New Computer - ASUS M2N-E SLI

[CroMacster]

I am looking at building a new computer here are the specs/parts I am currently looking at....

Mobo - ASUS M2N-E SLI (100$)
CPU - AMD A64 FX-62 2.80GHz (150$)
RAM - Ultra 1024MB PC4200 DDR2 533Mhz (35$)
Video - XFX GeForce 8400 GS Video Card - 512MB DDR2, PCI Express, DVI, VGA, HDTV, Video Card (85$)
HD - Seagate 7200rpm SATA 160gb (59$)

along with a PSU (50$), case (50$), Heatsink/fan for cpu (40$).

My total including shipping is around 600$ right now.

I'd like to hear thoughts/suggestions on how to improve this computer while keeping the price around where it is.

Thanks for the help.

[Skorp]

I was about to suggest a Core 2, but... an FX-62 for $150? Jeez, things are worse for AMD than I thought.

You may want to hold off on buying a system until Christmas. Both Intel and AMD are launching new processors at the end of November. Technically the Intel one is out, but nowhere to be found. By Christmas both should be in circulation.

I realize you're going for cheapness here, but the new parts should have a knock on effect which lowers the prices of other chips as well.

[jdrom17]

I'd recommend going Intel as well, but thats purely up to you. If you insist on AMD, I'd wait until the new year when their new stuff comes out.

Here's a quick list:
Intel Dual-Core E2180 - $90
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L - $95
Mushkin EM2 PC6400 2GB (2x1GB) - $60
CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX - $80
Comes to $325 plus your video card, hard drive, case, and maybe a heatsink. Using your numbers from above for those items, the total would be $560.

The above parts/prices are from NewEgg. You could most likely get 3GHz out of that E2180 as well.

[-=CrAnSwIcK=-]

yeah, whether you get 1gb or 2gb of RAM get at least PC2 6400 (800mhz)...

and don't buy the FX...if you're on a budget, the FX CPU is not for you...the budget core2's will probably be faster, when you overclock anyways...

and i would avoid aftermarket CPU coolers unless you plan on overclocking hardcore...on stock cooling you can usually expect a decent 20-25% overclock without burning your CPU...use the extra 40 bucks to get better RAM or video, depending on what you'll be using the system for...

Mostly i would agree with Skorp...wait a bit, and get something fancy, or at least current tech will be alot cheaper...and don't overlook the PSU, possibly the most important part of your rig is the power supply, buy quality...