For some of us, me, for example, the whole challenge is to see how fast you can go for how little $. Of course, having little money is a fact. But what is the point of going 2.0 Ghz for $300? I mean anyone who has $300 can accomplish it, so it means nothing other than you are one of the many that can spend $300. But, if you can reach 2.0 Ghz for a lot less than $300, then you feel like you have accomplished something. Here is my current upgrade:
Shuttle AN35N Nforce2 Mainboard $66
XP 1700+ $41
Speeze hsf $12
PNY PC-2700 2x256 $30 (after mir)
Total $149
Now if it works, and I can achieve a decent overclock of 2.0 or 2.1 Ghz, I will be a very happy camper. Also I won't be out all that much money, especially if I can sell my old K7T Turbo, XP1700 Palomino and PC-133 ram on the F/S forum for $80 or $90 or so, then it gets even better. And my boys won't be fighting over who has to use the "slow" computer on LAN games. It is kind of like building your own PC vs. buying. Owning a $4000 Alienware or Falcon NW means you have a very fast system. It also means you are out between $2500 and $4000 or so. If I can get 80% of that performance level for 20% of the cost, then I feel like I win. At least in my twisted world.