Help Me Upgrade a Bud's Rig

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KingThot

Gawd
Joined
Jun 4, 2005
Messages
703
I've been tasked with upgrading a computer with these stats:

This MSI Mobo
Intel Celeron 2.4 Proc
512MB DDR 266 (Single Stick)
No Video Card
POS "Makes me scared to put anything nice in" 300W PSU
40GB 5400 RPM Maxtor HDD

I have a budget of $200 here's what I was thinking:

512mb Corsair Value Ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145024

XClio 450W PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817189003

X1600Pro
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814102666

LMK what you think because I really dunno about value parts. They want maximum boost to performance for their money. Their main desire is to get CS:Source playable.
 
thing that i think will help out most is a gpu
but with that i think youd need a new psu also
 
Not too sure about that Xclio PSU, any reason for picking it? Also would the 6600 really have that great of a performance difference over the X1300? Rebates are a real PITA.
 
If he can't afford a new CPU along with his video card and RAM, then he's not going to see much difference. Esp if you give him an x1300 and more RAM and leave him with a Celeron.

Power and CPU would be the best first step, then video and lastly RAM.

Assuming he is a gamer.
 
I agree with GPU with making the most difference. If that don't seem to do much, I blame it on Celeron... :p
 
I like that setup for $170, its enogh to add a nice cooler so maybe I could bump up the clock on the cele a little for him.
 
Totally revised the build. Its up at the top. Basically almost a totally new rig.
 
For $40 just get the xclio. The xclio 450w is known to be a high quality budget PSU, where as thermaltakes are usually not so hot.

xclio 450w

If you don't believe me, just check the PSU buying guide

PSU FAQ

With that small of a bump in processor speed, i hardly think he will notice it. Invest that money into other places. Mebbe more ram, definately a better video card. Honestly, for $200, a full system upgrade from what he has isn't worth it. Just concentrate on the most important things that you can afford.

A better PSU will give you more stability, any video card will be a significant upgrade from the onboard video, and more ram is always welcome.
 
TY for the info on the Xclio I think you might be right about not upgrading the mobo and everything but its so tough to find a decent bargain AGP video card when you're working in such a tight budget.
 
Looks pretty good. I don't have any experience w/ XCLIO PSUs, but I have built 5 PCs w/ the Thermaltake PSU, and they all work flawlessly. I find it to be a very high quality PSU, and would even put it in my rig if(when) my X-connect dies.
 
I agree 100% with your shopping list KingThot. Good RAM, great PSU, decent vid card (you're obivously limited with your choice on AGP ~$100). I'd do it.
 
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