Planning on new parts...

[Praetor]

First off, it would be a better choice to pick a motherboard that nativly supports the AMD X2 series without the need to flash the BIOS (if they even have a new BIOS that supports X2), i would look for a new mobo.

More convenient? Yes. Better? No necesarily

I've heard good things about XFX so I think I will stick with that card. $309 isnt that bad anyway.

eVGA is handsdown better

Well eVGA has this warrenty (so ive read), and no matter what you do to the card, if its damaged the'll take it back and issue a refund. Expcet nothing physical. Ant that card is nice, just wanted to let you know about other options

Yep

I'll look at the eVGA 7800GT, but what do you think of this mobo instead?

There's also the free motherboard deal

I'd consider this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813127225

Nothing particularly special about that one, the A8R-MVP and DFI nForce4 Ultra Infinity are better options (both are cheaper too)

Yeah I've looked at them but Im really not sure, are they anything special??

Better than most of the boards mentioned in this thread.

The only DFI LanParty's for his CPU cost over $196.

Yes for the SLI model, which although he insists on it, is dumb

Tell me your opinions on this setup:

Nice. A bit unbalanced on the CPU and RAM though. And before anyone suggests an outrageous overclock on the CPU do note that i said CPU and RAM

 

[skidude]

Even thought that RAM would be paired with the 1GB I have now?? What do you say about a different processor?? My budget cannot go above $1100 here. Remember I need a new mobo, CPU, GPU, PSU, and RAM.

 

[Praetor]

My budget cannot go above $1100 here. Remember I need a new mobo, CPU, GPU, PSU, and RAM.

-AMD Athlon64 X2 4200 [S939, Manchester, ADA4200DAA5BV] ($364.00)
- XClio 450W [12V@32A] ($43.99)
- eVGA 7800GT 256MB + SLI Mobo ($329.99 after $20.00 MIR)
- GSKILL Extreme 2x1GB CL2 ($194.00)
Subtotal: $931.98

A slightly less balanced system,
-XClio 450W [12V@32A] ($43.99)
Sapphire X1900XT512MB ($519.00)
Gigaram 2x1GB CL2.5 ($162.00)
AMD Athlon64 X2 3800 [S939, Manchester, ADA3800DAA5BV] ($313.00)
MSI RX480 Neo2-F ($68.00)
Subtotal: $1105.99

 

[skidude]

I like that second system, I will look into it, thanks.

 

[Praetor]

Note that the second system sacrifices a bit on the CPU (nothing that cant be overcome with some overclocking) but it's hampered by the low-end motherboard.

 

[skidude]

Ya, I can OC the 3800+ a bit so its more like the 4200+.... but the mobo....

 

[Praetor]

Ya, I can OC the 3800+ a bit so its more like the 4200+.... but the mobo....

Well thats your choice: if you want an unbalanced box then thats what you get heh

 

[skidude]

Well, even though the setup's Praetor said were nice, I decided to go with my original plan. I will sacrafice the lower-quality RAM for the better mobo. So, I think now that I am the only one with an X1900XT on the forum... I feel special

 

[Praetor]

So, I think now that I am the only one with an X1900XT on the forum... I feel special

Not that I care that much, but i've got a X1900XT as well (well had two, sold one).

 

[skidude]

And what did you think of them?