$600 Computer Build

Mmm.vap0r

n00b
Joined
Jun 18, 2006
Messages
58
An early "Thanks!" to anyone who takes the time to help me out.




1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Gaming and web browsing mainly...but a little bit of everything

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
Under $600 including shipping

3) Where do you live?
Atlanta, GA

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific.
CPU, Motherboard, RAM, HDD, and MAYBE a new Video Card and PSU

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
Case, 2 DVD Writing Drives and MAYBE PSU (Turbolink 500 watt PSU) and ATI Radeon x1900 XT 512 MB

(It really depends on what you guys suggest, since you ARE the experts)

6) Will you be overclocking?
At least a little

7) What size monitor do you have or plan to have?
19 inch Samsung SyncMaster 931B

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
End of March

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? etc.
RAID...that's it really

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license?
Yes. Either Windows Vista 64 or 32
 
Everything that lowteck recommended is good.

If you want a bit more juice, I'd go with:
1. E7400 - $120
2. ATI 4850 - $125 AR
3. BFG 550W - $60 AR

Should still be under your budget.
 
Kewl, my build's only $400, just got around to using the calculator :D

The E74 is $120 btw, the E84 is $165.

+E84 +4850 = extra $140, $60 away from the $600. I wouldn't pay an extra $100 for an E84 over the E52; better stepping up to a GTX260 (but 19" monitor.......).
 
Kewl, my build's only $400, just got around to using the calculator :D

The E74 is $120 btw, the E84 is $165.

+E84 +4850 = extra $140, $60 away from the $600. I wouldn't pay an extra $100 for an E84 over the E52; better stepping up to a GTX260 (but 19" monitor.......).

so you DEFINITELY think I need a new video card? What kind of performance difference is there between a 4830, 4850, and gtx 260? Drastic? Noticeable? What?
 
Guys, stop using the after-rebate prices. It distorts the actual costs at checkout, especially for items that don't come with free shipping. (lowteckh, you should know better....)

For a decent motherboard with RAID, get the Gigabtye GA-EP45-UD3R. The GA-EP45-UD3LR also comes with RAID, but you lose two SATA ports.

For full use of 4GB or more RAM, the 64-bit version of Windows is recommended. Which version of Vista do you have?

Here's another option to consider for a power supply: the Antec Earthwatts EA500.

Stick with lowteckh's recommendations on the RAM, HDD, and video card. Go with PC_User's suggestion on the E7400. The HD4830 performs on par with the 8800GT, which is the same card that I use with my SyncMaster 930B monitor (that has specs similar to your 931B). The HD4850 performs better (of couse), and it's capable of letting you play games on resolutions as high as 1920x1200 (granted, with low visual settings, but still...). The GTX 260 is overkill for a 19 inch monitor.
 
I agree with tiraides. Yes, you definitely need a new vidcard and PSU.
 
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