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Building PC for friend

RicKuRuKuS

RicKuRuKuS

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Mar 21, 2003
Messages
1,409
Hey guys I am going to be building a PC for a friend of mine... He is mostly a gamer and will be playing games such as Counter-Strike Source and Guild Wars. So his budget is $800 which isn't very much. I am thinking having it similar to my system but a little less powerful... Here is what I have so far:

Hard Drive: Western Digital Special Edition 120GB 7200RPM IDE Hard Drive, Model WD1200JB, OEM Drive Only
Cost: $78.00

Graphics Card: SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9800PRO Video Card, 128MB DDR, 256-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP -RETAIL
Cost: $209.00

Motherboard: ABIT "AN7" nForce2 Ultra 400 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU -RETAIL
Cost: $95.00

RAM: Corsair XMS Extreme Memory Speed Series, 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-2700 with Platinum Silver Heat Spreader- OEM
Cost: $114.00

CPU: AMD Athlon XP 2700+, 333MHz FSB, 256K Cache Processor - Retail
Cost: $101.00

Monitor: SAMSUNG 793DF-T/T 17" DynaFlat CRT Monitor -RETAIL
Cost: $129.00

Floppy Drive: SONY Black 1.44MB 3.5inch Floppy Disk Drive, Model MPF920, OEM
Cost: $6.99

TOTAL SO FAR: $732.99

I still need a nice case/psu and a DVD-Rom drive... Suggestions on saving money or anything?

-warsaw
 
No real need to get superduper memory for an AthlonXP 333 MHz FSB system.

Save some bucks and get Mushkin Basic Green PC3200.

Trade that money in for the XFX 6600GT AGP video card.

You'll get more bang for your buck out of the video card upgrade over the superduper RAM.

BB
 
BB Gun said:
No real need to get superduper memory for an AthlonXP 333 MHz FSB system.

Save some bucks and get Mushkin Basic Green PC3200.

Trade that money in for the XFX 6600GT AGP video card.

You'll get more bang for your buck out of the video card upgrade over the superduper RAM.

BB
Click to expand...

He said that he would mostly be playing CSS, so the Radeon should do better.
 
BB Gun said:
No real need to get superduper memory for an AthlonXP 333 MHz FSB system.

Save some bucks and get Mushkin Basic Green PC3200.

Trade that money in for the XFX 6600GT AGP video card.

You'll get more bang for your buck out of the video card upgrade over the superduper RAM.

BB
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing. Actually Corsair Value Ram comes in at a good price and runs 2.5CAS.

No use getting PC2700 when you can get PC3200 for right around the same price.

Also, for about the same price you could get a Sempron 2800+. FYI, now that Semprons are out, they are pushing up the prices of Athlon XPs, so you can get more speed for your money by going with the Sempron line.
 
I would get this ram instead:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-026&depa=0

and the Antec Sonata with 380 Watt True Power PSU:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-127&depa=0

as for DVD drive, you might check the FS.FT forums, usually you can find those cheap, otherwise your best bet at newegg looks like this one:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-101-125&depa=0

but you can get a 52x burner for cheaper:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-106-941&depa=0
 
warsawtag said:
any suggestiosn on a good dvd-rom drive and a nice case/psu?

-warsaw
Click to expand...

Case/PSU depends on his budget. On the low end of things the Antec Solution series can't be beat. Check out the SLK1650b (~$50+) or the SLK3700BQE (~$70+). If he wants a nicer case for a good price I would check out the Kingwin KT 424, Lian Li PC61, Coolermaster Cavalier/Praetorian/Wavemaster, Thermaltake Tsunami, or Antec Sonata. All cases just listed would run ~$80-100+. For power supply I would suggest an Enermax or Antec 420w in this case. Both very solid units for < $70.

..and by DVD-ROM, does he want burning or just watching DVDs? For just watching/ripping, Lite-On makes good quality drives for a good price (~$20+), for burning I would suggest the NEC 3500A (~$70+).
 
