Need help with a relatively cheap build

T

TheCheatOnBass

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Dec 16, 2008
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I've been out of the PC hardware loop for a while now, so I need you guys' help.

First off though, I'll be using this PC for web browsing, music, and nothing too processor heavy. Gamewise, I'll be playing old games like WoW but I'd also like to be able to play newer ones such as World in Coflict (but medium to highish settings are fine, graphics aren't really my priority).

Budget is $500 including shipping, I can go over max. $20ish if it's really worth it. I want to order everything from Newegg to keep it simple.

I already have a monitor, OS, a wireless adapter, keyboard/mouse, and I'm reusing a 200GB hard drive. So I'd need:

CPU
RAM
Motherboard
1 CD/DVD burner
Graphics card
Case
PSU

I think that's all.

From what I've gathered, this combo would be nice
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.147991
And this RAM looks good to me
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

I'm pretty lost on the GPU and PSU. The last time I ordered a card was when the 8800GT was the best bang for you buck, and it still does me fine. I'm not sure what kind of card I could manage with my budget though.

Um, for other info, I could overclock if a heatsink/fan fit in the budget (I have a tube of AS5 lying around here somewhere). I'd be using two monitors, one 19" at 1280 x 1024 and the other at 1400 x 1050 (I think). I want to buy the PC tonight, and receive it by Christmas.

And an unrelated question: what external hard drive would you guys recommend under $100? Nothing related to this build, just out of curiosity.

Thanks in advance, it's the first time I've asked for advice here.
 
This and That? Couldn't you just list the part names, too? :p anyhow, those are good choices, but too pricey for your budget, IMO.

$155 - POWERCOLOR AX4850 512MD3-DH Radeon HD 4850 512MB
$120 - Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 Wolfdale 2.66GHz 3MB L2 Cache LGA 775
$80 - GIGABYTE GA-EP43-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX
$40 - G.Skill 4GB(2x2GB) DDR2-800 F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ
$60 - COOLER MASTER Centurion 590 RC-590-KKN1-GP Black ATX Mid Tower
$23 - SAMSUNG 20X DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model TS-H653N
$67 - BFG Tech 550W EPS12V Power Supply - BFGR550WLSPSU
============
$545 + tax and shipping - any MIRs

Hm... if thats too high, drop down to the 9800GT (same as 8800GT) or HD4830. Also, check the available combos for your cpu or mobo. There are several combos for the 9800GT and E7200, too.

Are you upgrading? What happened to the 8800GT? just curious. External HDD, Seagate FreeAgents w/ eSATA, but those are typically over $100. Therefore, check out the WD myBooks or Essentials.
 
enginurd said:
This and That? Couldn't you just list the part names, too? :p anyhow, those are good choices, but too pricey for your budget, IMO.

$155 - POWERCOLOR AX4850 512MD3-DH Radeon HD 4850 512MB
$120 - Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 Wolfdale 2.66GHz 3MB L2 Cache LGA 775
$80 - GIGABYTE GA-EP43-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX
$40 - G.Skill 4GB(2x2GB) DDR2-800 F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ
$60 - COOLER MASTER Centurion 590 RC-590-KKN1-GP Black ATX Mid Tower
$23 - SAMSUNG 20X DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model TS-H653N
$67 - BFG Tech 550W EPS12V Power Supply - BFGR550WLSPSU
============
$545 + tax and shipping - any MIRs

Hm... if thats too high, drop down to the 9800GT (same as 8800GT) or HD4830. Also, check the available combos for your cpu or mobo. There are several combos for the 9800GT and E7200, too.

Are you upgrading? What happened to the 8800GT? just curious. External HDD, Seagate FreeAgents w/ eSATA, but those are typically over $100. Therefore, check out the WD myBooks or Essentials.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I guess I underestimated how much it would all add up to be. Thanks, that build should work out except for I might degrade the video card to save on cash.

Well, I'm building a whole new computer. I need another one because I live at two houses so I'm keeping the 8800GT in one. But I have two hard drives in this one so I'll just take one out, hence the reused one.

I'm debating whether or not to build another computer or just buy like a Vostro lappy for $500.
 
the 4830 is a crippled verison of the 4850 so you could save about $50 right there if you wanted to because with a res of 1280x1024 it will fir good in the screen res
 
we'll if it fits your budget and your happy with your build go for it. i remember when i spect $2000 grand on my computer i stayed up all night looking at all the parts and reading reviews lol. but had to sell it due to family problems. but i am working on my 2nd build. i mean honestly if the price fits your budget go for it asus is a good company and so is ocz you have some good stuff there
 
Gulkor said:
the 4830 is a crippled verison of the 4850 so you could save about $50 right there if you wanted to because with a res of 1280x1024 it will fir good in the screen res
Click to expand...

You're right, I was looking at some benchmarks and it was tagging right along.

I'll keep that in mind and probably switch it out in the morning.

