Building a rig for September/October. Last 2+ years...DDR2 or DDR3

[Satummoo]

I'm looking to make a matx gaming rig. Right now I have no computer but i'm not in any huge rush as i'm using my wife's laptop. I don't want to spend a lot, but i'm willing not to go cheap on parts if there is a huge difference. Previously I was running a brisbane x2 3600+ @2.7ghz stock voltage and sold the rig to my brother who's PC burnt out. I'm looking for something to last me 2+ years that will be an upgrade. I don't want to go Nehelm because of the woes that I had of previous early adopting (jumping to 754 vs buying socket A).

I've been an AMD fan but Intels offerings seem a lot better (unless 45nm deneb is good). I'm going with a E8600 CPU but I don't know weather to go DDR2 or DDR3? I've tried doing a lot of research and a lot of people say DDR3 is a waste. However, if I'm looking for long term, would having DDR3 give me a good upgrade option a year down the line when prices drop more and I could get higher speed ram? Would ANY speed of DDR3 benifit the E8600 in terms of overclocking?

Also, after Nehelm, where there be any new CPU's coming out compatable for the p45 chipset or is the E8600 going to be the best?

[GoldenEye]

I would go for DDR2 1066MHz or faster, that so do it.

[Tonucci]

If you want it to last 2 years, I recommend an quad core. Since you want something cheap, the Q6600 seems like an nice choice. 45nm quads are better but they are expensive in comparison...specially if you want an decent multi for OC.

2x 2Gb ram, at least an hd4850, an good 550W or bigger PSU etc...

I would not worry about ddr3. Small performance difference in real life situations and wont help your OC much

[B.E.E.F.]

DDR3 won't become mainstream or useful for at least one more year. Don't worry about it.

Also, Nehalem is a tough call. Wait until the first specs & prices come out.

[perkam]

Have you checked the guide? Check sig.

Perkam