ANTEC Solution Series Super Mid Tower Case with 350W Power Supply, Model "SLK3700AMB" -RETAIL
Item# N82E16811129122
$67.00

Samsung 16X DVD±RW, Model TS-H552B/WBCH Black, OEM Bulk
Item# N82E1682715105

$59.99

ZALMAN CNPS3100-Plus Copper CPU Cooler for Socket 462/ A/ 370
Item# N82E16835118102

$19.99

Western Digital Special Edition 80GB 7200RPM IDE Hard Drive, Model WD800JB, OEM Drive Only
Item# N82E16822144122

$58.00

Corsair XMS Extreme Memory Speed Series 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 - OEM
Item# N82E16820145416

$99.00


ASUS "A7N8X" nForce2 Ultra 400 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU -RETAIL(New Version, now support AMD Barton 400MHz)
Item# N82E16813131455

$69.00

AMD Mobile Athlon XP 2500+, 266 FSB, 512K Cache, 45 Watt - OEM
Item# N82E16819103401

$83.00

XFX nVIDIA GeForce 6600GT Video Card, 128MB GDDR3, 128-Bit, Dual DVI, AGP 8X, Model "PVT43AND" -RETAIL
Item# N82E16814150080

$240.00


695 dollars without shipping
shipping and handling came out to 22 dollars to washington
all from newegg but i forgot to add a monitor
 
well guys thx for these awesome suggestiosn they sure are helping a ton... but he just told me that he will actually only have $700... that changes things a lot! we really need to cut this one close to the dollar :) keep throwing out tips here is what i changed it to so far...

.:SYSTEM SPECS:.


=----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------=
Case: ANTEC Solution Series Super Mid Tower Case with 350W Power Supply, Model "SLK3700AMB" -RETAIL
Cost: $67.00
=------------------------------------------------

=------------------------------------------------------------=
Monitor: SAMSUNG 793DF-T/T 17" DynaFlat CRT Monitor -RETAIL
Cost: $129.00
=------------------------------------------------------------=

=--------------------------------------------------------------------=
CPU: AMD Athlon XP 2700+, 333MHz FSB, 256K Cache Processor - Retail
Cost: $99.00
=--------------------------------------------------------------------=

=-------------------------------------------------------------=
RAM: Corsair Value Select 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 - Retail
Cost: $72.27
=-------------------------------------------------------------=

=---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------=
Motherboard: ASUS "A7N8X" nForce2 Ultra 400 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU -RETAIL
Cost: $69.00
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------=

=------------------------------------------------------------------------------=
Hard Drive: Maxtor 80GB 7200RPM IDE Hard Drive, Model 6Y080P0, OEM Drive Only
Cost: $59.00
=------------------------------------------------------------------------------=

=------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------=
Graphics Card: SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9800PRO Video Card, 128MB DDR, 256-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP -RETAIL
Cost: $209.00
=------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------=

=------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------=
DVD Drive:
Cost:
=------------------------------------------------------------------




++++---++++
GRAND TOTAL: *** 704.27 ***
++++---++++

I need a DVD and floppy still and I also need the shipping to end up being at or around 700... this is gonna be tough more suggestions! :)

-warsaw
 
umm keep an eye on fs/t forum you could do that system for about 450 :) its used, but most of the guys around here upgrade so much it doesnt matter. may want to look into the 6600gt for video too...same price
 
Definitely go for the FT/S forum.

Just that... why is the 9800 Pro a bit too much for that level? $200+? You can find one 160-170-ish. edit: oh man i guess the demand drove the price up...

Find a bundle A64 CPU/mobo system. Try to get an A64 with a basic motherboard (with lots of onboard stuff). I cannot stress enough how good it is for gaming. If not, go for a mobile 2500+ XP chip and the same motherboard. Cheaper yet overclockable on fine air (it's safe enough for mobile). http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-401&depa=1

DVD burner or just plain DVD?... You might wanna get a low-class DVD as I can tell it's not very high priority. A good one is here: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=27-151-051&depa=1

As for the case, I would recommend the Antec Performance Case which is a very good case (I have two of those) that comes with a high powered 430 watt trupower PSU... <3 <3 <3...!!! http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-129-115&depa=0

Floppy? 5 dollars. :p

Zalman cooler baby...

114, 35, 83, 72, 69, 59, 5, 200, 20, 129 = 703 dollars... Care to spare an extra 3 dollars sir?... <3

-J.
 
antec case= 67
mobile 2400=76
corsair value= 72
motherboard= 70
monitor= 130
hdd= 60
9800 pro refurb = 165
zalman cooler = 25
floppy= 5

optorite 8x dvd burner = 47


717 + shipping

if he dropped an extra bill on his pc he would have a way better machine, if hes not willing to do so, just tell him to save an extra hundred or 2 cuz hes gonna regret not shellin a couple more dollars on a couple of those items
 
IF you rather do the antec cheaper case, subtract 114 from 703, add 67. If you're going to get the refurbished 9800, subtract 200 from 703, add 165.

With all these total, you get $621 dollars... minus the shipping. But good luck finding a refurbished one.

-J.
 