Thanks.
 
no problem just trying to help out :D i mean if you can save money and get almost the same performace why not save money lol. nothing wrong with it..if u need anymore help i will be on for other 30 mins or so i will watch your thread
 
Under $500 build. This will suit your needs

Case/Psu - Antec NSK4480B w/Antec Earthwatts 380 PS for $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129032

Cpu/Video Card (Combo Deal) - Intel Core 2 E7300 + EVGA Geforce 9800GT($20 MIR) both for $223
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.148644

Ram - 4gig G. Skills DDR 2 800 for $40 w/free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

Mobo - GIGABYTE GA-EP43-DS3L for $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128347

Optical - SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R Sata DVD Burner for $25 w/free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151171

Total: $438
 
e5200/e5300 is better budget option... Its same wolfdale as the e7200 and will overclock to 4 Ghz with ease.
 
I agree with lt_shiro. HG has a great build you can sub the E5200 into.

TheCheatOnBass said:
http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=9615812

Okay, so how does this look?

I changed out the PSU because there was a $45 off combo deal that would only cost me $5 more in the end.

It totals to be $550 and the rebates will be another $55 off so I should be okay budget wise.

Any other suggestions?
Click to expand...

That unit got a FAIL from the [H]:
http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTU2Niw5LCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==

Stick to Corsair, Seasonic, Silverstone, Antec Earthwatts or Neopower, and BFG LS/ES.
 
HardwareGuru said:
Under $500 build. This will suit your needs

Case/Psu - Antec NSK4480B w/Antec Earthwatts 380 PS for $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129032

Cpu/Video Card (Combo Deal) - Intel Core 2 E7300 + EVGA Geforce 9800GT($20 MIR) both for $223
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.148644

Ram - 4gig G. Skills DDR 2 800 for $40 w/free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

Mobo - GIGABYTE GA-EP43-DS3L for $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128347

Optical - SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R Sata DVD Burner for $25 w/free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151171

Total: $438
Click to expand...

Okay, so take this build and sub in the E5300 for the E7300? Then keep the 9800GT or swap out an HD 4830? Which one would be better for me? I'm still looking for benchmarks.

And the Earthwatts will handle an overclocked E5300? I've never understood PSUs.

Once again, thanks guys, I really appreciate it.
 
IIRC, the 9800GT and HD4830 perform similarly.

Yes, the EA380 would handle that system fine. Most of its power is heavily skewed to the +12v rail, which is where modern systems draw most of their power from anyhow.
 
monkoosbob0 said:
My friend just ordered this, that's the only reason i know about it. I'm not sure about the quality of the components, but it's sure cheap enough. You could put a 9600GT in it and it wouldn't be that bad at all.
At this price, it's not a bad barebones.

http://www.directron.com/holidaybudget1.html
Click to expand...

PSU is of unknown quality (more than likely crap though). So I wouldn't trust it with even the parts that come with it let alone an add-on video card.

@ TheCheatOnBass
Looks good to me. The only thing I'd change is the video card to the 9800GT since Nvidia has better video card manufacturers in terms of warranty and support (XFX, BFG, and eVGA). That's well worth the extra money IMO.
 
Agree with Danny on getting the 9800GT over the 4830. Not just because of the better manufacturer but, also because the 9800GT consumes less power at idle and under load than the HD 4830. The 9800GT is enough for your needs. Although the 4830 may be based on newer technology, I'm pretty sure you will upgrade the card sooner or later. So, I would just enjoy the 9800GT card for now.
 
The 9800GT and 4830 are pretty level. as far as gaming 9800GT is 105 watt's and the 4830 is 110 Watts. thats only 5 watts more. the 4830 is a good priced card for its preformace. My word is go with the 4830.
 
Well.

I really don't know.

I'm a fan of EVGA's step-up program but the HD 4830 gives me more on the rebate...
 
Each of the cards have a pro/con to it. But, you can't go wrong with either choice you go with. EVGA being a better manufacturer for the 9800GT card but, you save a little more on the PowerCooler HD4830 and overall performs better than the 9800GT.
 
the only thing i could see you getting is the 9800GT Evga card since you like the step up program. or or you could get a 9800GTX or 9800GTX+ if you could put it in your budget lol but if you like the rebate you can just get the 4830 and save a little $$ and be happy? but if it was my system i would get the Evga 9800GT and step-up before 90 days. me my self i love Evga i have never had any problems with them. very friendly customer service. and they speak English. i can understand them lol. but i mean its your call.
 
Never base your decision on a rebate unless you can live with the pre-rebate price. Rebates are never guaranteed, especially with some rebate houses filing bankruptcy.
 
Okay, well anyways I need help with another motherboard, the one recommend ran out of stock. Any one near the same price is fine, I just need to order soon.
 
TheCheatOnBass said:
Okay, well anyways I need help with another motherboard, the one recommend ran out of stock. Any one near the same price is fine, I just need to order soon.
Click to expand...

Get the mobo from Zipzoomfly.com then.However another alternative would be the MSI Neo-3F.
 
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