Having trawled through scores of web sites/forums for some direction I must admit I have joined this forum only to get ideas about my new build. However, it does seem to be that you all know what you're talking about so maybe I will be staying for a while after I have built my system
Like TooNice and Rufusking (and no doubt many others in the past) I am looking for some advice on a new system.
I have decided on a XP2500+ and 1x1Gb of PC3200 memory ( I am happy to forego the other 1 Gb for dual channel performance for the moment) but am currently undecided on the motherboard. The problem is that there is too much choice! I want to spend about £90-100 and have been considering the 8RDA3+ and the A7N8X-Version 2.
Could anyone please reassure/warn me about these choices. I am looking for a solution that enables me to do some overclocking in the future and would like to build a system that ensures that I can enjoy my passion (Flight Simulation) to the max (although again I am happy to forego PCI card sound solutions for a while yet). I also like bells and whistles so expandability is important.
Thanks


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& it is very expandable (I haven't used any of the PCI slots yet).
XP2500+ is a great choice, rem you'll want a decent HSF, Volcano 11 is great for a cheap price otherwise look to the more expensive MCX or SLK. As already covered 1GB is a lot of RAM, 2x512MB will give you 5% faster speed due to Dual Channel but if you really want 2GB RAM (2x1GB) in the near future buying 1x1GB now could save you some headaches (or cause more if you can't get a 2nd stick closely matched). I'd suggest 2x512MB and when that becomes limiting sell it and buy 2x 1GB sticks at the same time, prices are almost certain to be a lot lower.
I think for flight sims the CPU does play a key role unlike most other games. However I would seriously look at what AA (if not AA+AF) could do for you, still wouldn't need a top card of course.
). You need not spend a fortune either. Twinmos is both cheap and pretty reliable.
All modern PCs use DDR now, PC133 and PC100 are SDR and will only be found on old mobos based on the KT266 and SiS730(ish) chipsets, certainly nothing later (AFAIK). The perf hit on an XP2000+ is in the region of 10%. Since you really want 333-400FSB you need DDR PC2700 (333mhz) and PC3200 (400mhz). So you'll need to buy new RAM.

