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Cheap Build: Case, mobo, OS?

T

ThatDood

Limp Gawd
Joined
Nov 23, 2006
Messages
436
Hey guys,

I am trying to build a cheap system for a friend of mine. I need an idea on a decent case that isn't real flimsy but is a good solid case without being real expensive.

Also, I need to find a good motherboard. I have an AMD 64 300+ s939 that I was thinking about putting into the motherboard, but if I could find a better proc for not too much more than I would be willing to get a different motherboard. I think onboard video will be sufficient but maybe a pci-e slot as well.

And last where is a good place to get windows xp home or professional for cheap. I was hoping not to spend more than $100 on it, but i was wondering if anyone knew of a place where you could get a hard drive and OS combo for cheaper.

I would like to keep the entire build at or under about $500 if possible, this computer will be used only for browsing the web and word processing so no overclocking is necessary. Any suggestions are welcome!

Thanks guys
 
Biostar 6100 939 motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813138269
RAM: somewhere on the forums, I've seen 1GB kits dropping in price everywhere.
PSU: free after MIR Ultra V-Series 500w ... as long as he doesn't game, it'll be fine.
http://shop4.outpost.com/product/4587977?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
HD: anything will do, really.
Case: Ultra Wizard mid-tower. It's surprisingly durable and easy to use - I received my rebate within 4 weeks of sending it in.
http://shop1.outpost.com/product/5124886?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
DVDRW: anything cheap you like on Newegg - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827151136 , for example.
LCD: Hanns-G 19" , DVI / VGA compatible. Very good bang-for-the-buck deal...$100 after MIR :
http://www.pcconnection.com/ProductDetail?Sku=6732798

Accessories:

Any Logitech/Microsoft KB-mouse combo will do nicely.
Be sure to get him an exhaust fan for the Ultra Wizard - try a Yate Loon 120mm @ Jab-tech.com, SVC.com, etc. Get some case fan screws, too, as they won't be included with an OEM fan or the case.
 
Here's where you can buy Windows XP home for under $100:
WinXP Home w/ Vista Coupon - $89.99

Anyway for just to let you know of an alternative path, a I managed to configure a Dell E521, with the following:

AMD Athlon™ 64 3200+
1GB DDR2 533 RAM
250GB SATA Hard Drive
DVD-Rom Drive
No Monitor
NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE Integrated Graphics
----
$481

Just a suggestion.
 
Thanks for the replies. I think i may try to look on the dell outlet and see what they have as well.

Thanks again
 
You could go with the Dell suggestion I made earlier, or you could go the DIY route. Here's what I was able to come up with a $500 budget:

COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 ATX Mid-Tower - $49.99
XClio 450BL ATX 450W Power Supply - $37.99
Intel Pentium D 805 2.66GHz LGA 775 - $93.00
BIOSTAR 945P-A7A LGA 775 ATX Intel Motherboard - $78.99
Kingston KVR667D2N5/1G 1GB DDR2 667 RAM - $85.49
Hitachi Deskstar 7K160 160GB SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $53.99
WinXP Home w/ Vista Coupon - $89.99
----
Total: $495.44

A lot better than the Dell suggestion I made earlier because you now have a dual-core CPU, making multitasking easier/faster, and the knowledge that you built the PC yourself.

Oh yeah, do you have a Fry's nearby?
 
If you have a Fry's nearby, they usually have the Pent.D 805 w/ ECS mobo for $80 total. The board is crap, but will work for a while.\

That dell that danny configured used to be $299 :(

Danny's build has better quality parts and is upgradable to a Core2 CPU, but JaYp's suggestions are the cheapest solution (using your A64 3000+).
 
No we dont have a frys nearby, but i was looking on the dell outlet last night and found a refurbished a64 3200+ e521 for around $299. So I might just go that route since it would be easier than building and I wont have to charge the guy $100 to build it. Anyone know if the refurbished dells are very good?

Thanks for the help
 
I would go with self-built. Better performance and upgradability.

Go with a Coolermaster Centurion 5 for the case. $44.99 @ Newegg.com
 
AMD RULES said:
I would go with self-built. Better performance and upgradability.

Go with a Coolermaster Centurion 5 for the case. $44.99 @ Newegg.com
Click to expand...


That's what i was thinking too, however, I need to also fit a 15" LCD in the mix and I was thinking the dell @ $299 would be easier to do....sorry I guess I forgot to mention that important part :D
 
ThatDood said:
That's what i was thinking too, however, I need to also fit a 15" LCD in the mix and I was thinking the dell @ $299 would be easier to do....sorry I guess I forgot to mention that important part :D
Click to expand...

Yeah you forgot that important little tidbit. LOL!

Well go buy a PC from Dell Outlet. They're of good quality I believe.
 
They're fine. Most of the time, there's nothing wrong with the system when it gets sent back to dell, and if there is, they usually fix it. Since you do need the monitor, Danny's build is over your budget. Go with either the dell or JaYp's suggestions (which includes a 19" LCD).
 
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