New MB/CPU

[Methais]

Looking at getting a new MB/processor now. Was looking at these combos. I don't wanna go overboard on anything, but would still like to have a decent upgrade from the P4 3.0 GHz I'm using now that will last me at least a couple years. Was looking at a Quad-core 3.33 GHz combo for $389, but that would be massive overkill for me, though I probably wouldn't have to upgrade for a long time:

$154.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.146140
Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 2.53GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
EVGA 112-CK-NF70-TR Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail


$219.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.146147
Intel Core 2 Duo E4600 2.4GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
EVGA 113-YW-E115-TR ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

$224.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.146149
Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 2.66GHz LGA 775 Dual-Core Processor - Retail
EVGA 122-YW-E173-TR ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail


I have 2GB RAM right now and I'm pretty sure it's 240-pin, which is what those MBs take, but it's a couple years old. I wanna say it's DDR666 but I don't remember for sure. Should I upgrade that too or will the existing RAM be ok?

Also what about upgrading to Vista? Will it improve performance enough to be worth getting it now, or will I still be fine with XP for a while?

I'm mostly just playing WoW, but I occasionally play other stuff like Bioshock, UT3, etc. and might grab Fallout 3 or something after Christmas. But mostly WoW.

Or should I just scrap all this bullshit and just get a whole new PC? If so I'd only be looking to spend up to around $1,000-1200.

I hate computers :(

[Moist Happenings]

$154.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.146140 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.146140)
Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 2.53GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
EVGA 112-CK-NF70-TR Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail


Micro ATX? What are you building a small form factor box?

If you're gonna pay the same price for any of them, scrap this one and get something with a few more expansion slots. If nothing else it's more finger room to work with when you're putting stuff together.

Edit:

I'm looking at the others now as well. EVGA has possibly the most non existent support next to dell basic. All of those are going to be able to play WoW, sure, and chance are you won't have trouble using your old RAM with any of them (can't say for sure without knowing exactly what your RAM is).

My suggestion if you're looking for the best bang for your buck is to look at benchmark testing against the flagship boards.

ECS for instance generally makes low end boards, but they have some very, very reasonably priced gaming boards (KN series) that benchmark as well as boards that are twice the price. THeir tech support is pretty non existent in comparison too, but you're getting a high quality board to start with. I've got two machines running ECS KN1 XTreme boards right now. Had 'em for about 3 years with no problems, and they still support the latest things coming out today. PCI Express, a ton of USB support, SATA, SLI, and it's all very well designed component-wise for heat dissipation.

I haven't looked at the new boards lately, but if you want me to, send me a PM and I'll do a bit of benchmarking and price research for you. I'd post ideas here, but chances are someone would show up and bitch that my post was too long.

Edit again to add:

As far as XP versus Vista: Vista is a resource hog. You upgrade to it for bells and whistles and up to date microsoft support. If you want performance, stick with a clean copy of the final build of XP Corporate.

Lastly, if you'd like me to do some research for ya, there's a few other factors that come into play to keep in mind. What kind of video card are you using? I'm going to assume you're only running one video card and not worried too heavily about graphical engineering or any of that stuff. I know you're just running one monitor, but do you hook into anything else? Surround sound through a decoder, television, et cetera?

[Ashliana]

Looking at getting a new MB/processor now. Was looking at these combos. I don't wanna go overboard on anything, but would still like to have a decent upgrade from the P4 3.0 GHz I'm using now that will last me at least a couple years. Was looking at a Quad-core 3.33 GHz combo for $389, but that would be massive overkill for me, though I probably wouldn't have to upgrade for a long time:

$154.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.146140
Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 2.53GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
EVGA 112-CK-NF70-TR Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail


$219.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.146147
Intel Core 2 Duo E4600 2.4GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail
EVGA 113-YW-E115-TR ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

$224.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.146149
Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 2.66GHz LGA 775 Dual-Core Processor - Retail
EVGA 122-YW-E173-TR ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail


I have 2GB RAM right now and I'm pretty sure it's 240-pin, which is what those MBs take, but it's a couple years old. I wanna say it's DDR666 but I don't remember for sure. Should I upgrade that too or will the existing RAM be ok?

Also what about upgrading to Vista? Will it improve performance enough to be worth getting it now, or will I still be fine with XP for a while?

I'm mostly just playing WoW, but I occasionally play other stuff like Bioshock, UT3, etc. and might grab Fallout 3 or something after Christmas. But mostly WoW.

Or should I just scrap all this bullshit and just get a whole new PC? If so I'd only be looking to spend up to around $1,000-1200.

I hate computers :(

I would also recommend against buying a Micro ATX mobo, as you'll need a Micro ATX case and could have issues with some video cards fitting. The quad core chips (Q6600, 9300, etc) are really good, but probably more than you need.

Any of the mid-end core 2 chips will give you a big difference over a P4. As for the RAM--it depends on the RAM you have and the mobo itself, but most P4 boards used DDR1 and most C2D boards use DDR2(some new ones support DDR3).

If you can provide the make/model of your RAM, I can give you a better idea.

[Androidpk]

I highly recommend the intel e8400 for the cpu.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037

[Silvanostar]

i just rebuilt my pc and i went with an e8400 with an asus p5q motherboard.
according to tomshardwards.com, the e7200 chip is great as well.

i dont think the amd phenom chips are as good and a great thing about the intel chips is that they are very good to overclock.

i'm planning to oc my e8400 as much as possible so i went with the asus mobo since they're relialbe.

you'll probably have to get new ram, but even 2 gigs is really cheap these days for brand name stuff.

i'd say stick with xp.