Final Build Specs

Is your power supply the Antec Earthwatts 430W PSU? If so, it can handle that setup.

However, if you could afford it, you should get the GA-EP43-DS3L instead. It has support for PCI Express 2.0, which would give you more options when it comes to upgrading the video card in the future.
 
I am not sure if it is an Earthwatts or not if it isn't what would be a good power supply. That might be better plus I just ran across this.

XFX GeForce 8800GS
 
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The reason why I asked is because the Antec Earthwatts EA430 is a good power supply.

Also, which monitor/resolution are you using? And what are you going to use this computer for? If you're trying to create a gaming PC on the cheap, and you have a 19" or smaller monitor, you could go with the 8800GS. (But for games like Crysis and AoC, you'll need a better card.)

Before I forget, how much (at most) can you spend on this build?
 
I have a Samsung 19 running at 1440x900. I will be doing some gaming but not much, hence the video card choice. It will be more of a workstation than anything. I am just a little worried about the power supply being able to support the newer components, two hard drives and a dvd burner. I am not wanting to spend more than 350 if I possible can.
 
Please find out the model name and/or the model number of the Antec PSU that you have. That would help us determine whether or not it would be enough for your proposed setup.
 
I feel fairly confident that it is not a Earthwatts. So what options would that give me.
 
How old is the PSU? Find out what model it is, if you can. Antec makes some good, and some bad PSUs, lol.

Well, one of the options IS the Antec Earthwatts 430W, lol. Another is the Corsair 450W. Newer/Modern systems pull most of their power from the +12v rail, so newer PSUs are +12V heavy. Older systems used to draw more from the +3.3v and +5v lines, so older PSUs aren't ideal for modern systems.

What is your budget for the system including a new PSU?
 
I know that its over 3 years old, thats the last time I rebuilt my system. I am wanting to spend about 350 if that is possible.
 
if its 3 years old its time for you to get a new one and im pretty sure earthwatts didnt exist 3 years ago
 
Ok, I guess this is no longer a Final Build Specs, so what kind of system can i build for about 350
 
$350 with a PSU?! :eek: Do you live near a Fry's? lol

Dropping the CPU down to an E2180 gives you $55 to spend on a PSU.

$65 - Antec earthwatts EA430 430W ($30 MIR)
$40 - Antec earthwatts EA380 380W

If you can't front the extra $15, the 380W has 27A on the +12V rail, so its good enough for your system. If you can, get the 430W instead. Borrow $15 from someone, lol.

OC that CPU to at least 3Ghz, and you'll be all set.
 
yeah telling us if theres any microcenter or frys near you would help you out greatly. also do you count mail in rebates in that $350?
 
The nearest Fry's is over two hours away and with gas prices i doubt I will save any money. I see no reason not to count mail in rebates.
 
counihan3 said:
The nearest Fry's is over two hours away and with gas prices i doubt I will save any money. I see no reason not to count mail in rebates.
Click to expand...

The reason NOT to count mail-in rebates is because you don't receive immediate savings -- you'd have to spend over $350 and then wait weeks for the "savings" to arrive.

Here's an alternate build...

$85 - MSI P43 Neo3-F ($15 mail-in rebate)
$70 - E2180 (free shipping)
$25 - Xigmatek HDT-S963 ($10 mail-in rebate)
$40 - PNY Optima 2x1GB DDR2 800 (free shipping)
$70 - EVGA 9500GT
$40 - Antec Earthwatts EA380 380W PSU (free shipping)
=======
$330 - Subtotal (not including shipping, taxes, or rebates)
Click to expand...

I went with the P43 Neo3-F because it was a P43 board (which supports PCI Express 2.0) with more SATA ports than the GA-EP35-DS3L. I omitted the 8800GS because the Amazon deal expired and the cheapest one that I could find was $110 shipped. I replaced it with the 9500GT -- it's a new video card, but considering the performance of the 9600GT and the 9600GSO/8800GS, it should be better than the 8600GT you chose earlier. I found a cheaper set of RAM, and I picked the EA380 PSU (which is enough for this build, and your extras).

If you could raise your budget by $50-$100, you could pick up the retention bracket for the Xigmatek HDT-S963, swap out the 9500GT for the 8800GS (or even the 9600GT), and get the EA430 instead of the EA380.
 
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