(graphics card, case, cpu, mobo, memory).
Graphics Card: Under $99 for GeForce4 Ti 4200 which destroys $150 GeForce FX 5200 Ultra. Anything in between that and the $199 Radeon 9800 may not be worth the $.
Case: Try not to get a power supply with it, spend at the very least $36 on this 350 W Fortron. Remember, Watts are not where it's at, brands are:
http://www.newegg.com/app/Viewprodu...=1919&description=&srchFor=FSP350-60PN atx12v
CPU: Remember Bartons may be locked so it's 2500+ Barton which may be locked which means you need PC3200 RAM for it, or if you can't get PC3200 RAM, get a $62 2100+ at newegg or zipzoomfly.com.
1700+ or 1800+ DLT3C B (not A) may overclock a bit more, but they're hard to get so 2100+ B is the only sure thing since they're better than 1800+ DUT3C B's.
See pricewatch.com for Thermalright (not Thermaltake) all copper heatsink. Combine it with Thermaltake Smart Fan 2 adjustable fan so that you can adjust the noise level according to performace and comfort.
Mobo: Abit or Soltek nForce2 mobos are the only nForce2s that post all multipliers on all unlocked CPUs.
Memory: Next to nothing after rebate deals from Sunday Paper electronic store adds or $100-$110 for two PC3200 256 MB sticks, hit the memory section for advice on current deals.
Whatever you do, do not skimp on PSU, that's the secret.
Power Supply Unit can take out all your other components.
Many PSU manufacturers list specs that do not reflect true capabilities of their products so all info on the PSU label doesn't mean much except for the brand, just look for the brand: Antec (preferably True Power), Fortron (Sparkle), Sirtec (Enlight, Vantec, Thermaltake), or more expensive Herolchi, PC Power and Cooling, or not as good but not dangerous HEC, TTGI.
Apply thermal paste correctly (it comes with thermalright heatsinks) or get Arctic Silver 5:
http://www.arcticsilver.com/arctic_alumina_instructions.htm
