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Sub $600 Intel Build

J

jnick

2[H]4U
Joined
Sep 25, 2004
Messages
2,888
A relative of mine is looking to replace their family computer. The computer is mainly used for surfing the net, school work, and e-mails. They do no gaming other than solitaire. That being said, they really don't need a beefy dual core system. They currently have a Dell Dimension S478, P4 2.0 with 256mb of RAM. Tonight I configured them an E310. The total came out to $569 before shipping.

I personally do not think so, however I was wondering if I did a custom build, could I keep the cost lower, or have a better performing system (better than specs below) for around the same price. They have monitor, speakers, mouse, keyboard, etc. They just need a new tower. I started looking for the parts, however, I haven't dealt with intel since S478 was the big boy on the block, and as of right now, I only really know about Core 2 information.

Therefore, I was wondering if you guys could give me some advice. Should I just scrap the idea, and tell him that Dell is his best bet, or is there some hope in a custom build?

The dell system specs were:
P4 3.0 // 1GB RAM // 80GB HDD // 1 CD-RW // 1 FDD // Free 17" Monitor (Useless as they have a 19")

Feel free to let the ideas fly!

Cheers.

[EDIT] Here's what I have in mind from the help of you guys so far!

Processor: $115
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819116001
Motherboard: $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813121291
PSU: $42
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104953
RAM: $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820141200
Windows: $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16837102059

Total: $422

I'd just need a case, maybe fans, and unfortunately a PCI-E card. Unless there's a mobo which supports DDR2-533 AND his 9600 pro.
 
I'd go with an ASrock mobo and Pentium-D 805 with 1gb DDR2 533.

from there do whatever, but budget dual core is easily within 600 bucks
 
Are ASRock boards which support both DDR & DDR2 decent boards? Or should I stay away from them and go for a strict DDR2 board?

I also forgot that he already has an AGP 9600 Pro, so there's no need for a new VGA either, and I would like to stay within the realms of AGP.

So I'm really only looking for:
Processor
Mobo
Ram
Case/PSU/Fans (I'll let him pick the case)
 
if thats all they use it for, why not just slap a gig of ram in their current pc and call it a day?
 
I chose the XMS RAM due to there being a MIR that brings it under $100. Install Xubuntu for free, and have yourself a spectacularly stable, quick, and user-friendly machine. :)

intel600.jpg
 
stellar, the 930 and DDR2-800 are overkill.
1gb of 533 and the 805, along with a mobo half the price, shave a good 200 off that. extra budget for a PCI-E video card?
 
generally I would suggest windows, because in general that is what most people like and are used to. Ask before you show up with ubuntu on it. (du, you probably would anyways). I wouldn't use ubuntu, but thats because I pretty much do 3 things on my computer. Play video games (obviously a big reason to stay with windows), search the internet, use excel (sorry like excel to much to give it to the open office one). :p

I

I would still go with a cheaper 1 gig setup. (they will never notice the difference between ddr2 533 and ddr2 800. (I can barely tell the difference in games, actually I don't know if I can even tell the difference) I use a asus 925xe and a 3.4 at 3.83 fsb is at 27x then the other config would be 3.83 at 225 or something with timings set at 533. So even with my fsb jacked up I can't tell the difference between ddr2 711 and ddr2 533. It makes very little difference if you are going intel right now. You can get ram 1 gig of ddr2 533 for like 60-70 dollars (I never consider mirs). As for the mobo I would get something decent. I don't think he could shave off 200 but enough to buy windows.

Honestly though I would just do the dell, its easier, and they could a. recoup some of the losses or b. have 2 computers because they already have a full setup.
 
omega-x said:
stellar, the 930 and DDR2-800 are overkill.
1gb of 533 and the 805, along with a mobo half the price, shave a good 200 off that. extra budget for a PCI-E video card?
Click to expand...

theres no need for a PCI-E video if he's just going to play solitaire
 
i still think an entire new system is overkill in itself, some more RAM and their current system would be just fine, much cheaper too...

you could even hock a better processor off ebay and throw it in there if you think they need it...

'course, you would run into some problems if that thing is using RDRAM...
 
