Budget system build

I

Illusion79

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Feb 5, 2006
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I am looking to build my first system. I need soom opinions. This computer is only going to be used for web-surfing, dvd ripping and buring, cd burning, very minor gaming, photo editing, and basic word processing. Im looking at this CPU and MB combo at outpost to start.

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/4705559?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
I have a couple NIC cards laying around so the reviews dont bother me. I also have a NEC 3550A CD/DVD burner. How much and what kind of ram would you recommend. I also have a power supple laying around. Is there anything I am forgetting? Feel free to make any suggestions.

Also I would be trying some minor overclocking.............
:)
 
You're forgetting the video card, actually. That motherboard does not come with onboard video. Since this motherboard is AGP, you'll need to get an AGP video card. I'd suggest a 9800SE, considering your purposes: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814102587

Got one in my mom's computer, who mostly uses it for e-mail / web-surfing / taxes / moderate video editing with Adobe premiere (mostly for her work). Although I have gotten F.E.A.R. to run at 800x600 with medium settings, and she does play Myst on it, so in case you want to try some games you're not totally dead.

In terms of memory, I'd suggest only 512MB. You probably don't need a gigabyte.

Also, I would seriously consider buying a new power supply, although posting the power supply's specs for everyone else to see can't hurt.
 
the video card listed above should be good for basic game playing.

For ram I'd reccommend getting a single stick of 512MB.
CORSAIR ValueSelect 512MB 184-Pin DDR
You could then add a second one in the future if the computer started to feel slow.

Your current power supply will probably be just fine, unless it's below 350W. If you have stability problems, I'd check the PS first.

It comes with a "tray CPU" which means you will need a heatsink+fan.
I've liked this one: ARCTIC COOLING ACS64U

Do you have a case?

Do you have a Hard drive?
 
I never thought of the video card. The power supply is a 400W. I have a 80gb western digital HD thats never been used. I do have a case, but I am thinking of getting a new one. Would a retail sempron and different mobo be better? I was originally planning on a expensive system build, but after really thinking of what i was going to do, there was no reason for it.
 
The only problem I see with what you are looking at is that it has very little upgrade potential. AGP is on its way out the door. Socket 754 will be around a little bit longer, but is limited to single core processors.

Here's a basic setup that would have better upgrade options:

Case: Antec Solution SLK1650B Black Computer Case $71
Nice basic case with a quality powers supply. I have used a half dozen of these for builds for myself and friends, and they work great. Quiet exhaust fan and power supply. Rubber isolated hard drive mounts. If you get a big processor or big video card in the future, then you may want to replace the power supply. Another note, your current power supply may not work for the mother board below, as it requires a 24pin main power plug while your current PS probably only has a 20pin main plug.

Mother Board: ASUS A8N-VM Micro ATX AMD Motherboard $72
This mother board has integrated graphics that would allow for basic gaming. The PCIe x16 slot would allow you to add a faster video card any time in the future. Socket 939 will give you a lot of upgrade options if you get into something that requirs a lot of power in the future. ASUS is one of the best mother board manufacturers while ECS is a little hit and miss with their quality.

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Socket 939 Processor $173
This A64 3200+ is only $9 more than the A64 3000+. Don't let the virtual ratings confuse you, the A64 3200+ is a lot stronger than the Sempron 3100+. This is due to its larger cache and its dual channel memory controller. The A64 processor also is a 64bit processor where the sempron you're looking at isn't.

Memory: CORSAIR ValueSelect 512MB DDR Memory $42
Buy one stick now, and if you need more performance add a second stick later. Your computer will only run the memory in single channel mode until you get a second stick, but that would be no worse than the sempron processor. I wouldn't get a 2x 256mb kit now just to get dual channel operation, a single 512MB stick will give you plenty of performance now and a second 512mb stick will give you even more performance later.

Case with PS + Mobo + Proc + Mem = $358 including shipping

This setup is only if you care about being able to upgrade, if that doesn't matter to you then get the sempron/ECS mobo and other misc parts those are cheaper.
 
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