Blaster Live. What kind of memory should I go with?

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by ApoDoc26 on 11/08/03 11:37 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

don't be fooled, onboard audio on most boards is really good! definitly much better than your sb live card.


If it isn't a P6 then it isn't a procesor
110% BX fanboy

Really!!!. I did not know that. From the boards posted above which would give me better performance? I might as well sell my Soundblaster board on EBAY. Actually just checked ebay not even worth selling. 2nd question is should I but the 2.6 800fSB and save money and overclock SAFELY without degrading processor performance and life?

I will be doing some intense onling gaming remember!!!!

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by ApoDoc26 on 11/08/03 11:43 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

onboard sound is never good, SB live does a good job in the budget soundcard section

<A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k1=6973142" target="_new">3dmark2001</A>

2.4C @ 3.0G
Asus P4C800
Corsair 2x512 3200
Sapphire 9600pro @ 500/700
80G Seagate S-ATA150

dont buy the boards based on performance they are all VERY close, buy based on features and price.

You can overclock to 3.0ghz on stock voltage in most cases, there is very little chance of premature failure, just make sure the cpu does not go over 55c full load and everything will be peachy.


If it isn't a P6 then it isn't a procesor
110% BX fanboy

So you guys recomend the 2.6 ghz CPU. I already have the TI4600. I am going to buy a 9800XT when it gets cheaper. I read in MAXIMUM PC that KINGSTON has the best ram is that true? So remember the budget of 500-600 does not include the video board. My TI4600 is doing a great job. When DOOM 3 and HALF Life 2 comes out. I will buy the new board. Now is only CPU, MEMORY and MB.


<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by ApoDoc26 on 11/08/03 11:51 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

Geil is excellent. im looking at getting the 533 Golden dragon ram which they make. mmm the overclocking.

btw the ti4600 is an excellent card so you wont need to change that for awhile. it will run HL2 well except you'll miss out on all the direct x 9 goodies.

<A HREF="http://service.futuremark.com/compare?2k1=6973142" target="_new">3dmark2001</A>

2.4C @ 3.0G
Asus P4C800
Corsair 2x512 3200
Sapphire 9600pro @ 500/700
80G Seagate S-ATA150

Well guys I really do appreciate the info. With your help I have narrowed it down to ABIT or ASUS. I have been a little reluctant on MSI. I don't know why. I have gut feeling towards either ASUS or ABIT. Next, with your input and reading some benchmarks the 2.6 and 2.8, both of them C processors are basically the same. I mean who cares if UT2003 can do 199 fps on the 2.6 and 207 on the 2.8. I want to flexibility for me to upgrade the BIOS and add a higher end processor from INTEL maybe a 3.4C or 3.6C. So, the processor has been worked out thanks to you guys.

Next, I need to narrow down the MB. I don't care about on board audio, if its there its there. I want the best chipset. USB 2.0, 1394, etc. What I have been attracted to lately is SATA and RAID. Can someone give me lowdown on this.

I will ask about memory after I figure out the MB. Please keep in mind all of these manufacturers are offering ungodly speeds on memory. If any of you think I can run this memory and safely overclock please provide your input. So, to recap. The processor I have picked to be a 2.6C. Next, is the MB.

Thanks. Which memory should I go with? Do I need two identical memory modules with DUAL CHANNEL boards. And should I stick with PC3200? I probably will not overclock. I am looking at the IC7-G? WHat do you think? Whats the main difference between the IC7 and IC7-G?

<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by ApoDoc26 on 11/09/03 12:18 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

I have IS7 with HyperX PC3500 2X512.

The only real advantage that sata has is that you can buy the raptor hard drives.

P4 2.6c at 3.25, Abit IC7-G Max3, OCZ pc 4000, 2X raptors in a raid, and ATI 9700 pro 390/324.

Sata has a ways to go yet.

bah, i disagree with that one. As long as you are using the same manufacturer and same memory timmings you should be ok.


If it isn't a P6 then it isn't a procesor
110% BX fanboy

Works fine for me.

From personal experience I'd say most onboard sound these days is better than a live and prior cards but not quite as good as an audigy/audigy2

Shadus