I sorta agree with the ram, and sorta do not. Although it would obviously be a huge upgrade just to add ram. (deffinitely cheaper as well). I haven't decided if I agree with you or not yet lithium :p
 
omega-x said:
stellar, the 930 and DDR2-800 are overkill.
1gb of 533 and the 805, along with a mobo half the price, shave a good 200 off that. extra budget for a PCI-E video card?
Click to expand...

I doubt they'll need a $200 PCI-E video card for a family office system. The integrated Intel GMA950 should be fine, what's more that chipset and GPU are Linux/Vista friendly.

Going with 1GB DDR2-533 would only save him about $28 after the MIR based on similarly branded memory. I think the increased memory bandwidth is worth that much on an Intel system.

I maxed out the budget based on a Linux/Vista friendly office system, where I think your money is best spent on the fastest CPU and most stable chipset you can get.
 
thecoldanddarkone said:
generally I would suggest windows, because in general that is what most people like and are used to. Ask before you show up with ubuntu on it. (du, you probably would anyways). I wouldn't use ubuntu, but thats because I pretty much do 3 things on my computer. Play video games (obviously a big reason to stay with windows), search the internet, use excel (sorry like excel to much to give it to the open office one). :p

I

I would still go with a cheaper 1 gig setup. (they will never notice the difference between ddr2 533 and ddr2 800. (I can barely tell the difference in games, actually I don't know if I can even tell the difference) I use a asus 925xe and a 3.4 at 3.83 fsb is at 27x then the other config would be 3.83 at 225 or something with timings set at 533. So even with my fsb jacked up I can't tell the difference between ddr2 711 and ddr2 533. It makes very little difference if you are going intel right now. You can get ram 1 gig of ddr2 533 for like 60-70 dollars (I never consider mirs). As for the mobo I would get something decent. I don't think he could shave off 200 but enough to buy windows.

Honestly though I would just do the dell, its easier, and they could a. recoup some of the losses or b. have 2 computers because they already have a full setup.
Click to expand...

You might be surprised. I recently built a system both for my parents and for my girlfriend. In trying out different distros for my g/f I found she really liked Xubuntu because the default UI was somewhat similar to OSX which is why she was used to, and it of course was incredibly stable and the larger icons and text were easier for her to read. On the 945G-based board I built it with, Xubuntu picked up and installed everything from video to network to sound during the install without a hitch. Setup from format to useable desktop literally took less than 15 minutes.

Give it a shot, you might be surprised. The install CD is also a Live CD which is impressive in and of itself, it boots to a useable desktop with an icon that says "Install to hard drive" and the install routine runs right inside the desktop and the Live CD is still functional.

www.xubuntu.org

Again like I said, I didn't pick the DDR2-800 because I thought they'd need it, I found that it was a minimal price to upgrade to it and if you're going with a 800Mhz FSB chip instead of the 805 it will benefit from it.
 
trust me its not worth the the ram difference, what 3% real world difference for 28% more price on ram? (still don't agree with you, but thats ok) As for ubuntu I have a couple friends who are linux happy, but like I said for gaming its not going to happen, not right now.
Even my friends who are linux happy use windows for gaming :p (of course that is all they use it for). My friend like Gentoo, Ubuntu, etc.


I actually didn't like ubuntu, its not bad, but I really didn't like it (well especially for gaming, lol). I do have open office as well as microsoft office.

I actually have ubunto live cd's.

As for stable the only time I really have any problem with windows is when, take a guess, (when I overclock my computer to high :D )
 
I was strictly speaking for a family/office system. XP is only stable for someone who knows how to avoid spyware/malware/grayware/viruses, etc. This is a great advantage for family systems.

Obviously Linux is not for gamers. I don't run it on my main rig either.

Also I'm referring to a different distro than vanilla Ubuntu, Xubunu uses the Xfce UI which is very minimalistic and fast, the same UI used in DamnSmall Linux which is designed for system with 64MB RAM or less.
 
Well I do have my 300 gig partitioned in half to try out different linux distro's (probably due to the fact I have never topped 40 gigs of stuff in a single pc. So I assumed it was safe to partition it in half :D As for AV I usually recommend nod 32. :)
 
Stellar said:
I chose the XMS RAM due to there being a MIR that brings it under $100. Install Xubuntu for free, and have yourself a spectacularly stable, quick, and user-friendly machine. :)

intel600.jpg
Click to expand...

where the hell is this?!?! XMS for 114? lol. I bought my OCZ for around 90 something, but XMS was only 20 bucks more?! sry, off topic. just outraged that i could have gotten faster ram, lol.
 
