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Cheap build $300-400?

L

Lastwish

n00b
Joined
Nov 28, 2007
Messages
11
Hey I'm trying to put together a decent build for $300-400.
Have:
hard drive
monitor
kb & mouse etc

Need:
case & PSU
mobo
cpu
ram
vid card
etc.

Leaning towards dual-core, 8600gt, 2GB generic ram, WinXP so that it can handle WoW, Photoshop, and other things around that level. Any help and suggestions for some cheap mobo+cpu combos would be great and I <3 links.
 
heres a xfx 8800gs card to think about, its better then the 8600 and only $61 after rebate.
http://www.amazon.com/XFX-PVT88SFDF...s&ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1216905554&sr=8-1

for case+psu newegg has the antec sonata iii for $99. with free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129024

for the cpu i'd say justgo for a e2180 for $69 with free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116052

Motherboard gigabyte g31m-s2l for $59
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128078

ram: ddr2 800 gskill 2x1gb $45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098

also did you need a optical drive
 
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Which specific parts do you already have?

Since you mentioned it, do you also need an OS license for your new system?
 
also did you need a optical drive
Click to expand...
Nah, I have a DVD burner laying around. Thanks for that list, it looks pretty solid. I might try to find a cheaper case/psu though to save a few bucks.

Which specific parts do you already have?

Since you mentioned it, do you also need an OS license for your new system?
Click to expand...

Have:
120GB seagate HDD
19" CRT monitor
keyboard & mouse
Lite-On dvd burner

And no I don't need an OS license.
 
Danny Bui said:
They're still selling those combos? Thought those combos ended on Monday.
Click to expand...

Which is why I hate going to Fry's. I always end up going home with something..

For example:

1) I went with my mom to Fry's in Illinois on Memorial day to help her pick something out. Wouldn't you know what she wanted wasn't in stock, and I ended up with an 8800GT...

2)Their anniversary sale I went to buy the Zalman CPU cooler they had on sale for cheap like $20 the CPNS-9700 or whatever it is. They only had five in the morning and they were sold out when I went in the afternoon. Thought I was going to go home empty handed.. but of course you know... I walk out with a Q6600 Combo deal, and a 4gb MS Pro Duo.

Spending so much money For the lose T_T... especially only making $10/hr and having to pay rent ><


Anyway On-Topic:
2GB Ram could be had for cheap :).. G.Skill Ram on newegg 2x1GB Goes for about $45...And as for the 8600GT.. I would opt out of that card...Granted It gives me 150+ FPS in CS:S (since the game is Processor dependent) Going for other suggestions mentioned here would probably suit your needs.. It handled Photoshop for me just fine..

But I guess what Resolution would you be running your computer at?
 
I charge $10 on top of the shipping charge and actual cost. :p Offer is extended to OP, too. :D
 
Here's an all-NewEgg setup (unfortunately, since you live in TN, you'll have to pay taxes):

$100 - Antec Sonata III case with EarthWatts 500W PSU (free shipping)
$65 - Gigabyte GA-P31-S3G
$70 - E2180 (free shipping)
$40 - PNY Optima 2x1GB DDR2 800 (free shipping)
$110 - EVGA 8800GS (free shipping & $30 mail-in rebate) or ZOTAC 9600GT ($10 mail-in rebate)
=====
$385 - Subtotal (not including shipping, taxes, or rebates)
Click to expand...

While the 9600GT is the better card, ZOTAC isn't a brand that I'm familiar with. EVGA offers a lifetime limited warranty on its card and has (arguably) some of the best customer service around. In this case, it's a toss-up between performance and reliability.

With shipping and taxes, the above build will go over your $400 limit. If you aren't planning to play many games, you could downgrade the video card to either an 8600GT or a 9500GT.
 
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