Need help with building new comp

[SkyWNC]

Hi, my comp died last week so I think its time to get a new comp. I've been doing some research and picked out these. Basically, I just use it to go online, download stuffs, not much for gaming. I do play some PC games like CM03/04 and Warcraft 3, thats all, maybe OC in the future (should I OC? I dont have enough budget to get a good video card now). I want to ask for u guys advice b/c I haven't looked into the hardware much for a year.

CPU: P4 2.8 800FSB
MB: Abit IC7-G
Case: Aspire Turbo Case Yellow 500W (like the 500 psu that comes with the case and the price 135)
Ram: thinking about these two, I dont know what the diffferent between them, plz help me with this
Corsair XMS Extreme Memory Speed Series, 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3500
or Corsair XMS Extreme Memory Speed Series, 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3500C2 with Platinum Silver Heat Spreader

Video card: just gonna keep the old one that Im using now, will upgrade when i have more money

Thx for ur help

 

[jackschmittusa]

Good choice for mb and cpu. The ram should be identical. Different colored heatsink and one says oem, but the specs should be the same. Remember though that you will want 2 sticks for dual channel ram. 2 of the XMS will probably work, but you should also consider the TwinX which is tested for dual channel.

 

[hurrikaane]

Mushkin 3500 Black is much faster than that Corsair.

 

[SkyWNC]

I have one more question. Should I get 1x512 or 2x256 sticks to take the advantage of dual? BTW, newegg dont carry 2x256 of Consair XMS PC3500, they only have it in pc3200. So which one should i get now? 1 stick of 512 pc3500 or 2x512 pc3200.

I also looked at the Muskin Black but there's not many reviews of it on Newegg, thats why i kinda lean to Consair. But thx for your help anyways

 

[Ionizer86]

Do either 2x 256 or 2x 512. 1x won't give you nearly the amount of performance. You could always place an order for two of the same item if you need to.

If you want a lower multiplier and/or want to save a few bucks, the 2.6c is a better choice.

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: hurrikaane
Mushkin 3500 Black is much faster than that Corsair.

i can vouch for that.

 

[SkyWNC]

I still have one more question lelf. If I want to OC later from 2.6 to 3.0, should i get a pc3200, pc3500 or pc3700 ram? I'm thinking to get either brand Consair, Kingston or Geli. Thx