New build under $500

S

speedlever

Limp Gawd
Joined
Sep 29, 2006
Messages
447
1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Web browsing, personal finance, lots of digital images, general home usage

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
This is a computer for my son and his family. They would like to keep the cost no more than $500 total.

3) Where do you live?
NC

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific.
He has a widescreen 19" monitor, KB, mouse and printer. He also has a 750 Gb external USB drive for backup. All else is needed (case, PS, MB, processor, ram, HD, video card, etc.) Note: a relatively quiet video card would be a plus (no noisy cooling fan).


5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
None.

6) Will you be overclocking?
No.

7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
19" Widescreen.

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
Immediately.

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? etc.
Nothing special. Lots of USB2 ports are a bonus. This will be for general home use to replace an aging PIII/600 system. Anything will be an improvement!

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license?
Would like to include Windows 7 in the cost.

I did a lot of research here several years ago and built a couple of system. But I have not kept up with the latest in motherboards and components. He wants to buy something from a big box store this week... so I need to get moving if I'm going to build it for him. I think I can build him something much better than he can buy for this price.

Thanks!
 
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If he wants a new monitor, he can pickup a Dell Vostro w/ 18.5" or larger included along with Win7 for around $420. Check gotapex.com and slickdeals.net for such deals.

If you'd rather build it, this should help you get started... adjust as needed:

$105 - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit OEM
$142 - COMBO: AMD Athlon II X2 245 Regor 2.9GHz + ASUS M4A785TD-M EVO 785G mATX
$80 - COMBO: Antec Three Hundred Case + Antec NEO ECO 400C 400W
$90 - Corsair XMS3 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3-1333 TW3X4G1333C9A G
$55 - Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200RPM SATA300 16MB Buffer
$28 - LG 22X DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model GH22LS50 LightScribe
==========
$500 + tax and shipping
 
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Thanks enginurd. His monitor is fine.

Here's an Asus Essentio for under $500. Is this worthy or could I build him something much better for the money?
 
The custom build enginurd has posted will def. be a solid performer - as far as that Essentio goes though, I'd avoid getting it.

And even the Vostro would probably prove to be better as opposed to the ASUS Essentio - I just don't see it having anything that puts it in the $500 price range at all... It deserves to be more around $350~$400 with its' components. Plus, if you go through the custom build mentioned by enginurd that build has a name-brand Power Supply, something you won't find in either the ASUS or the Vostro. And whether or not people like to realize it, the power supply IS an extremely vital part to any computer.
 
The only thing Id add to that would be an Athlon II X4. Since the OP stated a lot of digital pictures a quad proc would run a little smoother with all the editing.
 
Good info. OK, a few more to run past you.. then I'll start looking for where to get components.

Costco ZT system Athlon II x2 240. Worthy or not?

There's also a Costco HP Pavillion with an Athlon X4 620 and DDR3 ram for $500.

And an E5400 version too.

I'm not sure he's willing to wait for the time it will take to order the components and build it up. If not, any suggestions for a pre-built if none of the above pass muster? I'd rather build it as I enjoy the process. But this just became a hot item for him.

Edit: I see the hyperlinked prices are all NewEgg. I've bought a ton of stuff from them in the past. That'll save me some time shopping. Oh, and I agree about the PSU. I have a Corsair in my Antec Solo PC I built.

Edit 2: any preference for an internal card reader? Sabrent?
 
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If you don't have time to build it, that HP P6270Z should do fine.

No preference on card reader. The Rosewill one is cheaper:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820223103

Gym Rat said:
The only thing Id add to that would be an Athlon II X4. Since the OP stated a lot of digital pictures a quad proc would run a little smoother with all the editing.
Click to expand...

A quad would be $40 more, which would put it over budget. As far as the advantages go, it depends on what he'll be doing to the pictures. If he's just doing your standard touch-ups to home pics, the quadcore shouldn't matter much.
 
