AMD Build under $650

C

Chadwick

Limp Gawd
Joined
Mar 3, 2008
Messages
152
Changed
Now another Intel Build
for under $750.00
Sorry AMD:p
last updated: 01:51 PM, Mar. 9​

Case: RAIDMAX Smilodon Extreme $79.99 (59.99 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156078

HD: Western Digital Caviar 320 GB $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136098

Monitor: For now just an old CRT for a placeholder $FREE!

VPU: EVGA Geforce 9600GT 512MB $169.99 ($149.99w/ mail-in rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130334

Memory: 2GB G.Skill DDR2 800 (PC6400) Single Module $44.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231121

PSU: Antec earthwatts 430W $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L rev. 2.0 $82.99
http://clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=A4830813

CPU: Intel Pentium Dual Core E2160 $71.99 (66.99 w/ promo code)
http://clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=A1938281

CPU Heatsink: ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 & some good ole Arctic Silver 5 $26.99 +$5.50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186134
http://clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=CA0159703

DVD-ROM: Sony NEC Optiarc $17.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827101131

OS: Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116204

Total Cost: $733.89 ($688.89 w/ mail-in rebate & promo)
Total Cost:(w/ shipping) $772.46 (727.46 w/ MIR & promo code)​
Changes made possible by the great people at Hardforum :)​


Original Post
I made a previous post on an Intel build, but wanted to see what you guys have to say about my AMD build. I'm a casual gamer and I'm looking to play CoD4, CoH, the Witcher and Team fortress 2. Thanks for any input. :)
Case: Raidmax Smilodon Extreme Black $59.99 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156078
HD: Seagate Barracuda 250 GB $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262
Monitor: For now just an old CRT for a placeholder $FREE!
VPU: Evga Geforce 8600GT 256MB 128-bit $59.99 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130085
Memory: 2GB Mushkin Extreme (PC2 5300) $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146112
PSU: ePOWER 450W $39.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817101030
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-M57SLI-S4 AM2 $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128059
CPU: Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Brisbane 2.6GHz $99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103194
CPU Heatsink: XIGMATEK 120mm Rifle & some good ole Arctic Silver 5 $36.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233003
OS:Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116204
Total Cost: $616.91
I even get 2 free T-shirts! :D...I'll consider giving one to whoever gives me the best input ;)
 
Looks nice, but if you can try to get a better graphics card. I would say if you can try to get a 8800gs or a 3850 it will be such an improvement.
 
Don't use the "after rebate" price -- without those rebates (and not including shipping, which costs extra), you're looking at a total of around $670. In fact, don't count the "savings" you would get from the mail-in rebates until you have all of the rebate checks in your hand.

You shouldn't skimp on the power supply, as it's the one thing that powers everything. The PSU you chose is not one that I would recommend. Get the Antec EarthWatts 430W instead; it's made by a more reputable manufacturer (Seasonic, actually), and it's designed to be energy efficient. (NewEgg also has it on sale, with free shipping.)

You may also want to consider purchasing one of the Antec case/PSU bundles. I recommend Antec because it's the only company that ship good PSUs with their cases... but make sure that the case you're looking at contains one of the Antec EarthWatts PSUs.

Antec NSK4480 case w/ EarthWatts 380W PSU - $72 (+$15 S/H)
Antec NSK6580 case w/ EarthWatts 430W PSU - $110 (free shipping)
Antec Sonata III case w/ EarthWatts 500W PSU - $130 (free shipping)

With the prices of DDR2 800 RAM being so low these days, it's better to go that route. For example, you could purchase a 2GB dual channel kit from A-DATA for around $44 with free shipping (and a $10 mail-in rebate). Motherboards generally perform better with two sticks of RAM than with four; if you are planning on buying more memory later, you may be better off purchasing one 2GB stick now (like the Patriot 2GB DDR2 800 single module that's available at Frys.com for $40) and buying another 2GB stick (preferably the same type) later.

What's the resolution that you use on the CRT monitor? I believe that if you're planning on gaming, the HD3850 should be the minimum "standard" for gaming GPUs. However, with your limited budget -- an HD3850 costs around $150-$175 new -- you may have to settle for the 8600GT. (Just be a bit more realistic about the price. ;) )

If you're still trying to cut corners, it's better to cut them on the CPU/mobo front as most games out today are mainly GPU-dependent. You may want to stick with the "plain" X2 5000+ instead of the 5000+ BE, lose the XIGMATEK 120mm Rifle HSF (since the "plain" 5000+ has a retail HSF), and divert the savings into getting a better video card. However, if you're willing to overclock (and it seems like you are), you may be better served by picking up the Intel E2160 processor and the Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L motherboard instead. (The Intel motherboard is barebones compared to the one you chose, with 4 SATA ports, no RAID, and only one PCIe x16 slot. However, it accepts any and all available dual- and quad-core Intel processors.) The E2160 could easily reach 3.0GHz, and at those speeds, it would be better than most non Phenom or BE AMD processors.
 
