$350 Budget Build Evaluation

[NapoleanBnprt]

My sister/brother-in-law have asked me to build them a PC for under $350. Their requirements are low as this will mainly be for Internet browsing, word processing, light gaming, and some sound+photo editing. I'd like to get your opinions on how good this build is for the $$ and if i screwed anything up (something not compatible)

What I've configured from Newegg is as follows:

Mobo: GIGABYTE GA-G31M-S2L LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

CPU: Intel Pentium E2180 Allendale 2.0GHz 1MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail

Memory: G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

Case: hec 6K28BB8F Black 0.8mm SECC Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case - Retail

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD3200AAKS 320GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

Video Card: ASUS EAH3450/HTP/256M Radeon HD 3450 256MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Retail

Burner: SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD Burner - OEM

Total: $342.93

Note: I already have a 500watt power supply and OS

Thanks

 

[Rydawg5143]

-before one the older members asks... WHat power supply? They arent all made equal
-dunno much about that GPU to say anything
- Good choice in HD, DVD, mobo, Ram and CPU me thinks
-Case is really what they prefer ( may want to ask)

What OS, just curious

 

[NapoleanBnprt]

It's actually a 500watt power supply

Power Supply: RAIDMAX RX-500S 500W ATX12V Power Supply 100 - 120V/ 200 - 240V cUL, TUV, CE, CB, FCC - Retail

Based on reviews and measurements, i'm pretty sure it will fit in matx case

OS is XP pro

 

[stainremover]

for a budget build, and especially if they don't want monster performance, i feel an amd would be slightly better. a 780g board can hybrid crossfire with the card you picked, improving performance by a decent amount.

switching to these two:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813186141

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103257

will save you about $20. performance drop shouldn't be too noticeable. might even do slightly better in games.

 

[UncleDavid218]

Tell them to visit www.dell.com.

You'll thank me later.

 

[stainremover]

Tell them to visit www.dell.com.

You'll thank me later.

i actually like his response more than mine. although even dell would have a hard time providing a computer for under $350.

 

[engiNURD]

no no no... first you visit www.gotapex.com and find out what to buy from dell.com! I like the vostros better than the inspirons because they're more standard (micro atx/atx psu/etc) and therefore better for upgrading, in case an upgraded is needed.

For instance, you can get a dual core, 1gb ram, 160gb hdd, dvdrw, os, onboard graphics, and 19" monitor for $399. Since you don't need a monitor nor OS, pickup the $299 system that comes with no monitor and linux instead of windows.

for example:

$259: Inspiron 530 mini desktop with 2.0Ghz Dual-Core E2180, 1GB DDR2 SDRAM, 250GB HD, 16x DVD+/-RW, and Ubuntu Linux 7.1, expiring 11/19/08. Just remove the monitor to drop $190 from the initial price. DELL INSPIRON 530N DESKTOP DEAL

or if they want a nice monitor:

Dell Vostro 200 MiniTower with 2.53GHz Core2Duo, 2GB DDR2, 250GB SATA Hard Drive, DVD+RW and 22" LCD Monitor for Only $499 with FREE Shipping DELL VOSTRO COMPUTER DEALS

 

[htphm42]

I seconded the idea of going the AMD route if performance is not of the upmost importance. Although you could probably find some sick deals from Dell, they're few and far in between. That being said, if you don't mind waiting, then go the Dell route. If you need it right now, go with with the AMD.