• Some users have recently had their accounts hijacked. It seems that the now defunct EVGA forums might have compromised your password there and seems many are using the same PW here. We would suggest you UPDATE YOUR PASSWORD and TURN ON 2FA for your account here to further secure it. None of the compromised accounts had 2FA turned on.
    Once you have enabled 2FA, your account will be updated soon to show a badge, letting other members know that you use 2FA to protect your account. This should be beneficial for everyone that uses FSFT.

New budget build

T

tazman4

Limp Gawd
Joined
May 6, 2005
Messages
233
Trying to put together a decent budget build & would like some feedback please.
I already have optical drives & OS (WinXP Pro 32) & dual 19" monitors.
May go Vista w/ 2more gigs Ram in future, but this is it for now.
Do not require Raid or SLI/Crossfire support, will not be OCing & no [H]eavy gaming.
Please let me know what you guys think. :)


ASUS P5Q SE PLUS Mobo + Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 2.66GHz - combo deal $196.98 ($15 MIR on mobo)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131347

Antec Three Hundred + Neo Power 500 - combo deal $89.94http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 - $44.99 ($30.00 MIR)http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145034

XFX PVT98GYDLH GeForce 9800 GT - $124.99 ($30.00 MIR)http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150323

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB - $59.99http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073

$516.89
$8.97 - shipping
$525.86

- $75.00 MIR (if they come)

$450.86
 
CPU - Intel Core 2 E7300(2.66ghz) for $120
Mobo/Ram - Asus P5Q Pro for $115($15 MIR) +OCZ Fatal1ty Edition 4GB(2x2GB) DDR2 800 combo deal for $133
Case/PSU - Antec Three Hundred + Neo Power 500 - combo deal for $90
Video - Video - MSI N9800GT-T2D512-OC edition GeForce 9800 GT 512MB for $115($20 MIR)
HDD - WD 6400AAKS 640gig for $75 w/free shipping

Total : $533


By the way, what's your budget on this upgrade? This does cost more than your build. But, it's worth it for several reasons:

1: RAM - You get 4gigs od RAM as oppose to 2gigs on your build. You might as well get 4gig now and not worry about getting another 2 gigs later. I rather have 2x2 gigs of modules than 4 x 1gig modules. Also, those 2x1gigs is $44 upfront? You might as well get 4gigs of RAM for the same price or even lower.

2. Mobo - You get a nicer more featured mobo in the Asus P5Q Pro. Plus, that 24 pin ATX power pin connector on the P5Q SE is in a terrible location where the ATX-24 pin power cable will run ontop of the graphics card.

3. Video - The MSI n9800GT OC edition is cheaper than that XFX 9800GT as you pay only $115 upfront. Also, it's cooler is better and pretty quiet as oppose to that XFX cooler which can be pretty noisy to some. Also, it's O/C by a pretty decent amount with 680mhz on the core clock and 1900mhz on the memory clock. The reference 9800GT is 600mhz on the core clock and 1800mhz on the memory clock.

4. HDD - You get the 640gig drive which is larger than that 500gig WD drive. For $15 more you might as well.
500 gig for $60 = 12 cents/gig
640 gig for $75 = 11 cents/gig
On top of that, the performance of the 640gig is faster than that 500 gig model.
 
While the P5Q Pro is the best bang for buck board for Core2, from your OP, you don't really need it. The only "problem" with the P5Q SE PLUS is where the main 24-pin ATX connector is located -- its a stupid design issue that can be a nightmare for cable management, which will restrict airflow and yield slightly worse temps for your system. Thats not a huge deal, but its something to consider -- is it worth spending nearly $20 more? No... so another alternative is the GA-EP43-DS3L. ;)

The WD6400AAKS is significantly faster than the WD5000AAKS. 65MB/s vs 90MB/s
 
I agree with buying 4GB of memory and the WD640GB. Don't know about the motherboards and a quieter videocard cooler is good but also consider warranty (don't know if MSI has lifetime, disregard if they do or at least 3 year warranty which should be the minimum)

As for rebates, I have gotten everyone that I have applied for. A large rebate processor has just filed for bankruptcy so check to see if anyone that you might apply for is working with them (there is a thread over in the hot deals discussion forum). The manufacturer is still obligated to fulfill the rebate so even if you went with them you should get paid but it might take more work to get the money.
 
needmorecarnitine said:
As for rebates, I have gotten everyone that I have applied for. ...
Click to expand...

Yes, many people have, but rebates are never guaranteed.

enginurd said:
You'd be surprised how distracted people get with school, work, personal life, etc that yes, it is their fault, and many people miss out on the rebate. However, there are those that do everything right, and still get rejected. They can either appeal or let it go... most will let it go, and some will appeal. Even then, after appealing, they can still reject you. So again, no rebate is guaranteed.

Example: My buddy and I bought the Antec P180 case from Fry's when it had a $50 MIR. I handled both of our rebates. I did the exact same thing for both. His was rejected, and mine went through fine. He appealed, and they said his postmark date was too late. He asked for a picture of the postmark on the envelope, and they didn't have one. I sent him a scan of the USPS receipt (paid with CC for the stamps, lol), and they still rejected it. He asked how mine went through if it was mailed at the same time and they didn't answer him. So again... rebates are never guaranteed. Sure, he can keep fighting for it, but in the end, is it worth all the possible headache and struggle if it doesn't go through? For some, yes... for most, no. If you can live with the pre-rebate price, go for it. If you can't, wait til it gets cheaper. Trust me, not everyone gets their MIR... if they did, MIRs would be a thing of the past. ...
Click to expand...
 
