$700 semi-gaming computer

[nbarb99]

A friend of mine is going to have around $700 to spend on a computer around the end of November. I took the (excellent) Anandtech Budget Gaming guide and tweaked it a bit to come up with this configuration.

He already has a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and speakers. He doesn't have a proper OS (currently using Windows ME - bleh!!), so that has to be factored in. The computer will used for the basics - web browsing, e-mail, et cetera - plus some relatively modest gaming (RTS games, America's Army - no Doom 3 or HL2 to worry about ).

How's this?

AMD Sempron 3100+ Retail $120.00
Chaintech VNF-250 $77.00
1x512MB Corsair Value Select $70.00
<-- an extra 512MB stick is a good future upgrade, but not immediately required IMO.

Sapphire Radeon 9600 Pro 128MB OEM $108.00
<-- the Anandtech Budget Gaming guide lists a 9800 Pro @ $195, but I don't think he's going to need that type of power.

Seagate 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB (SATA) $108.00
Lite-On CD-RW/DVD Combo $45.00
Generic case from local shop $35.00 (approx)
Enlight ATX 360W PSU $39.00
<-- definetly a good idea to ditch the "el cheapo" PSU that will inevitably come with the case - especially for a gaming machine.

Windows XP Pro Upgrade (Academic) $79.00
<-- my friend is a student and qualifies for the Academic licensing option.

Total: $681.00

Any suggestions? I haven't gone with a Socket 939 solution since the upgrade path isn't all that important to him, AFAIK. Plus, Socket 754 should be with us for a while

 

[jpeyton]

Everything looks good. However, last time I checked, a good Antec case with an Antec 350W PSU was around $75 dollars; why get a generic case instead?

 

[IamTHEsnake]

at least get a 9800pro or 9600xt.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Antec case and power supply -- maybe spend a little extra for a Sonata?

Even next year's RTS games will probably start using DX9 for eye candy, so unless he's never buying another game (or will buy a new video card next year) a 9800 Pro is probably a worthwhile upgrade.

Also, the 9600 runs out of power fast in 3D at resolutions above 1024x768 so if your friend prefers 1280x1024 or higher it's a bit underpowered.

 

[bfonnes]

Originally posted by: IamTHEsnake
at least get a 9800pro or 9600xt.

I agree. I just got my 9600xt from Newegg.com for $134. I ordered it on Friday. They shipped it on Sunday!!!! Newegg totally rocks!!!!

BFonnes

 

[bfonnes]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
Everything looks good. However, last time I checked, a good Antec case with an Antec 350W PSU was around $75 dollars; why get a generic case instead?

because 350 Watts aren't good enough. I think he would be better served by a truepower 430W.

BFonnes

 

[Falloutboy]

looks good. I agree with the previous poster and get somethin like an Antec 3700 case with a PSU a good quality case is alot easier to work on and will last you thru many upgrades. also try to get a better video card, a 9600pro is ok but not a great value right now I'd look into a used 9700pro (can be had for 130ish) or a 9800pro

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: bfonnes

Originally posted by: jpeyton
Everything looks good. However, last time I checked, a good Antec case with an Antec 350W PSU was around $75 dollars; why get a generic case instead?

because 350 Watts aren't good enough. I think he would be better served by a truepower 430W.

BFonnes

I disagree; 350W from a company like Antec is more than enough to run at stock speeds. The *only* disadvantage to a 350W Antec PSU is that it *might* limit his overclocks.

But I've seen people run overclocked Prescotts + 6800GTs in their Shuttle SFFs with a 250W PSU completely stable.

 

[RedShirt]

Ok, here is an ULTIMATE $750 Comp

Semp 2800+ Retail and Board: $99
Link

Seagate 200GB Hard Drive: $69 AR
Link

Geil PC 3200 1GB RAM: $139.99
Link

BFG 6800OC Video Card: $250
Link

DVD Burner 16x: $68
Link

Antec Case w/ 350 watt PS: $69
Link

XP Pro: $79

This is just 25 over!!!!! ($775) If you went with a 9800 pro instead you'd be well under. This vid card is the one that can hack into a 6800GT (Edit: To clear any confusion, the card that can be hacked into a GT is the 6800OC listed above, of course the 9800pro cannot be hacked into a 6800GT)!

Edit: And I should say that the system probablly should use a 9800pro. A 6800 is probablly a little overkill for a processor such as the 2800+ Semp.

 

[bfonnes]

Originally posted by: jpeyton

Originally posted by: bfonnes

Originally posted by: jpeyton
Everything looks good. However, last time I checked, a good Antec case with an Antec 350W PSU was around $75 dollars; why get a generic case instead?

because 350 Watts aren't good enough. I think he would be better served by a truepower 430W.

BFonnes

I disagree; 350W from a company like Antec is more than enough to run at stock speeds. The *only* disadvantage to a 350W Antec PSU is that it *might* limit his overclocks.

