New motherboard and processor

[Alf123]

Hello just wondering if anyone would recommend a new mb and cpu in the like 200-250 dollar area?

i have an extra stick of 512mb hyperx memory so that's what i'll be using and i have everything else i'll need laying around already
so i don't really want to buy anything else maybe another stick of ram if it's dual channel mb, but any suggestions would be great thanks

[masteraleph]

This'll probably be the standard reply, but...
Epox 8RDA or 8RDA+
TBredB 2100+
SLK800/80mm fan (let's say a thermaltake smartfan, but it's really your choice)

should come in at a bit below $250, depending a little on whether you get the 8RDA or 8RDA+. Go ahead and OC like crazy...

[capstah]

Or if you go the Intel route, an ASUS P4PE and the P4 2.4GHz 533..that should come in right around $250.

[silence]

I'd find a nice motherboard. If money is a factor, AMD still gives good price/performance ratio. Something with a NForce2 or KT400A would be nice. The ASUS A7N8X is a bit pricy, but I installed this mobo for a friend and its works great.
If you don't plan on working with dual DDR, a mobo with a KT400A chipset will do (but I dont think Kt400A are widly available yet. You might have to wait a few weeks)
Generally, a KT400A mobo should be cheaper than a NForce2 mobo.

As for CPU, the Athlon 2400+ is the sweat spot.

Bottom line, I'd look for a good motherboard first, then pick a CPU with the money left.

[Colossus]

Originally posted by capstah
Or if you go the Intel route, an ASUS P4PE and the P4 2.4GHz 533..that should come in right around $250.

Sorry bud, but that is about $300

Asus P4PE (stripped down version) - $112
Intel Pentium 4 2.4Ghz - $170

[capstah]

True, its a little more...but what's an extra $25 for high quality stuff?


From newegg:

P4 2.4 533 = $162
Asus P4PE/L = $113

Total = $275