HardwareGuru said:
CPU - Intel Core 2 E7300(2.66ghz) for $120
Mobo/Ram - Asus P5Q Pro for $115($15 MIR) +OCZ Fatal1ty Edition 4GB(2x2GB) DDR2 800 combo deal for $133
Case/PSU - Antec Three Hundred + Neo Power 500 - combo deal for $90
Video - Video - MSI N9800GT-T2D512-OC edition GeForce 9800 GT 512MB for $115($20 MIR)
HDD - WD 6400AAKS 640gig for $75 w/free shipping

Total : $533
Click to expand...

Nice :)
Need to stay under $600 including shipping & before MIRs of course.

I like this set up but how would it look with this instead Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 $164.99
Yes, a little more $$, but still within budget.

$591.26


I've noticed the 24 pin connector location on some of these ASUS boards... WTF were they thinking?:rolleyes:
 
You can for under $591 dude. Do this

CPU/MOBO (Combo Deal) - Intel Core2 E8400(3.0ghz) + Asus P5QPro mobo combo for $250($15 MIR on mobo) w/free shipping
RAM - OCZ Fatal1ty Edition 4GB (2x2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 for $43 w/free shipping
Video - MSI N9800GT-T2D512-OC GeForce 9800 GT 512MB for $115($20 MIR)
HDD - WD 6400AAKS 640gig for $75 w/free shipping
CASE/PSU (Combo Deal) - Antec Three Hundred + Neo Power 500 - for $90

Total: $573.00
 
HardwareGuru said:
You can for under $591 dude. Do this

CPU/MOBO (Combo Deal) - Intel Core2 E8400(3.0ghz) + Asus P5QPro mobo combo for $250($15 MIR on mobo) w/free shipping
RAM - OCZ Fatal1ty Edition 4GB (2x2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 for $43 w/free shipping
Video - MSI N9800GT-T2D512-OC GeForce 9800 GT 512MB for $115($20 MIR)
HDD - WD 6400AAKS 640gig for $75 w/free shipping
CASE/PSU (Combo Deal) - Antec Three Hundred + Neo Power 500 - for $90

Total: $573.00
Click to expand...

Sweet!
Comes out to $586.25 with shipping. :D

Everything look cool?
Anyone else want to chime in?

BTW enginurd, the the GA-EP43-DS3L seems to be OOS at newegg, but thanks. :)
 
The GA-EP43-DS3L can be found at other locations (*cough*ZipZoomFly*cough*), but HardwareGuru's build is a good way to go.

If anything, you should purchase an aftermarket CPU cooler at your first available opportunity -- especially if you plan on overclocking any time soon.
 
HG's build looks good. Don't forget to post pics! and yes, get a better cooler when you can. :p
 
tiraides said:
The GA-EP43-DS3L can be found at other locations (*cough*ZipZoomFly*cough*), but HardwareGuru's build is a good way to go.

If anything, you should purchase an aftermarket CPU cooler at your first available opportunity -- especially if you plan on overclocking any time soon.
Click to expand...


I agree. I ordered the XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 (with the XIGMATEK ACK-I7751 Retention Bracket) that just about everyone on here says to get. I'm planning on buying most of my other components for my new build closer to Black Friday to get the best deal but I doubt they would get any cheaper than what I paid. $21.99 FS AR for the cooler and $8.49 FS for the bracket (both at newegg, of course).
 
Thanks for all the advice guys, much appreciated.
I pulled the trigger on HardwareGurus build yesterday except I changed out the RAM to 4GB (2x2) Corsair.
I notice that it jumped from $54.99 to $99.50 today :eek::eek: WTF's up with that??
Anyway I'm glad I grabbed it when I did.
Got notification that everything shipped this morning :D


CPU/MOBO (Combo Deal) - Intel Core2 E8400(3.0ghz) + Asus P5QPro mobo combo for $250($15 MIR on mobo) w/free shipping
Video - MSI N9800GT-T2D512-OC GeForce 9800 GT 512MB for $115($20 MIR)
HDD - WD 6400AAKS 640gig for $75 w/free shipping
CASE/PSU (Combo Deal) - Antec Three Hundred + Neo Power 500 - for $90
RAM - CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 for $55($30 MIR)

This should be a big improvement over the rig in my sig & hopefully last me a few years.
Checked out the XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 - nice. :) I may grab one of these up in the near future.
Thanks again guys!
 
tazman4 said:
Thanks for all the advice guys, much appreciated.
I pulled the trigger on HardwareGurus build yesterday except I changed out the RAM to 4GB (2x2) Corsair.
I notice that it jumped from $54.99 to $99.50 today :eek::eek: WTF's up with that??
Anyway I'm glad I grabbed it when I did.
Got notification that everything shipped this morning :D


CPU/MOBO (Combo Deal) - Intel Core2 E8400(3.0ghz) + Asus P5QPro mobo combo for $250($15 MIR on mobo) w/free shipping
Video - MSI N9800GT-T2D512-OC GeForce 9800 GT 512MB for $115($20 MIR)
HDD - WD 6400AAKS 640gig for $75 w/free shipping
CASE/PSU (Combo Deal) - Antec Three Hundred + Neo Power 500 - for $90
RAM - CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 for $55($30 MIR)

This should be a big improvement over the rig in my sig & hopefully last me a few years.
Checked out the XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 - nice. :) I may grab one of these up in the near future.
Thanks again guys!
Click to expand...

Go NewEgg!! Great pricing yet again
a223c6b3710f85df22e9377d6c4f7553.jpg
6c1da886822c67822bcf3679d04369fa.jpg
0e3a37aa85a14e359df74fa77eded3f6.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top