A few general questions about pricing...

I'm looking to upgrade my computer. I need to get a new motherboard, processor, and RAM, but I'm planning on keeping everything else. I have an ATX tower.

I don't have any sort of brand loyalty when it comes to motherboards. The only thing I need it to do is support the processor that I want, have AGP 8x compatibility, and be able to support at least 1 gig of RAM but maybe as much as 2 gigs.

I definitely want to get a Pentium D processor. I like the Athlon processors better, but it's not really in my budget at this point. I'd like to get something at least 3.0 GHz, but I definitely won't complain if I can find a good deal on something faster. What socket do Pentium D's use, and what kind of cooling system should I look for to keep it running well?

The last time I was looking into computer equipment, DDR RAM was the latest and greatest thing (I know, it's been a while). I haven't done any research recently. Is there something new and better out there as far as gaming is concernced? What could I expect to pay for a gig of good RAM in either 1 stick or 2 512 sticks?

Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions.

EDIT: I forgot to add in the original point to this thread! How much can I expect to pay for these parts individually and as a whole? Ballpark figures...

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uhh

hm lem think

mobo+processor should run u about a good 300+bux
as for ram, depending on wht kind of mobo ur gona buy, id keep the nice ram on the down low since ur budget seems to be kinda low, id stick with dual channel ram, if u want at least 1 gig, u can bear buying a single 1gb ram for a pricey expense, dual channel might be up in the low one hundred depending where u look, a single stick of 1gb could cost u in the 130+ range, but it can be a good investment also, it saves u an extra ram slot, incase u want to add more assuming your mobo can handle it, as for cooling, u might want to pay attention to that and focus on that, u might want to invest in liquid cooling *which can run at about 150bux{last time i saw comp usa brand}, since it looks like ur gona do some kind of overclocking, if not water cooling, buy fans and make sure u have a nice powerbox to handle that, o and a fan controller with temp probes might not be a bad idea, unless ur case comes with a thermometer.

but as for now thats all the advice i have, my brains kinda fried, ive been watchhing naruto for the past 8 hours, literally

so ill probably post another l8er

Well, I can find a decent mobo/processor combo for about $200 - $250 on newegg, but if you're going to spring for quality, go for an Intel Conroe. Totally worth it.

As for RAM, look on newegg as well. RAM (depending on Voltage [<- very important], type [MRAM, DIMM, RIMM, DDR, DDR2], and number of Pins, a gig stick can run $75+.

Oh, and make sure your board fits in your case!