OK. That looks like a good build to me. ~$520 with shipping. No taxes to NC.

If he wants to get it now, do you like the HP Pavilion x4 620 with 4 Gb DDR3 over the ZT x2 6 Gb DDR2? I guess what I'm asking is: is it the specs or the manufacturer? I know nothing of ZT but figured Costco is hard to beat for returns.

Still, my preference is to build it if he can spare me the time.

Edit: the x2 should be fine. I don't see them doing any PhotoShop type stuff.
 
speedlever said:
If he wants to get it now, do you like the HP Pavilion X4 620 with 4GB DDR3 over the ZT X2 + 6GB DDR2? I guess what I'm asking is: Is it the specs or the manufacturer? I know nothing of ZT but figured Costco is hard to beat for returns.

Still, my preference is to build it if he can spare me the time.

Edit: The X2 should be fine. I don't see them doing any PhotoShop type stuff.
Click to expand...
I have learned recently that Dell and HP tend to be a cut above other OEM pre-built systems. I tried to read up on ZT, but the information seems pretty sparse. A number of users have complained of power supplies with inappropriately low wattage, so you may want to check on that. As I see it, the specs and the manufacturer are both in favor of the HP, as enginurd recommended earlier.

For what it's worth, four cores will likely make little difference for a "standard use" PC, but the 620 is a more capable processor than the 250, in my opinion. And 4GB of RAM should be more than he will ever need, much less 6GB.
 
I agree with enginurd and TheQuestian. I would take the X4 620 Quad with 4GB of RAM over the Dual Core X2 240 with 6GB of RAM. You can always add more RAM to the X4 620 Quad System if you need to because it has 4 x DIMM slots.
 
I've always liked Antec cases. Question about this 300 case: there is no 3.5 inch external drive bay for a media card reader. Does it come with an adapter to allow that?

Also, what are the current faves for quiet 120mm fans? I think it would be appropriate to mount one in front of the HD.

How many fans will the mobo support? I didn't see anything listed in the Newegg specs.
 
1. It doesn't, their are media card reader that are 5.25" also

2. Stock fans are quiet on low.

3. I general don't suggest using the headers from motherboards to power case fans.
 
Dell Windows is the easiest to deal if you need to do unexpected maintenance. Since no overclocking, Dell will not be a problem. Dell will charge you USD499 for the following nice and quiet setup. Add 60 for X3 425, add 100 for X4 630. add 60 for 2-year warranty support. add another disk (cheaper to buy on your own) to mirror for full protection. This requires special handling may need to re-setup Windows where the nice Dell Windows 7 DVD will come-in handy. One number for support and complaint. :). Double-confirm with others b4 placing order. I use Vostro/Optiplex daily. Your budget limits suggestion in that area. (Sometimes Dell Outlet offers great deals on refurbished units, check daily)

Insipiron 546 MT (VGA/HDMI, DVI not available - Check your existing monitor) (please make sure casing is a MidTower casing, easier later in case you have alternative idea. The slim casing is nice but you may have complication later in case you consider upgrading/replacing components)
AMD Athlon™ II X2 240 (2.8GHz, 2MB)
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
Microsoft® Works 9 (Does not include Microsoft Word)
McAfee SecurityCenter, 30-Day Trial edit (remove this and use Microsoft Security Essential)
WARRANTY AND SERVICE 1 Yr Ltd Hardware Warranty, InHome Service after Remote Diagnosis
On-Site Service after Remote Diagnosis: for issues covered by Limited Hardware Warranty, technician and/or part will be dispatched, if necessary, usually within 1 business day following Remote Diagnosis. During Remote Diagnosis, you may be asked to access the inside of your system (where safe to do so) or to participate in troubleshooting until a cause can be isolated.
4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz- 4 DIMMs (no more expansion)
500GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache
16X DVD+/-RW Drive
Integrated ATI Radeon HD3200 Graphics
Integrated 5.1 Channel Audio
Dell USB Entry Keyboard
Dell USB Optical Mouse
Dell 19 in 1 Media Card Reader
Dell 1525 Wireless-N PCIe Card

edit 1: revised spec and price.
 
