Buy Microsoft Office Home & Student
PC hardware: Planning on building a budget PC
Planning on building a budget PC
by coolmario - 8/10/08 3:15 PMI'm pretty new to building a PC; thinking about a decent gaming PC, nothing too fancy. Here are the components I've selected:
Budget: $750-$800
Motherboard: nForce 750i SLI
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E7200
Memory: 2GB kit (1GBx2), Ballistix 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-6400
Video Card: NVIDIA by EVGA e-GeForce 8600 GT 512MB DDR2
Hard Drive: Western Digital 400GB SATA Internal Hard Drive
DVD Drive: Samsung 20x Internal SATA Super Multi Drive
Case: Antec - Mini Tower Case - Black
I already own a copy of Windows Vista, and keyboard/mouse. As far as sound goes I'm fine with the integrated audio; also I'll use my existing headset.
I would like your constructive criticism on the components. Am I fine, or do some of them conflict? How would this PC rate on the Windows Experience Index (I'm going for a 4.0 or better)? Would you suggest me any parts? Thanks!
better budget
by ramarc - 8/10/08 5:14 PM In reply to: Planning on building a budget PC by coolmario8600gt has been superseded by the 9500gt. but they're both too slow for newer games. this 9600gt is the best choice for a gamer on a budget ($94): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814134047
you can save a few bucks with this ocz 2gb kit that has the same timings as the ballistix:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227139
your selected case needs a larger power supply. check out a sonata iii, $120: http://www.buy.com/prod/antec-sonata-iii-super-mini-tower-w-earthwatts-500w-power-supply-antec/q/loc/101/204559259.html
as an alternative, pair an antec basiq 500w ($40): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371019
with a cooler master centurion case ($65): http://www.buy.com/prod/cooler-master-centurion-590-black/q/loc/101/207596288.html
replace the mobo with this gigabyte ga-ep35-ds3l for $90: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128337
and you've got a much PC for the same price
nice selections
by coolmario - 8/10/08 7:59 PM In reply to: better budget by ramarcThanks, nice selections; I never would've found those.
Though, as for the case, I'm considering this: Dynex® - ATX Mid-Tower PC Case
For $64 you also get a 500w power supply, rather than just buying the $120 Sonata III or the basiq power supply + cooler master case combo ($40 + $65).
you're getting a cheap power supply, not a good one
by ramarc - 8/11/08 7:19 AM In reply to: nice selections by coolmarioyour original antec case with a 380w power supply was $63 on sale. this one is on sale at the same price but with a 500w power supply so that should tip you off. read these 2 articles below and see why i'd never buy a dynex power supply and why the basiq is lowest you should go:
http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTQ5MSw4LCw0MA==
http://www.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTM5NywxNywsODA=
Alas, you forgot the PSU
by Willy - 8/11/08 9:22 AM In reply to: Planning on building a budget PC by coolmarioGet a better PSU or bigger one as your new componets will demand a stable power output. 500W+ is commonly recommended but buy a brandname and one with dual fans and all the connects you need. Beware, if you buy cheaply, it will fail sooner or later. Heck, they sell 750W to 1000W now for real demanding systems. Your PSU is the foundation of a good system don't disregard it.
tada -----Willy 
okay
by coolmario - 8/11/08 5:31 PM In reply to: Planning on building a budget PC by coolmarioOK... based on your suggestions, here's what my dream PC looks like now:
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-EP35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128337 ($85)
CPU: Found the same CPU at a cheaper price - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115052&Tpk=Intel%2bCore%2b2%2bDuo%2bE7200 ($120)
Memory: OCZ Platinum Revision 2 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227139 ($50)
Graphics: ECS N9600GT-512MX-F GeForce 9600 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814134047 ($85)
HDD: See in original post ($70)
DVD: Found a cheaper but decent DVD burner - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106072 ($30)
PSU: Antec Basiq BP500UB 500W ATX12V Version 2.01 Power Supply 100 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371019 ($40)
Case: Cooler Master Centurion 590 Black - http://www.buy.com/prod/cooler-master-centurion-590-black/q/loc/101/207596288.html ($65)
Total: $545
I'm satisfied with this configuration; critique?
nice choices, but
by sherbisness - 8/16/08 4:05 AM In reply to: okay by coolmarioThis is a question for everyone, if you are using Vista as your operating system, wouldn't it be better to have 3 GB RAM installed, since RAM memory is so inexpensive now ? I would really like to get some answers.
Computer Components tha I can Recommend.
by sherbisness - 8/16/08 5:15 AM In reply to: nice choices, but by sherbisnessLast year, July 2008 I ordered parts and assembly from a reputable computer shop, and I am extremely satisfied with my choices.
I can play any game with the exception of Crysis.( but who can for under $4,000)
Operating System; Windows XP home edition.
Motherboard; Gigabyte 965PS3 with 645 chipset
CPU; Intel Core Duo 2. 2.4mh
Hard Disc: Western Digital 350GB. 16mb buffer.(7200rpm)
Graphics card; Gigabyte 8600GT.
Computer Case; Antec Sonata II, with 450w power supply included.12"fans x2
RAM memory; Kingston 2x 1GB (667)
I know that these parts are already out of date, BUT they can be used as a guide. If I can play all the games well, with this computer. Just choose the newer updated components from the same dependable companies.
The Antec Case with Antec power supply is so good and quiet, but I would never buy another case with a front door again, the hinges break, and opening the door is an inconvenience. Buy a full tower, future friendly, without a front door.
good luck !
Recently built machine
by psychoticprincess - 8/16/08 2:08 PM In reply to: Planning on building a budget PC by coolmarioHey, I recently built a computer for under $400 that has been very good to me. I did already have a hard drive (IDE, so I had to get an expansion card) and a video card. But, when I was building, I was thinking budget with the ability to upgrade down the road.
Check out my full description here - http://www.psychoticprincess.com/blog.htm?blogentryid=3412155
Just a few more
by SquallusPC - 8/17/08 9:17 PM In reply to: Planning on building a budget PC by coolmarioI know it sounds a little strange, but the E8400 is not much more and will hold you for some time.
MSI's site shows compatibilty is ok for this processor/mobo combo.
I've successfully paired one on a MSI p6N Diamond. Flawless.
http://www.compusa.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3574211&CatId=2396
You can probably find it a little cheaper if you shop.
Best regards and good luck
Drop the mini tower
by Dango517 - 8/17/08 11:06 PM In reply to: Planning on building a budget PC by coolmarioGo with an ATX case so your system has room to breath. Also chose a suitable Motherboard to fit the case. A mini board does not fit an ATX case and vise verse.
Get at least a 500-550 watt, "80 certified" power supply. Your minimum would be approximately 450 watts but give yourself some room to up grade.
This thread is untracked.
| Forum legend: | |
 |
Locked thread |
 |
Moderator |
 |
CNET staff |
 |
Samsung staff |
 |
Norton Authorized Support team |
 |
AVG staff |
 |
Windows Outreach team |
 |
Dell staff |
 |
Intel staff |