I agree with tiraides. You'll be better off with an intel build OC'd to 3Ghz (which is easy, btw). But hey, if you're an AMD fanboy, then by all means, buy AMD... they need all the help they can get! (and so do my stocks, lol)
 
Stick with an Intel setup. At that price you can build an Intel setup that is faster than your OP. An Intel Allendale E2200 at sock speed is overall faster than that X2 5000+ cpu at a cheaper cost. I would get another better more reliable PS such as the Silverstone ST400 with +29 amps on the +12v for $36 after rebate. The case, go with the Coolermaster Elite 330 for $40. For $75 get the WD 320gig SATA 300 drive. Graphics, get the XFX for $120 after rebate. This is alot faster than that 8600GT card. Memory - 2 x 1gig Crucials DDR2 800 for $35. Mobo - P35 mobo such as the Gigabyte GA-P35DS3L. Heatsink - Arctic Cooling Freezer pro 7 for $27

Case - Coolermaster Elite 330 - $40
Mobo - P35 Gigabyte GA-P35DS3L - $90
CPU - Intel Core 2 Allendale E2200 at 2.2ghz - $90
Memory - 2 x 1gig Crucial Ballistix DDR2 800 for $35 after $30 rebate
Video - XFX 8800GS 384MB for $120 after $30 rebate
HDD - WD 320gig SATA 300 - $75
Optical - 20x lite on for $23
O/S - Win Vista Home Premium 64 bit - $110
Heatsink - Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 pro - $27
PS - Silverstone ST400 - $36 after rebate

Total $646 after rebates

You pay upfront more than $650 bucks but, in then end, the price you pay for the increase in peformance is worth it.
 
Again, DO NOT RELY ON THE AFTER-REBATE PRICE. You still have to pay the full amount up front when you purchase everything.

Having said that, I agree with HardwareGuru: The increase you allow into your budget, even if it's just $50 more, would give you a much better system.
 
I'm also not crazy about the power supply. Single rail, 3 fans (loud?) and probably not that efficient.
 
AMD or Intel, whatever you do, please don't get this 8600GT video card for COD4. LoL
 
Damn you guys are good. I'm obviously in the noobie zone with what's out and about in the computer world today. This is what I'm thinking after taking in everyone's replies. Thank you very much btw. :)


Case: COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 $54.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119077

HD: Western Digital Caviar 320 GB $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136098

Monitor: For now just an old CRT for a placeholder $FREE!

VPU: XFX Geforce 8800GS $159.99 ($129.99w/ mail-in rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150276

Memory: 2GB DDR2 PC6400 PATRIOT/ SINGLE MODULE $39.99
http://shop3.outpost.com/{pn2J3rN-N...nBnsI7lpA**.node1?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

PSU: Antec earthwatts 430W $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128059

CPU: Intel Pentium E2200 Allendale 2.2GHz $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116063

CPU Heatsink: Thermalright XP-90 & some good ole Arctic Silver 5 $27.95
775 Retention Bracket $4.95
http://www.svc.com/xp-90-21.html
http://www.svc.com/lga775rm-21.html

OS: Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116204

Total Cost: $702.82 ($672.82 w/ mail-in rebate)
 
Looks good. You made a typo on the PS. It's $50 but, nevertheless, it comes out about the same in total cost. This is alot better than your previous OP. In summary, here is where you improved

CPU - overall faster performance and overclocking potential is greater
PS - higher amperage output on the +12v at 30 amps with high efficiency and more reliable PS
Video - Far superior performance over the 8600GT. You will need it for COD4, The Witcher and COH
*NOTE - on that XFX 8800GS card, some users posted saying that cards fan is kind of loud. So, if this does not bother you than your good. If your gaming with sounds cranked up, this wil not be an issue.
HDD - larger disk space for only $5 more

Also, later on, slap another 2gig Patriot module to make it 4gigs. This will be solid for Vista 64bit
 
Ahh thanks for the heads up HardwareGuru. Thank you for the great advice too. Chances are I'll be ordering most of these parts very soon. :D

Question: I have one question now. If I don't have a fan blowing directly on the XP-90 heatsink, will it still be alright with overclocking? I'm probably going to want a case with a side fan, correct?
 
to save some bucks you could get these:

$26.99- ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler
$71.99- Intel Pentium Dual Core E2160 (currently w/ a $5 discount promotion code)
$82.99- GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L rev. 2.0

with the money saved you good get even a better graphics card:
$169 ($149.99 after MIR) - EVGA 512-P3-N861-AR GeForce 9600GT 512MB

*you will still be able to oc to 3.0ghz or more with the changes

Chadwick said:
Question: I have one question now. If I don't have a fan blowing directly on the XP-90 heatsink, will it still be alright with overclocking? I'm probably going to want a case with a side fan, correct?
Click to expand...

you could just go with the cpu cooler i suggested.
 