But I've seen people run overclocked Prescotts + 6800GTs in their Shuttle SFFs with a 250W PSU completely stable.

Nice points, but he is not building a SFF machine, I believe. I have seen a 700 MHz Athlon board be ruined running on a 250 Watt PSU. Had to RMA until I got smart and used a 300 Watt PSU. AMD's own recommendations for a SEmpron ( 2 generations later than an original Athlon for which AMD on their own site recommended mostly 300 W PSUs ) I'm sure are much higher than what you are recommending, especially if he is considering adding anything to it. Personally, I'd always rather be safe than sorry,

BFonnes

 

[Falloutboy]

Originally posted by: bfonnes

Originally posted by: jpeyton

Originally posted by: bfonnes

Originally posted by: jpeyton
Everything looks good. However, last time I checked, a good Antec case with an Antec 350W PSU was around $75 dollars; why get a generic case instead?

because 350 Watts aren't good enough. I think he would be better served by a truepower 430W.

BFonnes

I disagree; 350W from a company like Antec is more than enough to run at stock speeds. The *only* disadvantage to a 350W Antec PSU is that it *might* limit his overclocks.

But I've seen people run overclocked Prescotts + 6800GTs in their Shuttle SFFs with a 250W PSU completely stable.

Nice points, but he is not building a SFF machine, I believe. I have seen a 700 MHz Athlon board be ruined running on a 250 Watt PSU. Had to RMA until I got smart and used a 300 Watt PSU. AMD's own recommendations for a SEmpron ( 2 generations later than an original Athlon for which AMD on their own site recommended mostly 300 W PSUs ) I'm sure are much higher than what you are recommending, especially if he is considering adding anything to it.

BFonnes

a good quality 350watt psu will run any basic computer and by basic I mean: 1 HD, 1 optical, midrange GPU, non overclocked CPU. now a 400+ watt is nice for headroom but its not nessesary for the type of system the OP wants to build

 

[RedShirt]

Originally posted by: jpeyton

Originally posted by: bfonnes

Originally posted by: jpeyton
Everything looks good. However, last time I checked, a good Antec case with an Antec 350W PSU was around $75 dollars; why get a generic case instead?

because 350 Watts aren't good enough. I think he would be better served by a truepower 430W.

BFonnes

I disagree; 350W from a company like Antec is more than enough to run at stock speeds. The *only* disadvantage to a 350W Antec PSU is that it *might* limit his overclocks.

But I've seen people run overclocked Prescotts + 6800GTs in their Shuttle SFFs with a 250W PSU completely stable.

I'm running a SFF with a 220watt running a 6800OC and a 3.0 Ghz P4 with zero problems.

 

[bfonnes]

Originally posted by: RedShirt
This is just 25 over!!!!! ($775) If you went with a 9800 pro instead you'd be well under. This vid card is the one that can hack into a 6800GT!

Edit: And I should say that the system probablly should use a 9800pro. A 6800 is probablly a little overkill for a processor such as the 2800+ Semp.

Ummmm, the 9800 Pro is a generation apart from the 6800 GT, and made by a different company. I HIGHLY doubt it can be hacked to a GT. If you can prove otherwise, definitely, let me KNOW!!?#?

Plus, he said he has $700 to spend. You gonna send him the other $75??? How benevolent of you.

Bfonnes

 

[RedShirt]

Originally posted by: bfonnes

Originally posted by: RedShirt
This is just 25 over!!!!! ($775) If you went with a 9800 pro instead you'd be well under. This vid card is the one that can hack into a 6800GT!

Edit: And I should say that the system probablly should use a 9800pro. A 6800 is probablly a little overkill for a processor such as the 2800+ Semp.

Ummmm, the 9800 Pro is a generation apart from the 6800 GT, and made by a different company. I HIGHLY doubt it can be hacked to a GT. If you can prove otherwise, definitely, let me KNOW!!?#?

Plus, he said he has $700 to spend. You gonna send him the other $75??? How benevolent of you.

Bfonnes

The card that I have listed is a 6800OC made from BFG. I was referring to that, not the 9800pro.

 

[bfonnes]

Originally posted by: RedShirt

I'm running a SFF with a 220watt running a 6800OC and a 3.0 Ghz P4 with zero problems.

That's all very nice, and I believe you, but ask the OP. He is NOT building a SFF. And the OP said that he is looking to spend around $40 on his PSU. He most likely is NOT going to get the QUALITY 350W PSU that you say he needs for that price. Although, the PSU you originally mentioned is probably going to be fine. Although, I would look for a lower price than that for it. (edit: lower price for your PSU) Anyhow, my main point was just that he wants to be sure to get the right PSU, so that he doesn't ruin his Mobo. (below)

Bfonnes

anyhow, in case you disagree... here it is straight from AMD...

see page 23

AMD recommended PSUs(check page 5 or so for a sheet to help calculate how much wattage you need for your system... If you use 1 GB of memory, as redshirt suggests, these requirements will be ALOT higher).

