help buying mobo/cpu combo

[FAS284]

well its been a very long time (6 years) since I assembled my last computer and I've not followed cpu/mobo prices for a long time so I need some help/guidance for a budget (<$100-$125) system upgrade.

I'd like to know what a good (and cheap) mobo is out there that is loaded with a good onboard video chipset and audio chipset and will be compatible with a cheap cpu (please specify as well).

also, where is a good place to buy a cheap cpu/mobo online and/or B&M? Fry's seems to have some good selections but what about online vendors? Which ones do you trust for reliable mobo/cpus ?

Thanks!

 

[eplebnista]

Sempron 754 3000+ $62

Biostar TForce 6100 754 $70

or

Sempron AM2 3000+ $62

Biostar TForce 6100 AM2 $82

 

[FAS284]

thanks! any one else have any advice?

 

[o1die]

Check outpost.com or Fry's electronics. Yesterday's ad had the athlon 64 3000 with ecs nforce3 socket 754 board for only $90.

 

[FAS284]

i'm eyeing that one, just thought there may be others. how does outpost.com compare to fry's b&m? similar prices?

 

[o1die]

Outpost has fewer combo specials and is sometimes a little higher.

 

[Zap]

Sempron 2800+ socket AM2 retail box $36 + 8 shipping

Biostar Tforce6100 AM2 $74 + 7 shipping

Total $125 for latest socket supporting dual channel and dual core, with IGP and PCI-E 16x, with overclocking. Plus, DDR2 RAM seems to be a bit cheaper than DDR.

 

[leigh6]

Originally posted by: Zap
https://www.centralcomputer.com/itemdetail.asp?item=CPUAMDS2803R">Sempron 2800+ socket AM2 retail box $36 + 8 shipping</a>

Biostar Tforce6100 AM2 $74 + 7 shipping

Total $125 for latest socket supporting dual channel and dual core, with IGP and PCI-E 16x, with overclocking. Plus, DDR2 RAM seems to be a bit cheaper than DDR.

:thumbsup:

 

[FAS284]

wonderful, thanks zap! but now i need to figure out how much dr2 memory costs. would like to keep my entire budget below $150.

 

[Blorg]

AMD Athlon 64 3300+ 2.40GHz / 256KB Cache / 1600MHz FSB / NewCastle / OEM / Socket 754 / Processor
+
Ultra 512MB PC3200 DDR 400MHz CL3 Memory and an Ultra Aluminim Memory Cooler
+
Masscool / Socket 754, 939, 940 / AMD Athlon 64 / Ball Bearing / CPU Cooling Fan
+
PC Chips M861G - Athlon64 / Sempron Socket 754 Motherboard (New Unopened)

All for around $165 shipped after $80 in rebates

AGP and underpowered onboard video but one of the cheaper 64 bit upgrade paths without using a sempron.

 

[FAS284]

how do these mobos compare with asus k8n or MSI k8ngm2-nbp? someone's offering me the k8n.. thanks to all of you for your advice. really helped me out.

 

[FAS284]

(p.s. k8n for $45 shipped.. but its used.. good deal?)

 

[Blorg]

In the end that would be your call.
Used is used. I won't buy a used mobo, its the most important part IMO, it alone decides how powerful, upgradable, modifiable, and expandable your computer can be. Everything could work great for a week and then your lan dies... or sound... no warranty = tuff luck.

One last attempt:

ECS RS485M-M (V1.0) Radeon Xpress 1100
+
AMD Sempron Processor 2800+ Socket AM2

$105 Shipped @ ZZF

If you need DDR2 ram, you can pick up a 512mb kit for as little as $50, 1gb kit as little as $80, and a 2gb kit for as little as $110(this one has rebates)

Don't forget that they released info that am2 socket will be compatable with am3 processors, but thats looking way ahead I guess.

PS. Someone tell me if my rig link in my sig is working plz.

(Edit: That mobo goes up 20 bucks after tomorrow 7/14, so if yer gonna grab one GET IT!)