Cheap Core 2 Duo build log

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Retro295

Gawd
Joined
Jul 29, 2007
Messages
556
I am challenging myself to build a very cheap but well performing Core 2 Duo rig. Here is what I have so far and what I still need.

Have:

Core 2 Duo E4300 + AC7 Pro - 62 shipped
Gigabyte P965-S3 - 65 shipped
PSU - 500w Ultra X-Connect Modular - 40 shipped
DVD-RW - Lite-On something or other - 8 shipped

Need:

Ram - 2 x 1gb DDR2 800
HDD - 80gb or more Sata 3.0 gb/s
GFX - Probably 6600gt (I don't game)


Price for Mobo + Psu + Cpu + DVD = 175 shipped

What do you guys think? Suggestions?
 
depending on what u do on ur rig, you might want a more up to date vid card, try a HD2400pro or 8400gs so u can get all the high def goodies still
 
A-Data 2x1GB DDR2-800
http://www.newegg.com/Poduct/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211066
42.99
-15 MIR
Free Shipping
---------------------
27.99

Western Digital Caviar SE 7200rpm 8m cache Sata 3.0
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136075
49.99
+6.14 Shipping
-----------------
56.13

You said this was mainly for watching videos, so here, but honestly i'd check out the [H] FS/FT

MSI Radeon HD 2600 Pro, 2DVI, 512MB, HDCP Ready
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127308
78.99
-20MIR
Free Shipping
-------------------
58.99

Total befor MIR - 178.11
Total after MIR - 143.11
 
I have no problem at all going used. I am constantly scouting the for sale sections on 4 forums. That's how I got an e4300 for 60 shipped. I see e2180's going for more than that.

Thanks for that though. Gives me a comparison of what I should be paying for new vs. used parts.

P.S. I will be overclocking. :D
 
Retro295 said:
I have no problem at all going used. I am constantly scouting the for sale sections on 4 forums. That's how I got an e4300 for 60 shipped. I see e2180's going for more than that.

Thanks for that though. Gives me a comparison of what I should be paying for new vs. used parts.

P.S. I will be overclocking. :D
Click to expand...
nice find on the e4300 ;), for the graphics card, you might see yourself getting an 2600xt and get alot of OC power out of it lol, but if u watch movies what monitor and size do you watch it on? u might be able to do HD as well if u have an entertainment pc

oh yeah, do u have a case too?
 
No case yet, but that gets left till the end. It will depend on how much money I have left.
 
Thanks to a forum member hon overclock.net, Rx7Racer, I have a used e4300 and AC7 pro heatsink. I got all this for 62 shipped, an unbeatable price. Here are the pics:


I can't believe the seller kept all the original boxes and every manual included. I was pleasantly surprised.


The AC7 looks practically unused. Mounting hardware is perfectly in tact.


I don't know how long he spent on this, but the lap job on the processor is perfect. Here is another pic:




So here is a rundown of my parts:

Have:

Core 2 Duo E4300 + AC7 Pro - 62 shipped

Ordered:

Gigabyte P965-DS3 - 60 shipped

Coolermaster Centurion 5 case - 40 shipped

Need:

Ram - 2 x 1gb DDR2 800
HDD - 80gb or more Sata 3.0 gb/s
GFX - Probably 6600gt (I don't game)
Psu - I really want modular.
DVD-RW Meh, any brand works. I'll find something used.
 
The DS3 came in the mail. Here is a pic:



So here is an update of my parts:

Bought:

Core 2 Duo e4300 - 60 shipped
AC7 Pro - Included with C2D
Gigabyte DS3 - 60 shipped
2 x 1gb G.Skill Red heat spreader legendary ram - 35 shipped
PNY 6600gt 256mb - 35 shipped
Lite-On DVD-RW - 25 shipped
Coolermaster Centurion 5 - 40 shipped
Antec TruePower 430w PSU - 40 shipped

Total: 295 shipped

Need:

Sata HDD
Fan Controller
Widescreen Monitor (This comes last, because it depends on how much money I have left over.)

Any comment, suggestions, etc.?
 
WD 500GB is cheap and quiet - warranty is 3 yr.
Seagate 320GB are very good too - 5 yr warranty.

226BW Samsung..or anything from samsung. stay away from the cheap brands though!
 
Concidentally, I got the 160gig WD 3 days ago that the above user just recommended. Should be here in 1 hour.

By the way, my e4300 is sitting at 21c in the bios. I'd say that's pretty good with an AC7.
 
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