My buddy has recently started getting into counter strike source but the integrated graphics on his laptop can't quite cut it. He's low on cash but hoping to build a desktop that can play CS:S without issues. I have a 7800GT laying around that he can use, what do you think would be the cheapest cpu/mobo/ram combo that would be able to run CS:S?
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Budget gaming computer for Source Engine games
- Thread starter have2p
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Dangman
Ninja Editor SuperMod
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What about power supply? OS? Case? HDD? Basically, what other parts does he need?
EDIT: Will he be OCing as well?
EDIT: Will he be OCing as well?
Look in my thread here, just ignore the GPU, but that MSI mobo with the AMD X2 4000+ combined with 2gb of RAM are more than enough to play source and probably any other games like CSS.
The total with the MSI Mobo, the 4000+ and the 2gb is 185$
as far as the HDD goes, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262
that would be more than enough(i think)
Ive always liked NZTX so heres their case that i would pick
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146041
And something like this for a PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817189005
And a very basic Sony DVD Drive http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827101131
The GRAND TOTAL with mobo, ram, case, psu, HDD, DVD Drive and CPU(assuming that you can spare a few bucks for a few fans) is 577$ w/out rebates.
The total with the MSI Mobo, the 4000+ and the 2gb is 185$
as far as the HDD goes, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262
that would be more than enough(i think)
Ive always liked NZTX so heres their case that i would pick
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146041
And something like this for a PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817189005
And a very basic Sony DVD Drive http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827101131
The GRAND TOTAL with mobo, ram, case, psu, HDD, DVD Drive and CPU(assuming that you can spare a few bucks for a few fans) is 577$ w/out rebates.
thanks noobtoast, looks like a pretty good deal, but other suggestions are welcome.
In terms of PSU/HDD/other parts I was planning on picking those out myself (I'm pretty picky when it comes to PSUs) I'm just not sure what to pick for mobo/cpu/ram.
In terms of PSU/HDD/other parts I was planning on picking those out myself (I'm pretty picky when it comes to PSUs) I'm just not sure what to pick for mobo/cpu/ram.
Got a Frys Eletronics near by? http://www.netaffilia.com/ad/electronics/frys/i/2008/01/18/29482.html
Expired yesterday
Dangman
Ninja Editor SuperMod
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- Messages
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The cheapest combo that can run CS:S pretty well would be this IMO:
AMD Athlon64 X2 4000+ CPU - $59
ASUS M2A-VM AMD 690G mATX Motherboard - $64
A-Data ADQVE1A16K 2 x 1GB DDR2 800 RAM - $41
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Total: $164 Plus tax and shipping
Since your friend is on low budget where every dollar might count, I recommend this PSU:
Silverstone ST400 400W PSU - $45
It received a pretty decent review here:
http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTQzNCwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==
If you're buying a new case as well, check out this case and PSU combo:
Antec Sonata III ATX Case with Antec Earthwatts 500W PSU - $110
AMD Athlon64 X2 4000+ CPU - $59
ASUS M2A-VM AMD 690G mATX Motherboard - $64
A-Data ADQVE1A16K 2 x 1GB DDR2 800 RAM - $41
---
Total: $164 Plus tax and shipping
Since your friend is on low budget where every dollar might count, I recommend this PSU:
Silverstone ST400 400W PSU - $45
It received a pretty decent review here:
http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTQzNCwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==
If you're buying a new case as well, check out this case and PSU combo:
Antec Sonata III ATX Case with Antec Earthwatts 500W PSU - $110