Actually there's a $15 MIR on it bringing it to $99. So there's actually only a $22 difference between it and the 5-5-5-12 Value DDR2-533.
 
have you thought of what you would do if your relatives need services? are you going to be who they call?

i think it would be WAY easier to just get the dell for them and if they have any issues they can always just call dell. you wont need to worry about RMA's or anything, let dell handle it.

the dell machine will suite their needs (and then some) and i personally dont think its worth building from scratch to save ~$30 (if at all) when it means losing tech support...


just my .02 ;)
 
Wow, thanks for the replies guys.

Lithium - I brought that to their attention (upgrading RAM, etc) however they DO have RDRAM and the PC is 5 years old. Their younger son just graduated junior high, and he's the one who is mostly on it. Since he asked for a new pc, they're thinking about it.

Stellar - Thanks for all the help man. You definitely went out of your way, lol. I'm going to keep their old HDD and their two optical drives. I'll just need a case and PSU. Since my younger cousin likes the look of the XPS system, I figured some sort of Xoxide case with the gaudy red plastic "X" or the like . . . what ever he likes.

I'll definitely go DDR2-533. Even though there's more bandwidth in 800, they don't need the performances that much. Hell, Dual Core is overkill.

I've used their PC numerous times and it truly is in bad shape. It definitely needs formatting, but the over all PC is just . . . bleh.

How are those intel mobo's you suggested? I'm gonna take a look at them now. If they're good, then I think you guys helped me out a bunch, and they'll save some mullah on the PC! Or at least get a better PC for a similar price!


nytrackstar said:
have you thought of what you would do if your relatives need services? are you going to be who they call?

i think it would be WAY easier to just get the dell for them and if they have any issues they can always just call dell. you wont need to worry about RMA's or anything, let dell handle it.

the dell machine will suite their needs (and then some) and i personally dont think its worth building from scratch to save ~$30 (if at all) when it means losing tech support...


just my .02 ;)
Click to expand...

LOL. Who do you think does their services now? We share the same front lawn, no lie. We have two seperate houses, however our front yards are connected (side by side). Hell, tonight I had to drive my grandmother home (she can't walk) and when I left their house I literally ran home across the grass, forgetting my car was in their driveway :( (ROFL).

My uncle even made me a T-Shit that says "Don't call Dell, Call John".
 
jnick said:
My uncle even made me a T-Shit that says "Don't call Dell, Call John".
Click to expand...

now thats classic :D

well gl to you mate, youve gotten great advice from everyone here! let us know how it works out
 
Thanks man!

It just seem to have a problem on the motherboard. It seems there are no DDR2 + AGP motherboards out there as he already has a 9600 Pro. It would be kinda nice not to spend the few extra bucks for a video card, especially on their budget.

[Edit] From the looks of it, I may have some money left over for a Cheapo PCI-E card . . . would something like a $40 GF6200 suffice. Remember they play NO games. Also, any suggestion on a decent motherboard which will support DDR2-533 and Pentium D? Like I said, if I have to, I can shell out a PCI-E card.

How's these two?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813157086

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowI...nForce4+SLI+XE+ATX+Intel+Motherboard+-+Retail

Any ideas?

P.S. - How's this PSU look? 400W, dual 12v Rail by FSP . .. looks good to me . . .

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104953

A Huge Thanks!
 
Wait, do you honestly not have a winxp installation cd? I would think everyone would have 1 by now lol. My thoughts on this topic is use what's available. If you say thay he has a 9600 then get an asrock motherboard with agp. And if you want saving look in the Hot deals section of the forums. For example, here is a 160gb hitachi sata hdd for $40 after MIB.
http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4902591

As for the case, $100 for a family case is too much. Almost same case, but for $10 after MIB.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811133174

For the power supply... or the 1 u suggested above is fine also... 30 bux after MIB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817153023

As for the motherboard so that you can use that agp card... $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813157092

Proccessor of course was a good choice... $110
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819116001&ATT=19-116-001&CMP=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r

and for the memory, always the best... $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227046

Currently $330
 
Thanks for the suggestions man.

