Build Help 500$ - AMD or Intel. Specs Inside

[USMC2Hard4U]

I am building a computer for my dad. Actually, I am teaching him how to build it. Anyway I dont have alot of $$$ to play with, but 500$ is about good. I needing a CPU, Mobo, Ram, and PSU.

Case, DVD/BD ROM, HDD, Monitor we already have. Will be using onboard video.

This machine's primary purpose is to rip and Encode Movies, as well as my dads entire CD collection to AAC or w/e compressed format.

Also, it will be used as a media center to watch the movies... Connected to a monitor and a 1080p HD TV via HDMI directly. No surround sound.

These are the two builds that I was thinking:

Intel Q9400 2.66GHz 6MB L2 - 189.99
Intel Mobo BOXDG45ID (Intel G45 graphics) - 99.99
4GB (2x2) DDR2 800 - 69.99
Antec TruePower 650 - 99.99
Total - $456

OR

AMD Phenom II X4 945 3.0GHz 95W - 169.99
Gigabyte Mobo 785G Chipset (Radeon 4200 Graphics) - 94.99
4GB (2x2) DDR3 1333 - 89.99
Antec TruePower 650 - 99.99
Total - $455

Now, I understand that I have an option for a Nvidia GeForce 9300/9400 chipset with the intel as well, however, I do not want to utilize this option. Either the Intel Mobo with Intel Graphics, or AMD with AMD graphics.

Which is better give the price and specs? Thanks.

 

[gwarren007]

gb 785gmt / 630 $200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.272133

Gskill $79
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231274

400cx $50 (10mir)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008

The AMD 630 is all you need, plus the TP650 is WAAAY overkill. This will be able to encode everything you throw at it, plus be able to view Blue ray movies (if you choose). For the case, i would sugget the Sliverstone LC-17b if you plan on having 3 or more HD's, the Antek Nsk2480 if you plan on having 3 or less HD's.

 

[Dangman]

Problems with both builds:
- Overkill of a PSU
- Neither are good for the price and specs.

Intel Build Problems:
- Based on a EOL socket
- Overpriced DDR2 RAM
- Overpriced CPU

AMD Build Problems:
- The Phenom II 940 does not support DDR3 RAM.
- The only $95 Gigabyte 785G motherboard I found on newegg is socket AM3 only. So it does not support the socket AM2+ Phenom II 940
- A tad bit overpriced on the RAM.

If you still want to spend most of that $500 budget, then I recommend this combo instead:
$247 - AMD Phenom II X4 945 CPU + Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-UD2H AMD 785G mATX Motherboard Combo

Similar mobo and similar performing CPU as your previous choices but $17 cheaper.

Also, I'd recommend this G.Skill RAM set to save additional money:
$71 - G.Skill F3-10600CL9D-4GBNT 2 x 2GB DDR3 1333 RAM

Same PSU recommendation as gwarren007 though.

 

[USMC2Hard4U]

Problems with both builds:
- Overkill of a PSU
- Neither are good for the price and specs.

Intel Build Problems:
- Based on a EOL socket
- Overpriced DDR2 RAM
- Overpriced CPU

AMD Build Problems:
- The Phenom II 940 does not support DDR3 RAM.
- The only $95 Gigabyte 785G motherboard I found on newegg is socket AM3 only. So it does not support the socket AM2+ Phenom II 940
- A tad bit overpriced on the RAM.

If you still want to spend most of that $500 budget, then I recommend this combo instead:
$247 - AMD Phenom II X4 945 CPU + Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-UD2H AMD 785G mATX Motherboard Combo

Similar mobo and similar performing CPU as your previous choices but $17 cheaper.

Also, I'd recommend this G.Skill RAM set to save additional money:
$71 - G.Skill F3-10600CL9D-4GBNT 2 x 2GB DDR3 1333 RAM

Same PSU recommendation as gwarren007 though.

Thx, I mean 945 not 940 but thx for the catch.

 

[engiNURD]

No surround sound 7.1ch setup, so no need for the GeForce chipsets. Both g's and danny's suggestions are good.

Which model HDD will you be using?
and which case?