Alright thanks crhscoog, you just saved me $20.00 on the cpu and mobo. I'm still pretty stuck on the XP-90, I'm thinking of maybe changing my case to the RAIDMAX Smilodon with the money you just saved me. The case can have up to 4 fans and has a removable mobo tray.

RAIDMAX Smilodon Extreme Black $79.99 ($59.99 w/ MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156078

Total Cost: $702.82 ($647.82 after mail-in rebate)
 
Very good point that crhscoog just mentioned. With his setup:

CPU - $72
Mobo - $83
Video - $170
Heatsink - $27

Total - $352 before rebates

Your Setup:
CPU - $90
Mobo - $90
Video - $160
heatsink - $28

Total - $368 before rebates

The 512MB 9600GT video will be faster than the 384MB 8800GS card. The E2160 CPU can also be overclocked easily. When it comes to gaming, it's more GPU limited than CPU limited.

Rememebr also that the more parts you order from different vendors, the more shipping cost you deal with. So...total everything up including shipping price and see how much you save.


crhscoog said:
to save some bucks you could get these:

$26.99- ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler
$71.99- Intel Pentium Dual Core E2160 (currently w/ a $5 discount promotion code)
$82.99- GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L rev. 2.0

with the money saved you good get even a better graphics card:
$169 ($149.99 after MIR) - EVGA 512-P3-N861-AR GeForce 9600GT 512MB

*you will still be able to oc to 3.0ghz or more with the changes



you could just go with the cpu cooler i suggested.
Click to expand...
 
Everything so far with shipping will be...

Total w/ shipping: $741.68
I can most definitely afford that in a week.

Question: I'm thinking about changing that 8800 for a 9600 now. Would EVGA be the best bet with the new 9600?

I was thinking the EVGA 512-P3-N861-AR GeForce 9600GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 primarily. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130334

$169.99 ($149.99 after MIR)\

Brings
Total Cost w/ shipping: 758.26 (w/ rebates total w/ shipping will be $718.26)
I'd prefer not to go much higher
 
It's worth it. It comes out more than what you originally posted on prices etc. But, the price/performance you gain is ALOT more which justifies the added cost.
 
Chadwick said:
Changed
Now another Intel Build
Sorry AMD:p

Case: RAIDMAX Smilodon Extreme $79.99 (59.99 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156078

HD: Western Digital Caviar 320 GB $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136098

Monitor: For now just an old CRT for a placeholder $FREE!

VPU: EVGA Geforce 9600GT 512MB $169.99 ($149.99w/ mail-in rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130334

Memory: 2GB DDR2 PC6400 PATRIOT/ SINGLE MODULE $39.99
http://shop3.outpost.com/{pn2J3rN-N...nBnsI7lpA**.node1?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

PSU: Antec earthwatts 430W $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L rev. 2.0 $82.99
http://clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=A4830813

CPU: Intel Pentium Dual Core E2160 $71.99 (66.99 w/ promo code)
http://clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=A1938281

CPU Heatsink: Thermalright XP-90 & some good ole Arctic Silver 5 $27.95
775 Retention Bracket $4.95
http://www.svc.com/xp-90-21.html
http://www.svc.com/lga775rm-21.html

OS: Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116204

Total Cost: $707.87 ($662.87 w/ mail-in rebate & promo)
Total Cost:(w/ shipping) $757.82 (717.82 w/ MIR)​
Changes made possible by the great people at Hardforum :)​
Click to expand...

Bump for final upgrades. What do you guys think?
 
Not recommended, passively cooled heatsinks with no fan blowing will not cool the cpu as well, especially when it comes to overclocking. But, that Raidmax Smilodon case does have a 80mm side fan to help blow air on the heatsink. This should help. However, the airflow is not as strong and concentrated on the heatsink as oppose to a heatsink with a fan mounted directly on the heatsink.

That XP-90 heatsink may look cool to you base on your preference. However, its more important that a CPU Heatsink performs better to cool the cpu and makes your system more stable. The heatsink that crhscoog mentioned above is good already and it will perform better than that XP-90 even with a side case fan blowing on the XP-90. I would recommend it over the XP-90 for 3 good reasons:

1. Cheaper than XP-90 by $6
2. Performs better than that XP-90 that's passively cooled with no fan
3. Less trouble to deal with installing the heatsink. The XP-90 you have to worry about those retention brackets to convert the 478 socket to work on a LGA775.


