200$ Limit; CPU/Mobo/RAM

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SunSamurai

SunSamurai

Diamond Member
Jan 16, 2005
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So yeah. After 5 years finally looking to upgrade my aging system. My current GPU is fine for a while, but the rest of the system is really dated now.
I've come up with a list and other details of what I usually do on the comp, and the three items for the upgrade but I need community input!

Main Uses:
Moderate gaming & General web surfing.

Current System:
Athlon 3200+ D: | 2GB DDR | 8800GTS 512

CPU/Mobo/RAM I've come up with for under 200$ shipped:
Athlon II x2 240 | Mobo | DDR3 8500

Just some notes; I have no preference on AMD or Intel. I choose AMD (so far) because it seems on the lowend, AMD performs better in games, but Im not 100% sure. I am also willing to moderately OC later on.

If anyone has any input or things to make sure I know etc please say. If you have a build that you think would fit better for under 200, then Im all eyes! Thanks! :biggrin:
 
WildW

WildW

Senior member
Oct 3, 2008
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evilpicard.com
Assuming that's a socket 939 Athlon he's got, he won't be able to keep his DDR1 to use with a DDR2 motherboard. I do sort of agree about the choice of Core2Duo over AMD though. . . it depends.

If you're planning to upgrade again anytime soon, the AMD path gives you more of a path - you'll have DDR3 already and the ability to drop in a new quad core CPU later if you want. If you go Core2Duo with DDR2, you'll have to stick with DDR2 and find a Core2Quad to do the same. The DDR3 will have a longer lifespan ahead of it.

On the other hand, if you just want the best you can get right now, and are likely to keep it as long as your last machine, I'd go with Intel too. I did, in fact, only last week. That 8800GTS should keep you going for a while yet too =)
 
SunSamurai

SunSamurai

Diamond Member
Jan 16, 2005
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Thanks for the input guys

Yes, i should of been more clear, the CPU i have now is a 3200+ from the 939 era, so no keeping my DDR1.

In terms of the Athlon II vs Core2Duo, the C2 system I have planned is 230$. I just cant go that high and wouldn't be able to for several months. (xmas and other things coming up I rather spend the $ for)

The Athlon II I looked in the benches here on Anand and it looks like the Athlon is getting a good 15% on a similarly priced C2 in games and most other types of things. Are you reffering to OC abilities?

I had a Intel system ready for several months actually, but on the lowend it seems the better solution for me is AMD for the reasons you stated so far. DDR3 and that new 4core AMD for 100$ I could see myself upgrading to in a year or so.

Thanks again for giving me more to think about!
 
Last edited:
SunSamurai

SunSamurai

Diamond Member
Jan 16, 2005
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looked through eBay stuff for a while. Didnt find much in the way of good deals to risk having to deal with one dude rather than a vastly trusted entity like Newegg (or other large well respected online outlets). There is a Frys near me but they are just going to be slightly more $ as I have picked items with free shipping :D

Thanks for the idea though, was worth a look!

Still open to alternative suggestions on the three items (under 200$)! :)
 
RebateMonger

RebateMonger

Elite Member
Dec 24, 2005
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It's not hard to get a good gaming CPU/motherboard in the $120-$150 region. Last week, I bought a couple of the Fry's MSI P45 Neo2FR/Intel Core2Quad 8400 combos for $150 each. Unfortunately, DDR2 is now in the $40-plus range for 2 GB modules. Too bad.

I put together a nice micro-ATX system with a Core2 6300 and a nice Gigabit motherboard for $65 (MB) and $74 (Core2) the week before. Both components from Newegg.com.
 
SunSamurai

SunSamurai

Diamond Member
Jan 16, 2005
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Indeed if I had maybe 100$ more I would definitely go Intel solution and OC the H out of that B, but the research Ive done put the (very) lowened twords AMD. And it looked like DDR3 is slightly edging out DDR2 in price/speed ratios now.

Youre very right about the 120-150 range. Its 139.99 for the CPU/mobo i was first going with, until I realized I did not infact have DDR2 (was doing ALOT of research into systems a 18months) but DDR1. So no AM2+ mobo for me. Maybe someone will buy it for 80$? (mobo/cpu/2gb ram).

Anyway, the CPU for me is 60$. Where 5$ increments sadly count. AMD really suprised me with a 99$ 4 core system. So far thats sealed the deal for me (before coming here for more opinions) in terms of what platform to go with for at least 2 years.

Heres to me being employed and getting an i3 Intel next year! :D

(still kinda hoping I see a good intel option as I was wholly looking at them for the last year before Athlon II and I seem to go back and forth from manufacturers [ATi & nVidia])
 
SunSamurai

SunSamurai

Diamond Member
Jan 16, 2005
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Thats a pretty good deal, but when I add RAM it comes out to more than 200$ (need at least 2GB), and DDR2 kinda is the killing blow. Ahh I want that processor though
 
J

jaydee

Diamond Member
May 6, 2000
4,500
4
81
Are you selling your current CPU/Mobo/RAM? You might get $50-60 for it, can you add that to the $200, or are you already figuring that in? Then you could afford Phenom II X3 720 BE.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.273371
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820146773

This would be about $225 after shipping before trading in your current parts. Very OC'able, this would easily beat a similarly priced C2D in gaming. The PII X3 720 BE would have much better resale value than an Athlon II X2 240 if you do want to go quad in the future, so you can think of it as "equity" as well. Then you're just lacking DDR3, but I don't think it's a big deal.
 
SunSamurai

SunSamurai

Diamond Member
Jan 16, 2005
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You read my mind. Butt I was kinda factoring that in, yes. 200$ is what I put on my card.(203.33) so thats what im going off of.

Im willing to sell a 3200+ 2.4Ghz capable, 2GB ram and a solid Mobo for 60$, but it wont make s difference from what I have.

I do thank you for the observation though.
 
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