Budget gaming system, how's this?

[termac50]

This all from my local store.

2 512mb pc3200 sticks $80
Geforce 7600GS 256mb PCI-E $150
Sempron 3000+ $85
Socket 939 MB $80 (Haven't figured what brand I'll get yet, all about the same price)

Is this pretty good for a budget gaming system. They also have the 754 version of the processor and MB for around $30 cheaper, but I hear 754 is pretty outdated. What do you guys think?

I'd like to keep the cost under $400. I already have the monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.

 

[Howard]

Socket 754 is going to last longer than Socket 939, AFAIK.

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4705559

 

[pkrush]

I'd get the Socket 754 processor and board and use the extra money to upgrade to a 7600GT. Really, there isn't much of a difference between the 754 and 939 versions of the same processor. Also, you should probably get 1 x 1 gigabyte of RAM instead of the 2x512 for better performance on Socket 754.

 

[Steaksauce]

Originally posted by: Howard
Socket 754 is going to last longer than Socket 939, AFAIK.

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4705559

I don't get why that would matter since with 939, you can run dual channel RAM, better memory controller on the cpu, and a better chipset mobo.

Also, OP, you can get 7600GT for around the same price that you are paying for your GS:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130017

Or a cheaper GS: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814127210

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Steaksauce

Originally posted by: Howard
Socket 754 is going to last longer than Socket 939, AFAIK.

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4705559

I don't get why that would matter since with 939, you can run dual channel RAM, better memory controller on the cpu, and a better chipset mobo.

Does this equate to a noticeable increase in performance? If so, is the increase in performance worth the 20% of the budget going from the Sempron+ECS deal to a S939 Sempron and separate mobo?

 

[Steaksauce]

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: Steaksauce

Originally posted by: Howard
Socket 754 is going to last longer than Socket 939, AFAIK.

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4705559

I don't get why that would matter since with 939, you can run dual channel RAM, better memory controller on the cpu, and a better chipset mobo.

Does this equate to a noticeable increase in performance? If so, is the increase in performance worth the 20% of the budget going from the Sempron+ECS deal to a S939 Sempron and separate mobo?

You site "end of life" issues but yet pick out a mobo with a AGP slot.

Yes, that outpost combo is cheap as heck and will do a decent job, but a AGP card of the same specs run higher than PCIe counterparts. You and I know ECS isn't the best. Also, a 939 socket will have a better resale value down the line... no one really wants a 754 anymore, even if 754 is going to outlast 939. The outlasting has nothing to do with it cause even if it does, will they come out with cpus such as the FX line on the 754? I didn't think so. Will they come out with 754 Opterons? Didn't think so. Will they come out with chips on a 90nm process? Didn't think so.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Steaksauce

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: Steaksauce

Originally posted by: Howard
Socket 754 is going to last longer than Socket 939, AFAIK.

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4705559

I don't get why that would matter since with 939, you can run dual channel RAM, better memory controller on the cpu, and a better chipset mobo.

Does this equate to a noticeable increase in performance? If so, is the increase in performance worth the 20% of the budget going from the Sempron+ECS deal to a S939 Sempron and separate mobo?

You site "end of life" issues but yet pick out a mobo with a AGP slot.

Yes, that outpost combo is cheap as heck and will do a decent job, but a AGP card of the same specs run higher than PCIe counterparts.

Really forgot about that one.

You and I know ECS isn't the best.

Beggars can't be choosers. If you want the best, I figure it'll cost more than $400 altogether.

Also, a 939 socket will have a better resale value down the line... no one really wants a 754 anymore, even if 754 is going to outlast 939.

How much do you think an S939 Sempron 3000+ is going to sell for, second hand?

The outlasting has nothing to do with it cause even if it does, will they come out with cpus such as the FX line on the 754? I didn't think so. Will they come out with 754 Opterons? Didn't think so. Will they come out with chips on a 90nm process? Didn't think so.

And what does any of this have to do with a budget rig he wants right now?

 

[Buck Naked]

Will they come out with chips on a 90nm process? Didn't think so.

A64 3000 90nm

Sempron example Quite a few of these

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Buck Naked

Will they come out with chips on a 90nm process? Didn't think so.

A64 3000 90nm

Sempron example Quite a few of these

😛

 

[termac50]

I had to get a system going in the next few days, so I pulled the trigger.

$70 1gb pc3200 ram
$65 MSI K8N Neo3 MB
Sempron 3000+ $80
7600 gs $150

Yeah, I know I didn't strike the best deal on the video card, but it was actually the cheapest in the area. Circuit City wants $230 for a 7600gt🙁 I really don't have time to screw around w/ Newegg and wait 4 days or whatever, I have another last minute planned LAN party going on Wednesday. The 7600gs will last me until Christmas at least, which is fine. The only game out there imo that's worth the expense of a real nice video card is Oblivion, which I'm not into.

But I appreciate the advice though guys. The only person that replied before I left to shop was Howard🙂 I'm not gonna resell anyway....I like to use my machines until they die.

 

[Steaksauce]

Okay, you guys got me there with the 754 90nms. Didn't know they come in that flavor.

Anyways, no need to argue about this anymore... like you said, beggars can't be choosers and one can't expect too much out of a budget system.