Antec SLK1650b ---> $58
Shuttle an35n Ultra ---> $52

That automatically knocks $26 off. Also, shop around more for the 9800 Pro at http://www.pricegrabber.com or http://www.pricewatch.com and you could probably shave another $20-30 off the total, which would leave enough over for a Lite-On DVD-ROM ($20) and an NEC floppy ($7).

I would try not to change the parts you are playing with now, because you have a good setup. Just try to play the numbers to get it under $700 by buying from different sites. www.zipzoomfly.com is a good site for getting better prices than Newegg with free shipping.




PS. Guys, if his friend can't choose and build his own system, I don't think he'll be overclocking. Generally you don't suggest an overclocking machine to people anyway, it's YMMV and it voids warranties.. not good. Stability + Warranty = Good.
 
Which is why I recommended the 2500+ mobile. It's actually *guaranteed* it will overclock. I have one myself. Works splendidly at 3200+ with a super cooler fan, which is why I supported that 20 dollars fan add on from Zalman. Good stuff. You beneift more from it anyway. The 2700+ is a little too expensive and shady. You don't need to hardcore overclock it either. 3000+ easy with 2500+. I have my friend's PC who's a total noob to PC's... 3200+ at 35 C warm and healthy since day 1 (It's been 6 months now and I do regular check ups).

-J.
 
I would also reccomend the 6600, it's simply a better card all around.

I don't think CSS is stressful enough that anyone with anything newer than a geforce3 should have to worry.

That's just from what I've read.
 
GeForceX said:
Which is why I recommended the 2500+ mobile. It's actually *guaranteed* it will overclock. I have one myself. Works splendidly at 3200+ with a super cooler fan, which is why I supported that 20 dollars fan add on from Zalman. Good stuff. You beneift more from it anyway. The 2700+ is a little too expensive and shady. You don't need to hardcore overclock it either. 3000+ easy with 2500+. I have my friend's PC who's a total noob to PC's... 3200+ at 35 C warm and healthy since day 1 (It's been 6 months now and I do regular check ups).

-J.
Click to expand...

Not that I disagree theoretically, I had a mobile 2400 before my current machine as well, but I'm curious where exactly is it "gauranteed" that it will hit even 1mhz more than the manuf. specs? Definitely not in the Warranty, I'll tell you that.

Also, you have to take into consideration here the PSU that is being used. It's a watered-down "Silent" version of a standard 350w Antec. Not the 400+w PSU that people typically use in overclocked rigs.
 
Wixard said:
I would also reccomend the 6600, it's simply a better card all around.

I don't think CSS is stressful enough that anyone with anything newer than a geforce3 should have to worry.

That's just from what I've read.
Click to expand...

The only 6600GT AGP I can find retail online runs $240. I'd say in this case the 9800 Pro is the choice for under $200.
 
Stellar said:
The only 6600GT AGP I can find retail online runs $240. I'd say in this case the 9800 Pro is the choice for under $200.
Click to expand...


From what I saw of his budget it would fit in, but radeon 9800 is certainly a good card.
 
Well, I don't mean *guaranteed* but so far I've had 3 mobile's and they all can successfully overclock to 3200+ stable for *at least* 3 days straight doing various things (from light to heavy). Maybe I'm just lucky? I've heard nothing but good success with the mobile. I mean, if you want hard fact, then no it isn't guaranteed but theoretically, it is, just 95% of the time. :)

The 6600 GT -- $240? Still a good buy. Minus 165 from 621, add 240. You still get it 4 dollars below $700. I'd say go for it.

-J.
 
Agreed - Antec SLK-1650B to shave some $ off case (I hate doors, if you want a drive cover door, the 2650B has one for 2 dollars more).

No floppy necessary, unless you're gonna install RAID or SATA drivers for boot, and from the drive you've chosen, that's not gonna happen.

The monitor is kinda expensive for a 17". Look around, you'll find deals for 100 bucks at the local retailers or even online.

Examples, without even trying hard: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...57409&productCategoryId=cat01010&type=product
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...26559&productCategoryId=cat01010&type=product
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...57716&productCategoryId=cat01010&type=product

I really suggest going with one of those and grabbing the 6600GT. Maybe step down to the Sempron 2600+ retail - not slower enough to notice, saves ya an additional 16 bucks.

99.00 monitor - save 30 bucks
Sempron instead of athlon - save 16 bucks
1650 instead of 3700 case - save 9 bucks

upgrade Radeon9800 Pro to X600GT - spend 31 bucks more

Total difference - 14 bucks less than your latest config.

