Sub-$600 Buyer's Guide

[SEALTeamSix]

Keep your mouse, keyboard, and monitor; give the rest to grandma. Total comes to $568 shipped, no rebates.

2500+ Barton - $80
http://www.pcprogress.com/product.asp?PID=AMDXP2500333OEM&m1=pg
A classic. Should overclock nicely.

CPU Cooler + Arctic Silver Alumina - $18
http://svc.com/pa9c-38cual.html
http://svc.com/aral17syr.html
A Zalman 7000Al-Cu knock-off with some AS5 knock-off. These should handle the thermals nicely.

Biostar M7NCD Pro - $36
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-138-216R&type=Refurbished
nForce2, onboard sound, dual ethernet, overclocks well.

250GB Maxtor Maxline Plus - $125
http://www.techforless.com/cgi-bin/tech4less/7Y250P0
7200rpm, 8mb. Huge.

512mb PC3200 memory - $65
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?DEPA=0&description=20-223-009&ATT=Memory+System+Memory
Nothing stellar, but it gets the job done.

9600XT All-In-Wonder - $140
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-352R&type=Refurbished
Watch and record television on your computer. Plays games well, too.

8x DVD-/+RW drive - $52
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?DEPA=0&description=27-182-029
Optorite. Does what it says, burns DVD's.

Cheapo case - $15
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/prod...hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=145932
It's a metal box.

300W Enhance PSU - $18
http://www.excaliberpc.com/product_info.php?cPath=208_610&products_id=4201
A known budget brand, adequate for this system's load.

2.1 Speakers - $19
http://www.buy.com/prod/Altec_Lansi...m_20_Watts/q/loc/101/10322733.html?dcaid=1688
(use this coupon)
Cheap, but good sound and hard bass.

Enjoy!

-SEAL

 

[dainthomas]

I avoid refurb mobos as a rule. You can get a new NF7-S at the egg for $59 and save a ton of potential hassle. Plus you're still under $600.

 

[SEALTeamSix]

I avoid refurb mobos as a rule.

I haven't had any problems with any of the Newegg refurbs I've had (multiple video cards and mobos), but hey - do what works for you.

-SEAL