Trying to build a system for roughly 700...having trouble staying under budget

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SocceRich20

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I'm trying to build a decent computer for my friend. He's mostly going to be doing typical college-stuff...homework, music, internet, etc. He plays the occasional game. I've been trying to piece together something under 700, but am having trouble. Sales tax in CA doesn't help.

Roughly here is what I was shooting for:
Q6600 (190)
Decent motherboard (100)
Decent video card (100)
4GB Corsair ram (55)
500GB hard drive (65)
Corsair HX520 (80)
Antec Three Hundred (60)
Vista Home Premium (100)

Tax rapes me in the ass, coming up at roughly $60.

I'm considering switching to a Phenom system and bumping the PSU down to something cheaper to shave costs. Thoughts? Help?
 
Well, first of all, ditch the Q6600. From what you've told us so far, your friend doesn't need a quad-core CPU. The E7200 is a good choice.

Second, since your friend is a college student, he should have a .edu email address. So he qualifies for this program:
http://www.microsoft.com/student/discounts/theultimatesteal-us/default.aspx

Put the mouse over on "Additional Products" to see "Windows Vista Ultimate Upgrade w/SP1" for $65. And yes you can install Vista upgrade on a blank drive:
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=5932

Here's what I'd build:
FS = Free shipping
NT = No Tax

Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 CPU - $120 (FS, NT)
Gigabyte GA-EP43-DS3L Intel P43 Motherboard - $95 (FS, NT)
G.Skill F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 RAM - $66 (FS)
PNY VCG88512GXEB GeForce 8800 GT 512MB PCI-E Video Card - $117 (FS, NT)
Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $85 (FS)
Windows Vista Ultimate Upgrade w/SP1 - $65 (FS, NT IIRC)
Corsair 550VX 550W PSU - $85 (FS, NT)
Antec 300 ATX Case - $50 (FS)
---
Total: $683 plus tax (Roughly $16 in taxes for a total of $699)

If you need to cut costs further, get the Corsair 450VX:
Corsair 450VX 450W PSU - $70
 
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Yea looks like a solid build bro. If you need help with the taxes I'm here to help. I don't get taxed so I could get the stuff sent to me and I would send it to you. But if its going to be like 16 bucks it would be cheaper to pay the tax.
 
Update, looks like it's possible to get Vista for free through the school. That'll save about $100.
 
Saving $100 should help a ton. Otherwise, E7200 (overclocked?) should be more than enough for gaming + surfing. If you really want to scrimp and save on the graphics card (depending on gaming resolution and actual games played) you can consider stepping down to the 9600GSO or 9600GT, both available at sub $100 price points.
 
elleana said:
Saving $100 should help a ton. Otherwise, E7200 (overclocked?) should be more than enough for gaming + surfing. If you really want to scrimp and save on the graphics card (depending on gaming resolution and actual games played) you can consider stepping down to the 9600GSO or 9600GT, both available at sub $100 price points.
Click to expand...

If there's a Fry's near your area, get a HD4850 for $110. Information here.
 
Free Vista only saves you $65, according to Danny's post.

Danny Bui said:
Well, first of all, ditch the Q6600. From what you've told us so far, your friend doesn't need a quad-core CPU. The E7200 is a good choice.

Second, since your friend is a college student, he should have a .edu email address. So he qualifies for this program:
http://www.microsoft.com/student/discounts/theultimatesteal-us/default.aspx

Put the mouse over on "Additional Products" to see "Windows Vista Ultimate Upgrade w/SP1" for $65. And yes you can install Vista upgrade on a blank drive:
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=5932

Here's what I'd build:
FS = Free shipping
NT = No Tax

Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 CPU - $120 (FS, NT)
Gigabyte GA-EP43-DS3L Intel P43 Motherboard - $95 (FS, NT)
G.Skill F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 RAM - $66 (FS)
PNY VCG88512GXEB GeForce 8800 GT 512MB PCI-E Video Card - $117 (FS, NT)
Western Digital WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $85 (FS)
Windows Vista Ultimate Upgrade w/SP1 - $65 (FS, NT IIRC)
Corsair 550VX 550W PSU - $85 (FS, NT)
Antec 300 ATX Case - $50 (FS)
---
Total: $683 plus tax (Roughly $16 in taxes for a total of $699)

If you need to cut costs further, get the Corsair 450VX:
Corsair 450VX 450W PSU - $70
Click to expand...

Thats a great build for your friend's needs, from what you've told us. Go with Danny's build.


stangdude22 said:
Here are some nice budget parts.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116072&Tpk=e5200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128078
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102792

PS its hard to beat a cheap 9600gt too
Click to expand...

Please list part names with links.
 
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