1st time builder <$600 possible?

A

Anh N.

Gawd
Joined
Feb 3, 2007
Messages
875
This is my 1st time trying to build a PC. Just got a decent tax return, and would like to start a PC building project to understand it better. I would like to go with the C2D. Already have keyboard/mouse/monitor. This machine is mostly a learning project which will be donate to parents when done, and occasional use for PC MMORP games. My knowledge for building PC is next to nothing:eek: , but trying to learn (building/OC' :p ). I would like to keep it in the range of $500-$700 if possible. Thanks in advance for all your inputs, time and advices. :D
 
For a C2D system. . . MAYBE. If you go really budget on everything else, but I wouldn't advise it. If you're looking for a cheaper dual core solution, try the Pentium D, which will run you about $80 cheaper than the cheapest C2D.
 
800 is very doable without cutting corners... 700 maybe, 600 very doubtful
 
I think that it is more than possible. Not everyone has to have the top-of-the-line uber overclocking crap like everyone seems to think. An E6300 or E4300 is a good low end chip. Depending upon how video intensive the MMORPG is, on-board video might even be enuf so that would cut out the price of the vid card. Some value RAM, maybe a 1GB kit. I don't doubt it one bit.
 
Corsair has some 1 gig sticks of ram on newegg for $67,
a decent mobo and proc can be had for another $120
Get a nice sized hd for $60
Case and power supply *non overclocking* $60 shipped

and your set.

The mobo can be had with geforce 6150 on board
You can then save up and spend on a decent
video card later

So you could be looking at $330 for an initial setup.
Get a 22" LCD monitor Acer for 289
and you have a smooking setup.
You can even have a decent 19" for 150
 
$163 - Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 Allendale 1.8GHz 2MB L2 Cache
$119 - Gigabyte GA-965P-S3 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express
$155 - Corsair XMS2 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2-675 TWIN2X2048-5400c4 ($185 - $30MIR)
$70 - eVGA 256-P2-N443-LX GeForce 7300GT 256MB
$53 - Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200RPM SATA300 8MB Cache
$31 - Lite-On 16X DVD&#177;R DVD Burner Black SATA SH-16A7S-05
$10 - Ultra V Series 500W Power Supply ($40 - $40MIR + ~$10 ground shipping)
$0 - Ultra Wizard Black Mid Tower Case ($40 - $40MIR + free shipping)
=========
$601 + tax and shipping

If you want a better vidcard, then go for the 7600GT for $30AR more:
$100 - eVGA 256-P2-N550-T2 GeForce 7600GT 256MB ($120 - $20MIR)

If you have more money to spare, go for one of these PSUs and/or Case instead:
$38 - XClio 450BL ATX 450W
$52 - XClio GoodPower 500W ATX 500W
$40 - Cooler Master Centurion 534 RC-534-KKN2-GP ($50 - $10MIR)

If you want to overclock past 3Ghz, get this HSF:
$40 - Scythe SCNJ-1100P 120mm CPU HSF

If you don't want to wait for the SATA DVD burner to get back in stock, then go for this one:
$29 - Pioneer 16X DVD&#177;R IDE DVR-111D

You can save money on the RAM and get 1GB instead, if you like:
$83 - Corsair XMS2 1GB (2x512MB) DDR2-675 TWIN2X1024-5400C4

Heres a link for that CPU:
http://anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2903
 
playing around with Newegg, came up with:

$59 - ATRIX CSCI-G8022C-C43 Black Zinc plated treatment,S.E.C.C.steel sheeting FCC class CB&CE approved ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 480W Power Supply - Retail

$149 ($139 after rebate) - ASUS P5N-E SLI LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

$69 - EVGA 256-P2-N443-LX GeForce 7300GT 256MB GDDR2 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail

$187 - Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Conroe 1.86GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6300 - Retail

$70 - Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2N5/1G - Retail

$65 - Western Digital Caviar SE WD2500JB 250GB 7200 RPM IDE Ultra ATA100 Hard Drive - OEM

$38 - LITE-ON 20X DVD±R Burner with 12X DVD-RAM write and LightScribe Technology Black IDE Model LH-20A1H-186 - Retail
-------------------------------------------------------------
$627 + S/H

would this be a decent build for money? :D :p :cool:
 
enginurd said:
$163 - Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 Allendale 1.8GHz 2MB L2 Cache
$119 - Gigabyte GA-965P-S3 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express
$155 - Corsair XMS2 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2-675 TWIN2X2048-5400c4 ($185 - $30MIR)
$70 - eVGA 256-P2-N443-LX GeForce 7300GT 256MB
$53 - Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200RPM SATA300 8MB Cache
$31 - Lite-On 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA SH-16A7S-05
$10 - Ultra V Series 500W Power Supply ($40 - $40MIR + ~$10 ground shipping)
$0 - Ultra Wizard Black Mid Tower Case ($40 - $40MIR + free shipping)
=========
$601 + tax and shipping

If you want a better vidcard, then go for the 7600GT for $30AR more:
$100 - eVGA 256-P2-N550-T2 GeForce 7600GT 256MB ($120 - $20MIR)

If you have more money to spare, go for one of these PSUs and/or Case instead:
$38 - XClio 450BL ATX 450W
$52 - XClio GoodPower 500W ATX 500W
$40 - Cooler Master Centurion 534 RC-534-KKN2-GP ($50 - $10MIR)

If you want to overclock past 3Ghz, get this HSF:
$40 - Scythe SCNJ-1100P 120mm CPU HSF

If you don't want to wait for the SATA DVD burner to get back in stock, then go for this one:
$29 - Pioneer 16X DVD±R IDE DVR-111D

You can save money on the RAM and get 1GB instead, if you like:
$83 - Corsair XMS2 1GB (2x512MB) DDR2-675 TWIN2X1024-5400C4

Heres a link for that CPU:
http://anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2903
Click to expand...