Hell, I have 3 XP installs in my house. All OEMs . . . I just don't know if he can use his old Dell key on it.

Personally, I'd stay as far away as possible from TT PSU's, thanks though. I'm pretty sure the FSP is a good one.

As for the case, like I said, it's not my PC, so I'll let them decide on the look I know my cousin wants something "exotic".

The motherboard would be GREAT! However, I'm kind of iffy on those hybrid boards, meaning DDR AND DDR2 is supported. Do these run well? Or should I shell out the extra $20? Though I'd be forced to go PCI-E then . . .

Actually, for the memory, I was gonna use DDR2-533 PQI which is around $75. Save a few bucks.

Actually; I'll edit the OP with links to what I have in mind right now, and we can take it from there!
 
As for the motherboard, it will work fine with 533. * dont judge until u try hehe* A lot of good reviews about it too. Agp will be recognized automatically and so should ram. Oh and for the case, if I were you I would show them the $10 one first, then I would show them the xoxide page of all the cases.

http://www.xoxide.com/pccases.html 56K WARNING
 
Here's what I have so far, from the suggestions of this thread. It's also now posted in the OP.

What do you guys think?

Processor: $115
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819116001
Motherboard: $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813121291
PSU: $42
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104953
RAM: $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820141200
Windows: $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16837102059

Total: $422

I'd just need a case, maybe fans, and unfortunately a PCI-E card. Unless there's a mobo which supports DDR2-533 AND his 9600 pro, other than the Asrock one.
 
Why not spend another $20 or so on a 945G-based motherboard with integrated video? The only thing you need a discrete video card for is if you're going to be connecting to a TV/HDTV or using XGL/Compiz or Vista Aero.

I personally don't recommend skimping on motherboards, it's the heart of the PC and subsequently the source of the most headaches. Intel has a good reputation for making rock solid stable motherboards that boot up and shut down very quickly as well.

Also I personally wouldn't limit my options by trying to build the entire system around an old AGP card to try and save $20 but I think you already made that decision.

Fortron does make great PSUs, but Tt does NOT make good cases. There's a reason they're so cheap.. you get what you pay for. I had a $90 Tsunami that I sold off for $10 to a friend because the hinges on the plastic door on the top accessory ports broke almost immediately, and there was a crack in the inner plastic case front near where I installed the optical drive because it didn't fit correctly.
 
Well it would depend on which LCD, they don't all have DVI input. If he was using an AGP 9600 he was probably using VGA.

Yes, that's the board. Rock solid and all supported in Linux (if you so choose).
 
Take a look at the ATI x1800GTO.. that might be a good deal for this build.. and some of them you can unlock the extra 4 pipes and make it a XL
 
Stellar said:
Why not spend another $20 or so on a 945G-based motherboard with integrated video? The only thing you need a discrete video card for is if you're going to be connecting to a TV/HDTV or using XGL/Compiz or Vista Aero.
Click to expand...



Which from what I hear is actually supported by GMA950...or is it the x3000 (or whatever Intel's next integrated graphics system is)
 
Danith said:
Take a look at the ATI x1800GTO.. that might be a good deal for this build.. and some of them you can unlock the extra 4 pipes and make it a XL
Click to expand...
why the hell would they need an x1800GTO?

an X300 or GMA950 would be fine.

I would need a VGA to DVI converter for the 945G board, as he has a LCD monitor, correct?
Click to expand...
No, every LCD ive ever seen has a VGA input.
Which from what I hear is actually supported by GMA950...or is it the x3000 (or whatever Intel's next integrated graphics system is)
Click to expand...
It's supported by the GMA950.
 
hey. actually, if you have a Fries Electronics near by, go there. I got a PD805 and motherboar d combo for 130 there. Good price. I was lookin for a comp under 600 bucks with a monitor, and that seemed perfect.
 
Nope, no Frys here. I'll check his monitor a little later. If that's the case then we're in VERY good shape. Maybe I could even bump him to the D820 :p

Thanks a bunch guys!
 
Well... if you need RD...



I've got a bit :p

This is one of my biggest money makers with people retarded enough to buy it on ebay. They're all 512 sticks.
 
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