Duke,
I've been happy with the Gigabyte mobo's so far. Just make sure it has at least two SATA slots and can handle at least 3 Gigs of RAM. That mobo should cost about $100 or so.
As far as upgrading the chip later on? Well, I wouldn't worry about that as who knows what gaming is going to require in the next two or three years. From what I've observed in using these machines for over 20 years now, you'll probably just wind up buying a whole new mobo and processor to keep up with the gaming. Thats why I say that you have to figure out what you can afford now and don't spend anything more than you need to.
And your right, this is how they get you. But its the nature of the biz. Nothing stands still.
*Edit*
Just did a quick check on prices at CompUSA and these seem to be about the sweetspot. Good mobo (4 GB max RAM, 2 SATA), a reasonable processor (AMD 64 3.2 GHz) and the ability to use your current vid card.
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=332173&pfp=BROWSE $110
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=329524&pfp=BROWSE $190
Unless your willing to spend more, these should keep you happy for the next couple of years. Figure on spending about $100 for a 1 Gig Ram chip and your about set. This isn't pci-e but you'll be able to use your current vid card and upgrade that later if necessary.
I've been happy with the Gigabyte mobo's so far. Just make sure it has at least two SATA slots and can handle at least 3 Gigs of RAM. That mobo should cost about $100 or so.
As far as upgrading the chip later on? Well, I wouldn't worry about that as who knows what gaming is going to require in the next two or three years. From what I've observed in using these machines for over 20 years now, you'll probably just wind up buying a whole new mobo and processor to keep up with the gaming. Thats why I say that you have to figure out what you can afford now and don't spend anything more than you need to.
And your right, this is how they get you. But its the nature of the biz. Nothing stands still.
*Edit*
Just did a quick check on prices at CompUSA and these seem to be about the sweetspot. Good mobo (4 GB max RAM, 2 SATA), a reasonable processor (AMD 64 3.2 GHz) and the ability to use your current vid card.
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=332173&pfp=BROWSE $110
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=329524&pfp=BROWSE $190
Unless your willing to spend more, these should keep you happy for the next couple of years. Figure on spending about $100 for a 1 Gig Ram chip and your about set. This isn't pci-e but you'll be able to use your current vid card and upgrade that later if necessary.
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