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Rydawg5143

Supreme [H]ardness
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Apr 22, 2008
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So looking to buy a new computer or build a new one, Budget is about 300 bucks
I don't need HD/OS or GPU ( Though would be nice to get on the cheap)
Both my current comps are AMD 64x2 3800+ and 4000+
I'm looking to get speed around those if not better.
I don't play any games cept Everquest, but that may change,
Suggestions please.
 
So what DO you need for $300? is tax and shipping included in that $300?
What will this system be used for?
 
It is seriously unlikely that you can build a complete system for that much, this looks like an upgrade job to me If you please post your two PC's complete specs i could help you further.
btw where do you reside this could help me find parts in you area
 
I live in Denver. I'm not wanting to upgrade my current systems. I need a 3rd PC, and yes it can be done for under 300. I did the last 2 for about that w/ HD and OC.
 
What else do you need this PC for some rough idea would be useful
for a new pc i would recommend going with intel for the CPU.
Do you need a PSU?
Do you wish to overclock?
 
Personally, I feel that you're going to cut too many corners with just a $300 budget.

Core components:
$56 - Antec NSK4480 with EarthWatts 380W PSU (~$80 including shipping)
$36 - Wintec AMPO 2x1GB DDR2 kit (~$42 w/ S/H)
(No HDD or GPU -- you won't find decent parts for less than $40 each, plus shipping)
(No OS either -- you'll be spending at least $100 on one)
=====
Subtotal - $92 (~$122 w/ S/H)

Intel Build:
$70 - Intel E2180 (free shipping)
$65 - Gigabyte GA-P31-S3G (~$73 w/ S/H)
=====
Subtotal - $135 (~$143 w/ S/H)

AMD Build:
$66 - AMD X2 4600+ (free shipping)
$70 - BIOSTAR A770 (~$77 w/ S/H)
=====
Subtotal - $136 (~$143 w/ S/H)

Total for Intel Build: $227 (~$265 w/ S/H)
Total for AMD Build: $228 (~$265 w/ S/H)

(Shipping is approximate, but it's included to show the limitations of a $300 budget.)

With that budget, you're better off looking for a special on a Dell (or equivalent) system.

You may also want to consider getting some of the parts used.
 
I would only use this computer for playing everquest. So it doesnt need to be uber by any means. Seems on price watch i can get a barebones amd x2 4600 at 140 bucks
 
Also, the other alternative would be to take the 3rd pc i have now ( doesnt work to well) take out the intel p4 3.0 and mobo and replace those 2 with newer stuff? but seems intel is a bit more expensive and have always had issues with intel
 
Rydawg5143 said:
Also, the other alternative would be to take the 3rd pc i have now ( doesnt work to well) take out the intel p4 3.0 and mobo and replace those 2 with newer stuff? but seems intel is a bit more expensive and have always had issues with intel
Click to expand...
Intel make some deccent hardware admittedly they are more expensive but offer more bang per buck than AMD

Ok for you situation i would recomend a decent P35 Board form abit or asus, an intel Intel pentium dual core E2160 1.8ghz 800mhz FSB and a decent 2GB RAM kit A-DATA are usually recomended but my preference is corsair but i understand that in the USA you hve to pay a higher premium. CAS5 latency RAM 800Mhz sould be suffice check neweggs site for pricing ;)
 
Sorry i should of stated, that I dont need a HD, OC or GPU, because i already have a 500 gb HD, Vista and 8800
 
That's fine... either of the above options (in my earlier post) would work. The Intel build is the better of the two options, as it can easily overclock (with an aftermarket CPU cooler, though YMMV) to around/over 3GHz.

(OC? Don't you mean OS, as in operating system?)
 
and I dont like to overclock, just never a need for it with the things i do
 
yeah, wish i had more money to spend but, single dad = not alot of free money
 
I included the (approximate) shipping amounts so you could see how close you were with your $300 budget. You can actually fit the Sonata III/EA500 combo into your budget because it's $105 with free shipping. You would spend around $290, including estimated shipping, if you went with the Sonata III instead of the NSK4480.

$105 - Sonata III/EarthWatts 500W combo (free shipping)
$42 - Wintec 2x1GB DDR2 800 kit
$143 - Intel or AMD CPU/mobo combo
=====
$290 - Estimated total (including approximate shipping)

With the 8800GT, the EarthWatts 380W would be cutting it close. The 500W EarthWatts PSU is more than enough for your proposed setup, and it allows you some extra power for future upgrades. When you factor in shipping costs, the Buy.com deal for the Sonata III is cheaper than the NewEgg "deal" for the NSK4480.
 
Thanks for all the info :) I'm a reborn newb to all this stuff. As i used to build comps many years ago and just am starting again :/
 
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