[tetrahedron]

Hey guys,

I'm trying to build a new desktop to replace my dying laptop.

Anyone got recommendations for the CPU? My budget is < $250, so the new Core i7's are probably out of the question.

How about the motherboard? (I don't plan on doing any overclocking)

Thanks :D

[Zangetsu]

lol if i were you id save some more money untill you have like 500-750 but thats my recommendation

[Smith6612]

If the system is for basic use, you can probably go with a mid range dual core with 2GB of RAM. For motherboards, you can look at MSI or Intel. They tend to make some fairly cheap boards that are good. As per a recommendation of hardware, you just have to make sure that everything is compatible with the motherboard, such as CPU socket type, RAM type, voltages, etc. Also, in terms of the power supply, it's usually better to go for the more expensive ones. The cheap ones are cheap for a reason

[compwhizii]

For future reference, this belongs in Computers & Technology

[vigge_sWe]

*moved*

[Twinkie]

Motherboards are don't typically go over $100 dollars, so over clocking could save you hundreds instead of getting an expensive processor. I recommend the following: Only costing you $242 dollars, and getting you over 2.4 quad core processing, not to mention overclocking.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor - Retail

ASUS P5KPL-CM LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

[idfizbo]

Twinkie makes a good suggestion. If you're trying to price individual components, make sure you're buying from one of the big "warehouse" IT sites like newegg... kinda goes without saying, but I've known a lot of people who try to buy individual computer parts from retailers like Best Buy, and it ends up costing them a LOT more than it should. :(

[Twinkie]

BestBuy does a "good will" thing and charges little or no markup for main brand computers and IPODs, the huge markups are for parts, accessories and everything else.

[Smith6612]

Originally Posted by Twinkie

Motherboards are don't typically go over $100 dollars, so over clocking could save you hundreds instead of getting an expensive processor. I recommend the following: Only costing you $242 dollars, and getting you over 2.4 quad core processing, not to mention overclocking.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz 2 x 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor - Retail

ASUS P5KPL-CM LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

The Q6600 is a great processor to get. I used to have it in my gaming computer. I never needed to Overclock the thing at all and it ran perfectly. Just keep in mind that you need to take care when overclocking. Setting the wrong voltage or values for the clock speeds does wear out your hardware faster and make it run warmer.

Also, I second NewEgg!