Chadwick said:
Question: I have one question now. If I don't have a fan blowing directly on the XP-90 heatsink, will it still be alright with overclocking? I'm probably going to want a case with a side fan, correct?
Click to expand...
 
I was planning to mod the case to have the upper 80mm fan converted to a 120mm. This was my idea for the setup. Here's my awesome paint diagram...:D
Red shows exhaust | Blue shows intake


I think the setup is pretty fantastic if you ask me.

My question: Should I have the lower 80mm an exhaust for the trapped air under the video card or should I have it blow directly on the VPU?

I have about 10x 80mm fans and 2x 120mm fans lying around my house along with a thermostat and a fan speed controller for 4 fans... If you knew me you'd know how much I like to tinker :) and I thought in the mind... 3x 80mm and 2x 120mm would keep the case an ice box. I was planning on hooking everything but the rear fan to the fan controller
 
Assuming the air from the front intake fan makes it to the GPU area, you can make the lower fan an exhaust. It seems like your airflow isn't balanced, though.

You might as well buy a case with better airflow, like the Antec Nine Hundred, Antec P180, or Cooler Master RC-690 instead.

If you want a passively cooled CPU HSF, the Scythe Ninja is best for such task, since its fins are widely spread out, yet it still uses heatpipes. If you can get yourself to ditch the XP-90, any of the tower coolers would do a better job.
 
My Ultima90 performs the same as my Tuniq, yet its smaller, lighter, and easier to install. Though, with an E2000 series chip, all you need is the Freezer7 Pro or similar. No real need for the xigmatek, tuniq, nor ultima90 unless you plan on upgrading the CPU sometime soon.
 
you should probably make an AMD build. The build in my sig plus new fans was all under $600 because i got almost everything from the F/S/T forum here. you should check it out
 
Thanks for all the replies everyone, you've helped greatly. To Kevin, I'm pretty set right now, for the performance boost I'm alright spending $100 more dollars then I intended in the beginning of this post. Plus, I get all the warranties and I can easily upgrade down the road. I can change to Quad Core, Toss another 2GB stick in, use Evga's step-up program for maybe a 9800... The only drawback I see in this current build is no SLI with the Gigabyte P35. I think I do without it though. Thanks again for all the replies everyone, you've helped tremendously. I should be ordering these parts within the next week. :D
 
Good luck with your build.

(And don't forget to post your final list, when you order everything, and pics of the build.)
 
Thanks tiraides. Final list is now on the front page, first post. I changed from Patriot RAM to Gskill for better OCing. If anyone wants to put any input in on the final list, please do so. :)
 
Don't worry about overclocking the memory; just keep it at a 1:1 ratio. (The current generation of Intel processors don't benefit from having the RAM overclocked.) Having said that, your final list looks good.

Just remember to take pictures when everything arrives. ;)
 
Will do. I'm ordering everything probably this Friday. :D Hoping to pick up an Acer 22" lcd monitor at evil Wal-mart with my $200 evil Wal-mart gift card.
 
Oh one question that just popped in my mind. I'd like to overclock the E2160 to 3.4 GHz, will the P35 mobo or the DDR 800 hold me back? Or will I be fine aslong as my noobyself does everything right?
 
The chip will probably hold you back more than anything else. I got a lemon E2180 that pretty much refuses to boot past the 3GHz it's at without going beyond like 1.55V, way too much for me to consider risking :( Personally I wouldn't expect to get 3.4GHz out of it unless you get lucky, maybe 3-3.2GHz is a more realistic figure, but it should still be plenty if it's mainly for gaming.
 
Alright thanks Trombe. I agree with you after reading some stories of people overlocking the P35 & E2160...3GHz looks to be the best bet.
 
Your setup looks real good Chadwick. Don't wait too long on the purchase as the prices will change and may end. The Antec PS will end on 3/17/08 soo.. don't wait too long. Youn don't want to order the parts when the discount prices end and you pay more $.
 
I dunno about a 19" man. Pretty small and for $200+ dollars is pricey for a 19". You might as well step up to a 22"


Chadwick said:
I just got $200.00 after returning my PSP to wally world. I'm thinking LCD widescreen? Anyone have an good LCD's they'd like to recommend? I've been looking at the
SAMSUNG 906BW Black-Silver 19" 2 ms (GTG) Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 2000:1 $229.99. ($209.99 after MIR) It also has free shipping.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001094
Click to expand...
 
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