building another computer

[el_lance_o]

k peopel, I'm builfing my other friend's family a computer now and they actually bought one for about 400, but are returning it so I can get them one off of newegg. So I basically have myself a 400 dollar or so budget to work with them, and wanna get them a very decent computer for games and stuff. Here's what I have picked out:
Athlon xp 2100
2x256mb kingmax ddr2700
speeze whisperrock 2( for some minor overclocking)
biostar nf2 ultra 400

Those are the main parts right now. The parts I'm still decideing on is a video card. Basically I can't go over 85 bucks or so( that may be pushing it), so I have a few ideas for a card:
geforce fx 5700le
geforce fx 5600, nu, xt
geforce fx 5200
Radeon 9200
Radeon 9250
radeon 9550
radeon 9600

Any big difference between 128/ 256mb on the video card

So what do ya think? will there be a dig performance increas is I have 512 dual channel over 512 single? Any better heatsink for roughly the same price? Any different mobo That's stable/ performing good for roughly same price? Any other processor for about the same in price? Oh yeah, feedback will be greatly appreciated

 

[el_lance_o]

any ideas

 

[TheMostWantedPolishTwin]

I'd go with Radeon 9550 - GeCube has an XT edition and the rev.2 has 2.5 ns memory chips - and easily oces to 9600pro or even xt speeds.. But I think this particular card can be a little out of the budget.. if so - get any other 9550 but make sure it has 128 bit memory bus.. also if it's possible get a card with 4ns (or lower) memory access time.. 9550 core is 250 mhz -> oces pretty easily to ~400 mhz.. 4ns memory should oc from 400 mhz to 500 mhz without a problem..

 

[Anarchonixx]

You should mention the prices in your post so we don't have to go around researching what you've already looked at...

But anyway, as far as mobo goes, I would go with a Shuttle AN35N-Ultra instead of that Biostar. But since we have no idea what you require from the motherboard, I can't really say if it'll fit your needs.

I personally wouldn't OC a computer that's not going to be under my control, but that's really up to you. In any case, the 2200+ is the same price as the 2100+, and the Sempron 2400+ (haven't really followed the performance on these, though) is only $4 more... So there are a few options.

The performance gain from Single vs Dual-Channel on NF2 systems is negligible, so you can go with whatever is cheapest without compromising performance.

Video cards... well, I'm still using a GeForce3 and still happy with it, so I'm not one to give advice on these matters.

 

[el_lance_o]

thanks for your inputs. I'll see what I can scroundge together