BB
 
alright here we go

=----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------=
Case: ANTEC Solution Series Super Mid Tower Case with 350W Power Supply, Model "SLK3700AMB" -RETAIL
Cost: $67.00
=------------------------------------------------

=------------------------------------------------------------=
Monitor: SAMSUNG 793DF-T/T 17" DynaFlat CRT Monitor -RETAIL
Cost: $129.00
=------------------------------------------------------------=

=--------------------------------------------------------------------=
CPU: AMD Athlon XP 2700+, 333MHz FSB, 256K Cache Processor - Retail
Cost: $99.00
=--------------------------------------------------------------------=

=-------------------------------------------------------------=
RAM: Corsair Value Select 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200 - Retail
Cost: $72.27
=-------------------------------------------------------------=

=---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------=
Motherboard: ASUS "A7N8X" nForce2 Ultra 400 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU -RETAIL
Cost: $69.00
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------=

=------------------------------------------------------------------------------=
Hard Drive: Maxtor 80GB 7200RPM IDE Hard Drive, Model 6Y080P0, OEM Drive Only
Cost: $59.00
=------------------------------------------------------------------------------=

=------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------=
Graphics Card: SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9800PRO Video Card, 128MB DDR, 256-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP -RETAIL
Cost: $209.00
=------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------=

=-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------=
DVD Drive: Samsung Black 52X32X52X16 DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive, Model TS-H492A/WBGH, OEM
Cost: $34.99
=-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------=



++++---++++
GRAND TOTAL: *** 739.26 ***
++++---++++


well i am over quite a bit and that doesnt include shipping... i really want to get a cpu that is retail and has a warranty... where can i shave off more money? and some stuff i might end up searching for sale / trade forums such as graphics card...

-warsaw
 
You've already been told where you can shave, you're just choosing not to.

Cheaper monitor, Sempron 2600 instead of athlon 2700, and cheaper motherboard.

Motherboard options, all with sata/RAID:

Chaintech - 48 bucks (currently in use on my son's system, no issues, stable):
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-152-045&depa=0

Albatron - 57 bucks: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-170-122&depa=0

MSI K7N2 Delta2-LSR - 59.50:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-130-475&depa=0

Abit NF7-S2 - 60.00:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-127-185&depa=0
 
alright switched the mobo to the abit nf7 for $60.... any other spots where i can cut down money? i think i should be able to save about 30-40 on the graphics card by purchasing from the for sale/trade forums...

-warsaw
 
Are you that stubborn warsaw? 2500+ chip (Retail) can be bought. There's virtually very little difference between a 2700+ and a 2500+. A cheaper motherboard as well (following other suggestions). A better monitor than what you got for cheaper as well. And I already gave suggestions that will tally it up to a perfect $700. It's up to you to follow that or not. FS/T works too.

Edit: Or a 2500+ mobile with an additional cooler.

-J.
 
for the case:
Stick with the 3700. I used to have a 2600 and that was cramped inside and only came with a 300 watt powersupply, and I hear that the 1600 is even smaller. I think you'd regret purchasing that case.

Would you consider a 9600XT videocard? If money is that tight, perhaps that's what's needed. It's pretty close in performance and would play HL2 well. Either that or have your pal start mowing lawns :)
 
Just built a business system with a 1650, admittedly, it was a microATX mobo, but it seemed fine re: room. Now, to install things easily, the hard drive cage would have to come out, but you do that anyway to get the drives in. It would be best if your Mobo put the ide/floppy ports on the low side of the mobo for any of these cases. The 3700 (which I've also used in a build or 2) is about the same size. Agree on not going with the 2600 though, no need to short yourself on the PSU.

BB
 
if you are set on getting teh 9800 then go ahead and get it but my friend has a 9600xt and he runs hl2 at good setting wiht everything turned on high wiht some AA and ansio and gets above 50fps all teh time. it would save you about $50 if not some more.
 
Well they have all had good suggestions on what you should get for your friend.

I definately think BB Gun is right when he says you can save with the MB, those all look like good budget boards. I'll vouch for the Shuttle AN35N (if the egg gets it back in stock). I've had that mb in my main system for over a year without any problems.

For HL2 a 9800 pro should be adequate. I've got a 9600 pro running hl2 @ 1024 x 768, there is only minimal slowdown on a select few areas. A 9800 pro is a good step up from a 9600. You also won't be able to run resolutions much higher than that on a cheap 17" monitor anyway.

There's my view for a $700 system. If he's a true gamer though, I think he'd be much happier if he saved up a little more to get a better system. A skt 754 athlon 64 (2800+) and mb can be had for only about $100 more than an xp/sempron system and give a nice performance boost. A 6600/6800 video card could be upgraded later on if more performance is required. That's my opinion, hope it helps.
 
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