• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Best $300 gaming CPU/MOBO/RAM combo?

balane

balane

Senior member
A friend was really impressed with the computer I just built and wants me to help him upgrade his system. He just got a 7900GT card (PCI-E) used for a good deal and wants to build around that. He has $300 to upgrade his cpu/mobo/ram. What would his best choice be? I'm guessing we'll be limited to 1GB of RAM.

Which way would you go with this?
 
What are the specs (especially amperage) of his current power supply? It may not be suitable for a newer motherboard/ram/7900 GT. How much and what type of RAM does he already have? How long does he want this upgrade to last?
 
Right now he has an XP 1900. An Abit Socket A board and 2 x 256MB RAM. He has a 350 watt Enermax power supply. He is using his old IDE hard drive, ATX case and CD drive.
 
ouch 300 for those 3 parts is tough...

def. need a new cpu.

INTEL SYSTEM: i would go:

ram-CORSAIR XMS2 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TWIN2X1024A-6400 - Retail
mobo- BIOSTAR 945P-A7A (8.0) Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 945P ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
cpu- Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Conroe 1.86GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80557E6300 - Retail

Thats 400 bucks even. see if he can squeeze some extra cash. The conroe system will definately provide more power than the amd equivilant.

AMD SYSTEM- i would go

Mobo- ECS NFORCE4M-A (V3.0) Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce4 4X ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
ram- GeIL 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model GX21GB6400DCK - Retail
cpu- AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+(65W) Windsor 2.0GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADO3800CUBOX - Retail

Total- $309


Look at some benchmarks between the 6300 and the 3800. Then decide if the extra 100 bucks is worth it.

also consider your upgrade paths from here...


btw, all the parts are from newegg..
 
Motherboard:
MSI K8N Neo4 nForce4 Ultra Socket 939, $42.99:
AT Hot Deals forum

CPU:
AMD Athlon 64 4000+ San Diego 2.4GHz 1MB L2 Cache Socket 939 Processor, $85
Newegg

If your friend doesn't already own a suitable cpu cooler, you'd need to buy one, approx. $40-$50, and the smallest tube of Thermal Interface Compound like Arctic Silver 5 (or other) to mount the cooler, approx $6.

So our running subtotal is $43 + $85 + $50 + $6 = $184, plus tax & shipping is already over $200.

Ram:
I wouldn't recommend cheap ram.
An option here might be to buy used high-quality ram from someplace like AT ForSale/Trade, or some other site.
Some ram, like OCZ, has lifetime warranty.
First be sure to check the web site for whatever motherboard you plan to buy, to see what they suggest is compatible ram.

You very well might find 1 GB of excellent used ram compatible with your mobo for $100.

So this ends up right around $300, and is a T R E M E N D O U S potential performance upgrade over the current `XP 1900 and Abit Socket A`computer.

PSU:
However, your friend's current 350W psu is too weak. Buy a high quality psu well above 500W, again first checking both the motherboard & cpu web sites for compatibility recommendations. There's another $100+.
Remember: high quality! <== <== <==

Human Interface Improvements:
No budget for a new monitor, but you'd at least want a nice high performance new gaming mouse. I bought a second Logitech MX-518 in December at "Buy.com with Google Checkout" for only $10 after rebate. You could search out similar deals. Can't beat that for a great gaming mouse.
Shop around & you can also find the Saitek Eclipse (not the II) gaming keyboard for $20 range after rebate.

So, grand total = $450 or so, for some really excellent components in SOcket 93 configuration. AM2 or Core Duo configuration would cost more, especially because the DDR2 ram for that is pricy.

Maybe trOver's suggestions above are a good option, as a way to get onto the AM2 or Core Duo upgrade path? Consider that.
 
Originally posted by: scott
Motherboard:
MSI K8N Neo4 nForce4 Ultra Socket 939, $42.99:
AT Hot Deals forum

CPU:
AMD Athlon 64 4000+ San Diego 2.4GHz 1MB L2 Cache Socket 939 Processor, $85
Newegg

If your friend doesn't already own a suitable cpu cooler, you'd need to buy one, approx. $40-$50, and the smallest tube of Thermal Interface Compound like Arctic Silver 5 (or other) to mount the cooler, approx $6.

So our running subtotal is $43 + $85 + $50 + $6 = $184, plus tax & shipping is already over $200.

Ram:
I wouldn't recommend cheap ram.
An option here might be to buy used high-quality ram from someplace like AT ForSale/Trade, or some other site.
Some ram, like OCZ, has lifetime warranty.
First be sure to check the web site for whatever motherboard you plan to buy, to see what they suggest is compatible ram.

You very well might find 1 GB of excellent used ram compatible with your mobo for $100.

So this ends up right around $300, and is a T R E M E N D O U S potential performance upgrade over the current `XP 1900 and Abit Socket A`computer.

PSU:
However, your friend's current 350W psu is too weak. Buy a high quality psu well above 500W, again first checking both the motherboard & cpu web sites for compatibility recommendations. There's another $100+.
Remember: high quality! <== <== <==

Human Interface Improvements:
No budget for a new monitor, but you'd at least want a nice high performance new gaming mouse. I bought a second Logitech MX-518 in December at "Buy.com with Google Checkout" for only $10 after rebate. You could search out similar deals. Can't beat that for a great gaming mouse.
Shop around & you can also find the Saitek Eclipse (not the II) gaming keyboard for $20 range after rebate.

So, grand total = $450 or so, for some really excellent components in SOcket 93 configuration. AM2 or Core Duo configuration would cost more, especially because the DDR2 ram for that is pricy.
Click to expand...

:thumbsup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top