given the recent hikes in RAM prices, I would onyl get 1GB for now and go to 2GB when prices go back to normal what board are you getting? if it it is any good, you could easily get an e6400 and OC the diference, the FSB increase necesarry for such an OC would almsot remove the l2 cache diference and allendales(6400s atleast, 6300s are low binned) OC better at a given voltage i would personally get a 7600GT and live with that for a while , put the money "saved" towards a GeForce 8 or radeon x2k when you can justify it.
Hm. I have no experience in the OC field. Any suggestions of good articles or sites for learning more about it? And mobo I am still in process of choosing
well OCing isn't too hard as long as you udnerstand the basic concepts. few ground rules - if you are a beginner don't raise voltages learn where te CMOS reset jumper is use common sense if you want 24/7 stability long term, find the hgihest OC that you can pass prime with for 24+ hours, then back off a few percent. don't be too greedy. if you are talking abotu OCing a GFX card, download coolbits or ATiTool, press autooverclock, done