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lightp2 said:
Dell Windows is the easiest to deal if you need to do unexpected maintenance.
Click to expand...
I can't speak from experience, here, but I have no trouble believing the numerous complaints that Dell tech support is generally scripted, poorly informed, and based overseas.
 
lt_shiro said:
2. Stock fans are quiet on low.
Click to expand...
Not sure if the case fans are the same ones used in the Mini P180 (Antec Tri-Cool), but I have to say they are some of the nicest stock fans I've encountered. After testing the Antecs' volume and CFM, I cancelled the Scythe Slipstream fans I'd planned on using.
 
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Sorry, didn't realize the 300 didn't come with an adapter. Stupid Antec.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820276003

Personally, I found the Tri-Cools to push less air while being louder than Yate Loon 120mm (L) fans, despite being on the lowest setting. However, loudness is subjective, so its up to you. If you decide against the Tri-Cools, you can pickup Yate Loon 120mm and 140mm from jab-tech.com, petra's tech shop, or other places. Another good replacement is the one TheQuestian mentioned, Scythe Slipstreams. I agree with your plan, add at least one fan to the front of the case.

You'll want to connect the fans to the PSU instead of the mobo.

$499 is too much for the system lightp2 listed. If you want a dell, get in on a dell deal or a refurb instead (dell outlet) -- much better pricing. What you should be looking for is either an E5400/E7500, 3GB-4GB of RAM, 250GB - 500GB HDD, DVD Burner, onboard video/audio/lan, Win7 Home Premium, and an 18.5" - 22" monitor, typically priced between $390 - $450 with either shipping included or for under $25. Thats the typical Vostro 220/220s deal that I get for my fam/friends whenever a pre-built suits their needs and budget. The higher models may sometimes be worth it, but most of the time aren't.
 
enginurd said:
Personally, I found the Tri-Cools to push less air while being louder than Yate Loon 120mm (L) fans, despite being on the lowest setting. However, loudness is subjective, so its up to you. If you decide against the Tri-Cools, you can pickup Yate Loon 120mm and 140mm from jab-tech.com, petra's tech shop, or other places. Another good replacement is the one TheQuestian mentioned, Scythe Slipstreams.
Click to expand...
Yeah, loudness is subjective, but enginurd is probably right. The Tri-Cools represent a good balance for me [74CFM / 30dB / High], but the YL's and Scythes are quieter and push just as much air, I believe. It came down to "quite good" vs. "great" for me, which is pretty good for stock fans.
 
Thanks much for all the feedback.

I remember hearing good things about Yate Loons when I researched my build a few years ago. I put a couple of 92mm Nexus real silent case fans on the front of my Solo case. They have been great. I have one Tri-cool that came with the Solo case and run it on low. Along with the Noctua NH-U12F cpu cooler/fan, the computer is very quiet, but not silent... which is fine with me.

In the application being discussed, the users put the case in a desk behind a door... plenty of room and I think it breathes ok, but not an ideal setup for cooling. So at least one if not two case fans for the HD(s) would be desirable.

But I have to say, this is the first I've heard about not powering case fans from the mobo headers. Just curious why? Maybe I need to revisit my build and fix that on my PC.

Thanks again for all the good feedback. Excellent info and I appreciate the effort.

Now to see which way my son wants to go.
 
A quick note about Dells. They kinda lost me a couple of years ago when my mother-in-law bought one of their desktops. There was no place to mount any kind of cooling fan for the HD and this thing kept killing the HDs due to heat issues.

If I could remember the particular Dell model, you would probably recognize it for known HD failures.

Anyway, I jury-rigged a spare fan I had laying around and propped it up in the case to circulate air and have had no more trouble with it. But it's definitely a slap-together fix. I'm just glad it worked.

