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Half-Life 2 is out... and I need to upgrade my computer before I can actuallly run it above 3 fps. I went out and got a new graphics card, which should really help significantly, except my mobo is so old it doesn't have an AGP slot (Yes, it's that old).

Are there any recommendations on a good CPU/Mobo combination? Something that's decent, doesn't have to be bleeding edge. I'd prefer something under $100, although I guess a little over the limit wouldn't be unacceptable.

I recommend compgeeks.com for mobos and CPU's. I built a PC after buying parts there.

One issue is that when you upgrade your motherboard you often need new RAM as well. Try saving up for some more money first, $100 doesn't get you too much.

The main problem I see your going to have, if your PC is that old, it probebly needs also a new graphics card and RAM.

If you want something really budgety, try finding a Socket A motherboard with a Athlon XP 2000+, and a GF4 Ti.

Yes Socket A, no Athlon XP... pick up a Sempron. It's essentially an Athlon64 with 64-bit extensions turned off, and half the cache. Still got the memory controller chip, which gives it pretty bitchin' performance for games (well, for the price).

Check out this motherboard & CPU bundle... a Sempron 2800 and an Abit AN7, $105.

es Socket A, no Athlon XP... pick up a Sempron. It's essentially an Athlon64 with 64-bit extensions turned off, and half the cache.

Wrong. The Socket A Semprons are just renamed Athlon XPs. Up to now, the only Sempron which is a castrated AThlon64 is the Sempron 3100+, which is socket 754.

No Socket A CPU can be Athlon64-based, because the Athlon64 has its memory controller on-die, while Socket A has its memory controller on the mainboard nortbridge.

my mobo is so old it doesn't have an AGP slot... Are there any recommendations on a good CPU/Mobo combination? Something that's decent, doesn't have to be bleeding edge.

You don't just need a mobo and a CPU, but also a new power supply and new RAM at least, if your system is so old. This cannot be bought for $100 (perhaps if you buy used parts, but not new ones).

Besides, a new system doesn't feel fast if you reuse a very old hard drive.

I'd rather recommend to buy a whole new system.

I've already picked up a new graphics card, and my RAM should be sufficient - if not, I can cannibalize it from other computers in my house.

I actually saw an ad on the newspaper for a 2800 Sempron and mobo today, for around $100... I'll get a power supply if I need it, and I've been thinking about formatting my HD anyways.

my RAM should be sufficient

I don't know which CPU you currently have, but you need DDR RAM for the Sempron.

I also don't know if the mobo you want to buy demands an ATX 2.03 complient power supply, and if you have one.

Whatever you get, avoid Tiger Direct like the plague. Use NewEgg if you're buying online. Best Store Ever.