Thanks so much for helping out the noobie, I like your build, which fit the budget perfectly, probably go with it :)
 
which is more upgradable? the Gigabyte GA-965P-S3 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express or the Asus 650i?
since they are about 20$ difference :)
 
jbmx4life said:
I think that it is more than possible. Not everyone has to have the top-of-the-line uber overclocking crap like everyone seems to think. An E6300 or E4300 is a good low end chip. Depending upon how video intensive the MMORPG is, on-board video might even be enuf so that would cut out the price of the vid card. Some value RAM, maybe a 1GB kit. I don't doubt it one bit.
Click to expand...

enginurd said:
$163 - Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 Allendale 1.8GHz 2MB L2 Cache
$119 - Gigabyte GA-965P-S3 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express
$155 - Corsair XMS2 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2-675 TWIN2X2048-5400c4 ($185 - $30MIR)
$70 - eVGA 256-P2-N443-LX GeForce 7300GT 256MB
$53 - Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200RPM SATA300 8MB Cache
$31 - Lite-On 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA SH-16A7S-05
$10 - Ultra V Series 500W Power Supply ($40 - $40MIR + ~$10 ground shipping)
$0 - Ultra Wizard Black Mid Tower Case ($40 - $40MIR + free shipping)
=========
$601 + tax and shipping

If you want a better vidcard, then go for the 7600GT for $30AR more:
$100 - eVGA 256-P2-N550-T2 GeForce 7600GT 256MB ($120 - $20MIR)

If you have more money to spare, go for one of these PSUs and/or Case instead:
$38 - XClio 450BL ATX 450W
$52 - XClio GoodPower 500W ATX 500W
$40 - Cooler Master Centurion 534 RC-534-KKN2-GP ($50 - $10MIR)

If you want to overclock past 3Ghz, get this HSF:
$40 - Scythe SCNJ-1100P 120mm CPU HSF

If you don't want to wait for the SATA DVD burner to get back in stock, then go for this one:
$29 - Pioneer 16X DVD±R IDE DVR-111D

You can save money on the RAM and get 1GB instead, if you like:
$83 - Corsair XMS2 1GB (2x512MB) DDR2-675 TWIN2X1024-5400C4

Heres a link for that CPU:
http://anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2903
Click to expand...

See.... I told ya so!
 
Yes its doable for 600-650. I made some list for people that asked me the same question. I didnt read the whole thread so i dont know if any one post you some ideas yet.

That just from a list I made for some one a week ago. that should give you a idea. But yea it def can be done. You just will not have conroe or a X2 but its a trade off. if you want a better cpu or a better video card. The psu should be enough for the video card but I dont remember if I checked the railings or not . When i made this list.

AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice 2.0GHz Socket 939 Processor Model ADA3200BPBOX &#8211; Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103535
$59

ASUS A8N5X Socket 939 NVIDIA nForce4 ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131569
$ 72.99


View Pic G.SKILL Value 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit System Memory Model F1-3200PHU2-2GBNT &#8211; Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231039
$159



Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144701
$74.99

Rosewill R604-P BK 120mm Fan ATX Mid Tower Computer Case &#8211; Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811147058
$25.99

COOLMAX CP-500T EPS12V 500W Power Supply 115/230 V UL, CSA, TUV - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E168171590403
$49.99


SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 18X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2M Cache IDE DVD Burner With LightScribe Technology - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827151136
$29.99

HIS Hightech H195PRF256DDN-R Radeon X1950PRO 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814161060
$174.99

Total 644.96
 
Anh N. said:
which is more upgradable? the Gigabyte GA-965P-S3 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel P965 Express or the Asus 650i?
since they are about 20$ difference :)
Click to expand...
The P5N-E SLI also has another IDE controller, so if you have old IDE drives you'd like to use, this would be a better choice.
markintosh13 said:
Asus has SLI, making it more expandable in at least that regard...
Click to expand...
Yes, it has SLI, but SLI, imo, is useless unless you have a 24" or larger LCD monitor. SLI as an upgrade path isn't worth it, because there will always be a better single card solution (and you can sell your old card). Also, another thing to note, is that to pair an old card could still quite possibly be costly (a used 7800GT is still around $150, which is about the same as a brand new 7900GS; so you're better off selling your 7800GT for $150 and buying an x1950xt for $215).

Since this was for your parents and a casual game, I used the 7300GT in the build. Your budget doesnt allow for a much better card (other than the 7600GT). IMO, its worth the extra $30 for the 7600GT:
http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=431&card2=385
 
SLI can also have a place in a budget build on smaller monitors, or for a 50% low hassle upgrade, and on these cards it is quite easy to bog them down even at lower resolutions on games like FEAR and Oblivion.

It's possible that he goes with the 7300GT card, as they're around $70 (no rebate) compared to $110 - 120 (before $15 rebate), to save a few bucks. It's also possible that for the same money (I won't say less) he could add another 7300GT when the cash is available, and end up with the same performance as a 7600GT. Same arguement could be made with the 7600GT, ending up with 7900XX-like ratings.

Optimal? No. More expensive? Yes, by about $20-30 before rebate. Of possible interest to someone who might want to keep their budget upgrade options open? Maybe.
 
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