Ultimate Value PC Build

[Socrilles17]

I have this thread over at slick deals thought I would post it here:

So I've thought about doing this thread for a long time, and the deals have now aligned and so it must be done:

The goal is to build a PC for around $500 that will out compete anything at $1000 or more (Retail PCs), I need help in the Video card department but I think I've got about everything else covered:

Away we go, this deal centers around staples so I will start with the items from there:

All coupons are available on ebay IC refers to printer cartridge coupons.

Maxtor 200 gb PATA HD + $20 filler (ATS phone or 56K fax modem FAR)
$110 - $20 ER - $50 ER - $20 off $100 - $3 IC - $3 IC - $3 IC: Total $11 + tax + $4 for coupons

I/O magic DVD burner + $20 filler (ATS phone or 56K fax modem FAR)
$60-$20 ER - $20 ER - $20 off 50 - $3 IC - $3 IC - $3 IC = -$9 + tax + $4 coupon

Maxtor 200 gb HD + IO magic burner + playo 60 pack DVD
$157 - $50 ER - $20 ER - $20 ER - $30 off $150 - $3 IC - $3 IC - $3IC = $28 + tax + $4 for coupons

Newegg:
2X1 gb pny ddr2 pc5300 667 fsb $165 - $60 MIR - $15 Paypal = $90

Frys
**So the combo offered Friday at Frys is the P4m800pro-vm w/ retail e4300 for $159, this mobo only has AGP slot but should be able to take the processor up to 2.7 ghz and is compatible w/ both DDR and DDR2 - make sure the bios is flashed to one that supports the e4300 before leaving frys if you choose this combo
e4300 combo w/ ECS board $150 to $160 depending on board they have had this available the past two weekends and should have it again this weekend the motherboard should be the PT890T-A (which has PCI express) since it is compatible out of the box with e4300 unlike the p4m800-pro
Guide to e4300 to 2.4 ghz http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=498167 After this mod you can OC fsb to 300 giving a processor speed of 2.7 ghz or about e6700 performance

Radio shack case $5 + tax on $35 ($30 MIR) http://www.slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?sduid=63502&t=456660

PSU hopefully the FAR 500 W ultra from frys will show up again I snagged one of these

So far system specs
400 gb HD space
dual 16 X dvd burners
e6700 performance processor
2 gb ddr2
Case, PSU and mobo

Price so far $290 + some tax
Whats missing:
A good video card PCI express (some1 knowledgeable here help me out)
CPU fan, this I leave to personal preference but allow $25
OS - Again I leave to personal preference, price is quite variable
there should be at least $100 left for a good video card and system should stay under $500. Once I have the parts (most are on the way), I will put a picture guide up for how to throw it together.

Video Card suggestions thanx Kratur
Well, this EVGA 256MB 7600GS for $70 after $20 rebate looks to be a great choice for value:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130075

And this x1300 512MB for $52 AR seems decent enough as well:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102630

And this x1900GT for $125 after $50 rebate is pretty sweet deal as well (more in line with your CPU):
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Produc...uctCode=327110

 

[SEALTeamSix]

Great thread - kudos to you, sir!

As far as video cards... a 7900gt or x1900xt fits the bill nicely. You can find used or refurb for relatively cheap.

edit #2: Links for the lazy:

hard drive deal
DVD Drive
60 Pack of DVD's
2gb DDR2 Rebate on RAM

edit: 2.4GHz pin mod picture (see lower right):
Credit goes to doh0000 over at ocforums

edit #3: 3.0GHz pin mod thread link:
Credit goes to Kunaak at ocforums
http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=499340

 

[ThePoliticalThinker]

hmmmmm

 

[Whipsmack]

I'd rather wait for the e4300 drop in price and get a decent mobo. but thanks for the ideas.

 

[Gilthanis]

It would be even better if you posted the links for all these hot deals. Otherwise I would have to say that this is not a HOT deal at all.

You could by the way save yourself another $5 by getting the Free after rebate deals on cases typically offered by Ultra at Fry's. They periodically offer free shipping on it. Every so often Tiger Direct.com has a free after rebate deal on cases that the rebate is more then the purchase price and ends up paying for the tax and shipping as well.

 

[ir0nw0lf]

YMMV on that memory deal, it's been flip-flopping in/out of stock. A more stable stocked similar priced deal on RAM would be better.