New to Intel, help w/ budget build?

[Mdogs444]

Hey guys, im a long time AMD guy, but im going to take the plung to intel for a change. Id like to try and stick with something that is upgradable, perhaps to Conroe when it comes out. Id like to try and stay below 600$ if possible, and I already have a PSU & Monitor. Im an average, if not below average gamer, but when i do play its most recent games: fear, joint operations, etc. I dont own BF2 either though. I hope you all can help with my system setup and hook me up with a nice overclocking rig. Heres what im thinking so far, hopefully you guys can set me up w/ the correct products:

CPU: Intel 805 dual core?
Mobo:?
Memory: 2x1gb?
Vid Card: 6800xt?
Hard drive: small 80gb sata, i have a 200 IDE
DVDRW: nec 40$
Case: Thermaltake Matrix 100$

[batboy]

The problem right now with building a system that can be upgraded to Conroe is that there is not any motherboard currently on the market that officially supports Conroe. It's possible that the i975 chipset "might" work with a BIOS update, but that's not a done deal at this point in time.

My advice would be to build a system that all you'll need to do is upgrade the motherboard and CPU for Conroe. So, you don't want to spend too much on the mobo and CPU if this is just to get you by for a while. But, you still want something that will O/C and give you good performance.

Maybe look at the Asus P5LD2 mobo and 805 CPU and O/C it to at least 200 FSB.

ou'll need DDR2 RAM like the PQI Turbo PC2-5400 on sale at newegg right now.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820141211

Case is up to you. Get something that you really like.

Vid card needs to PCI-E. If you are a gamer, this will be your most important component, so don't skimp too much. I'd get something better than a 6800, like maybe 7800 GT (or 7900) if you want Nvidia.

[WarriorII]

Although, not much beats a 6800 Ultra, yes the 7800 is a "better" card, but
only because it's newer. And ATI has the X1800>, but if it's budget
I know you're not gonna go there. $300++ :(

I have a 6800 Ultra that just died, and for 150-250 you're looking
@ a 6800 something. In that price range, there is not a lot of selection
vs performance gain per dollar spent.

Look for Deals, on a Quality Name vid card, someone who backs an Warranty & RMA.
Get one in your price range.

Or spend the $$ now for the vid card you can keep after Conroe comes out.
but that isn't concidered "Budget" either.

just my .02

:attn: