CPU/Motherboard ? from someone out of the game for a few years...

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Sparty_basic

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#1 Sparty_basic
Member since 2002 • 496 Posts

Ok, in my college days, I built computers on a regular basis, and was up to date on all the tech of the day. The problem is, the tech of the day was sometihng like 266Mhz Pentium2, so you can see my problem. Life, family etc. has taken me out of the game for far too long, but I am now looking at building a new rig.

From what I gather, I would like a quad core, and I'm thinking AMD for price. I have absolutely no interest in overclocking. I want to build a stock rig that runs Windows 7, does all the basic nifty stuff computers can do, and is at least 2 years future-proof in terms of games. I am leaning towards a Phenom II x4, but I know that the motherboard choice is critical as well.

Can I get some advice as to a good motherboard/CPU combo, and also where we are now with video cards. Keep in mind that Diamond was big in the 3d business back when I was building...ok, it hasn't been that long. But Nvidia and ATI seem to still be battling, and I'm really not up to speed on video card tech anymore. Looking for good price/performance ratio, obviously.

I'm all set for the rest...PS, case, etc. Just need help with the brains. I've been looking on newegg, but there are so many configurations that it just kind of get blurry.

Thanks in advance.

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mitch2411

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#2 mitch2411
Member since 2004 • 523 Posts

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.382177

I dont know what makes a good or bad motherboard, but it is am3, so you will prbly need new ram (ddr3).

This is my recommendation, the phenom 2's are great processors for the price, I love my 940.

And for the GFX I would suggest something along the lines of a 5770, great bang for the buck.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131330&cm_re=5770-_-14-131-330-_-Product

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Sparty_basic

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#3 Sparty_basic
Member since 2002 • 496 Posts

Thanks a bunch, that is actually right around the pricerange I was looking for. Is it still possible to get OEM versions of MS's operating systems? I am looking for Windows7, but don't want to do anything illegal, and don't want to buy out of the box at retail. Is it smarter these days to buy a barebones system that already has the OS included?

And please, if anyone knows of better deals around that price/performance level, please feel free to contribute information.

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mitch2411

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#4 mitch2411
Member since 2004 • 523 Posts

I get my copies through school, but as far as i know there are still OEM copies... lemme see.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754&cm_re=windows_7_oem-_-32-116-754-_-Product

99.99

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Wildedge93

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#5 Wildedge93
Member since 2007 • 835 Posts

I get my copies through school, but as far as i know there are still OEM copies... lemme see.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754&cm_re=windows_7_oem-_-32-116-754-_-Product

99.99

mitch2411
i would suggest a AM3 board with xfire possibality and a AMD phenom 2 X4 955 as that is amazing in terms of bang for ur buck. and if u arent breaking the bank, get a 5850 and later on xfire them to give u more life time out of them.