"Always ensure that the power supply meets the motherboard OEM?s specifications. Contact
the motherboard OEM for specific information." -AMD

 

[cyberknight]

Should consider the Sonata (for the 380W PSU) or just getting a better PSU period. the Sempron 3100 are known to be pretty good overclockers, so it might be a good idea to leave an option open for at least a mild overclock.

If you want a cheaper name brand PSU, consider looking at ThermalTake PSUs. Not as good as the big names, but still gets the job done costing about 1/4 less.

 

[stevty2889]

A decent 350w PSU will be plenty for that system, I am still running on a 350w enermax with a 6800GT, dual raptors, and a 2.8 prescott at 3.5Ghz.

 

[Sysbuilder05]

http://www.monarchtechnology.com/Default.aspx


Don't get a cheap case and a crap power supply,you'll be sorry in the long run. Do a search for Antec SLK1600.

They're back-ordered at Monarch but you could check and see when they would have them in. For $48-49 bucks its a hell of a deal.

 

[meltdown75]

Originally posted by: bfonnes

Originally posted by: RedShirt

I'm running a SFF with a 220watt running a 6800OC and a 3.0 Ghz P4 with zero problems.

That's all very nice, and I believe you, but ask the OP. He is NOT building a SFF. And the OP said that he is looking to spend around $40 on his PSU. He most likely is NOT going to get the QUALITY 350W PSU that you say he needs for that price. Although, the PSU you originally mentioned is probably going to be fine. Although, I would look for a lower price than that for it. (edit: lower price for your PSU) Anyhow, my main point was just that he wants to be sure to get the right PSU, so that he doesn't ruin his Mobo. (below)

Bfonnes

anyhow, in case you disagree... here it is straight from AMD...

see page 23

AMD recommended PSUs(check page 5 or so for a sheet to help calculate how much wattage you need for your system... If you use 1 GB of memory, as redshirt suggests, these requirements will be ALOT higher).

"Always ensure that the power supply meets the motherboard OEM?s specifications. Contact
the motherboard OEM for specific information." -AMD

Just wondering if you knew when exactly this list was created, and if it is ever updated? It seems to me there are a few good manufacturers that aren't listed. Thanks

 

[nbarb99]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Just to clarify, my friend is not planning on doing any overclocking - so a beefy 400W power supply is not required. The Antec case + 350W PSU that RedShirt suggested looks like quite a deal, especially with free shipping @ Newegg; as long as the PSU is decently built. I definetly agree that a quality PSU is the only way to go.

 

[w00t]

Originally posted by: RedShirt
Ok, here is an ULTIMATE $750 Comp

Semp 2800+ Retail and Board: $99
Link

Seagate 200GB Hard Drive: $69 AR
Link

Geil PC 3200 1GB RAM: $139.99
Link

BFG 6800OC Video Card: $250
Link

DVD Burner 16x: $68
Link

Antec Case w/ 350 watt PS: $69
Link

XP Pro: $79

This is just 25 over!!!!! ($775) If you went with a 9800 pro instead you'd be well under. This vid card is the one that can hack into a 6800GT (Edit: To clear any confusion, the card that can be hacked into a GT is the 6800OC listed above, of course the 9800pro cannot be hacked into a 6800GT)!

Edit: And I should say that the system probablly should use a 9800pro. A 6800 is probablly a little overkill for a processor such as the 2800+ Semp.

take out 6800gt get a 6600gt amd get a real processor and mobo

o ya and that case has sh!tty cooling only 1 120m fan so get better case get good psu

 

[Jeff7]

If you can stand to have used components, look for a 9800 Pro in the FS/T forum. The fan is the only thing that really will have any wear and tear, and there is a fair-sized selection of 3rd party replacements; link.

I've got the Arctic Cooling VGA Silencer on my 9800 Pro. It seems to get the job done. SVC's price on it has gone up though, it would appear. I bought it for $14.99 a few months back, and two weeks after that, it was on sale for $9.99. Wonder what happened?

 

[Gothgar]

you can get a AMD64 2800+ for the same price as the Sempron 3100+ and it will perform better, especially in gaming...

 

[RedShirt]

Originally posted by: w00t
o ya and that case has sh!tty cooling only 1 120m fan so get better case get good psu

You people and your cooling Seriously, I have this case and use it for a server. One 120mm fan in back and one in front. keeps things WAY cool.

In addition, I must bring up that I have a SFF computer with only TWO FANS altogheter. PSU and Proc Fan. That's IT (well, if you don't count Vid Card fan)

Run a 3.0 Ghz P4 that runs at about 40-45 C and a 6800OC videocard, runs nice and cool.