Unless Dell has fixed that issue, I have little interest in them. And the non-native English speaking tech support does not help either.
 
I see. All counter-comments are well acknowledged. That's the reason why a clarification is needed.

1. Yes, the price can be lower, remember you can remove wireless card,media reader,revert to 320Gb disk,get a better deal from Dell outlet(already mentioned),search for aggressive discount. The key point is - you can get a lot from that 500,could be even lower.

2. I did not choose Vostro due to one single reason. I believe HD3200 integrated graphic is slightly better than X4500M for consumer generic usage. Add-in card will increase the cost.

3. Why I still have high view of Vostro? Vostro model that I know comes with Intel RAID version of ICH Controller great convenient to enduser with minimal cost. Euginurd confirms vostro value by saying Vostro are really low-cost if you can find a good deal. This issue is relevant to Dell Windows DVD. I think Dell can pre-configured RAID-1 for you for Vostro, but it is not listed on the web for Insipiron so either you have to ask and explain clearly, or you have to do it yourself after receiving the unit from Dell, hence the DVD. I really do not think non-tech user should do it on their own but anyhow this explains the DVD story. The Dell DVD can be used to reinstall and OEM activate with no hassle on Dell computers. One of my worst experience is the HP/Acer style 7-CD slow re-image only option that failed halfway for no-apparent reason and you have to restart again and again. The more units you work with the more you appreciate the official Dell Windows CD.

4. I use Intel/AMD servers/desktops at work and X3 720BE/790GX at home running and testing Linux/Windows/BSD/VMware/OpenSolaris so I have no bias. I know AMD SB has improved greatly and RAID support. Myself waiting for IOMMU from RD880/890 but currently still much prefer Intel chipset/ICH/network well tested stability and consistency. This explains and concludes the Optiplex/Vostro Intel-setup side of the story even though AMD is also represented in Optiplex.

5. Bonus point is any 45nm Athlon II has AMD-V by default. Not critical immediately for enduser but it is a check point. Intel is revamping all low-end processors to include VT but using the same name. No need to guess whether vendor has sold you an E5400 with VT or E5400 without VT. Since we are all talking about low-end processors here, Tier 1 vendors have practice of clearing outdated processor with sales-deals in area where users are less critical. To give you an example, Intel Celeron SU2300 is a dual-core + VT-x but no execute-disable. Pentium SU4100 usually in more expensive notebook, has better spec but no VT-x. I admit that this point perhaps is more IT-relevant.

6. Finally yes I understand Dell support concern. Disclaimer 1st. I do not work for Dell. I use Dell, I search Dell Outlet frequently for refurbished Dell products. I once bought a Dell Rack Server from Outlet Xeon3220/2GB/SAS-Controller/2xSAS-15K" < USD400 so good deal can be found. I am using a refurbished Optiplex/VistaBusiness/Office2007Basic < USD380. I also have Dell products that failed (1st day failure/computer/LCD monitors/laptops). Perhaps I am lucky or it only works better with business account. I find that as long as I can give clear technical explanation/demonstration and identify all the serial numbers for them, the co-operation is mutual and I can get the job done quickly. Example, I once had a LCD monitor failure. After confirming with Dell and both sides know technically what they were talking and doing, reported on Friday. Replacement arrived Monday sharp.

So to summarize, if you can find a good deal and feel comfortable, Dell setup is actually not bad for general enduser. (best with pre-configured RAID-1) (I think Dell tech can do it for you if you tell them and record the request in advance). Again, double-check b4 placing order.

Finally, Dell has cyclical period where they will do massive special sales for very short amount of time, usually but may vary, b4 quarter ends. Sometimes Dell will also co-ordinate with Intel to clear stock before major launch. :)
 
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Thanks lightp2. All good points.

Perhaps I shouldn't toss Dell without a look. I end up being the service guy anyway. Except for the warranty period.
 
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