Building a $600 Computer, Suggestions Wanted

[Bovinicus]

I am building a computer for my girlfriend. She is going to use office applications, internet accessories, games (Not hardcore, but significant), and music. No accessories are required, just the computer itself. There is a strict budget of $600. I would prefer to use Newegg because I have dealt with them several times before; I feel comfortable dealing with them. Here is a system that I put together a little earlier:

Case: Lite-On MT950 Black ($45 w/PSU)
PSU: Suncheer MPT-301 300W (Included)
Motherboard: EPoX 8RDA+ ($122)
CPU: AMD AthlonXP 1800+ Thoroughbred ($64)
Memory: Crucial 512MB PC2100 ($96)
Video: Powercolor Radeon 7500 DDR ($61)
Sound: Onboard
LAN: Onboard
HDD: Western Digital 800BB ($96)
DVD: Lite-On 16x/48x ($44)
Floppy: Panasonic Black ($9) Yes, she does need this for school.
Heatsink: Thermalright SK6+ ($15)
Fan: 2 x Thermaltake 80mm 2900RPM ($14) One is for the CPU, one goes in the case. The case comes with one fan already.
Total w/shipping: $602.49 Alright, the budget was broken a little bit. =P

I have some thermal paste already. Let me know what you think. I know the heatsink is excessive for no overclocking use, but $15 is a steal. Plus, an 80mm fan can be used for lower noise levels.

 

[IanthePez]

Just a thought....why get such an expensive motherboard when you aren't overclocking and don't really need any extras? You could get a bit better video card with those savings.

 

[Viper96720]

Yeah I would get a slightly cheaper motherboard and better video card and power supply. Check out the KT-333/KT-400 chipset boards nforce 420/415 boards or sis 745's. If you won't be using raid then don't get a board with it and save some cash to upgrade somewhere else. Get at least an 8500 if gaming.

 

[Bovinicus]

I definitely need to be using the nForce2 chipset because of the onboard sound and LAN. I could go with another motherboard though, I have just had good luck with EPoX and find their motherboards to be super stable. The cheapest board to sport the MCP-T south bridge is only $10 less. However, $10 is tangible and I am not ruling out the possiblity. USB2 and firewire both have possible uses; that is to say there are some uses for them that aren't being taken advantage of now because she does not have access to the ports. The 6-channel audio is necessary as well; her speakers will be upgraded in time. I did want to go with a cheaper motherboard, there is just a need for the onboard features.

I was a little weary of the PSU as well, but the 12v rail has 15A coming from it. I might just throw in some extra money for her to get a better video card (Up it to an 8500LE 128MB). I think she could take advantage of the extra power.

Anyone have experience with the Leadtek motherboard? I may suggest that instead because of the slight savings. Thanks, and keep the suggestions coming.

 

[Achilles97]

You can get the Epox 8RDA non "+" at Newegg for $88. It has the same onboard sound but it only has 2 channels instead of 5.1.

 

[Achilles97]

Oh, and if you are not overclocking I would just get a basic heatsink/fan combo. You can find good-enough one's for ~$10.

Check out www.mwave.com. They have some good case deals.

Also, I think you can find some Geforce4 MX's for ~$45, unless I am wrong, they would do just as good, if not better than, a 7500.

And why are you getting such expensive RAM if you are just planning to use it normally? With that nForce2 mobo, it would be better to get 2 sticks of RAM, instead of one, so it can do dual-channel ram mode. You can find some DDR2700 256m sticks for ~$35 of the generic ram. (make sure it has a return policy. Test it once you get it, if it's good, then it's good).

 

[tbates757]

Right off the bat I'd recommend 1) Faster RAM, 2) Better video card (8500LE can be had for barely any more money), 3) Less extravagant motherboard, although in my opinion its the best overclocking motherboard in existance, it is not meant for a budget system.

 

[JBT]

the SK6+ doesn't fit an 80 mm fan, well its not spose to... but can with a little bit of tweaking.

 

[mechBgon]

Don't forget an operating system. Personally, I'd vote for a major-name PSU too, because lack of PSU quality can make life really frustrating. It's only a good deal until you start pulling your hair out. Techstore.com has a pretty good buy on an Antec SLK3700AMB that would look nice with black drives: $71 shipped. That comes with the full-version SL350 power supply and a 3-year warranty, and has useful front-USB ports. The door could be a minus if it is likely to get left open and broken off, though.

If you can survive without overclockability, 333MHz-FSB support, Firewire and USB 2.0, consider an Asus A7N266-VM as an alternative. Same audio but with S/PDIF outlets included, has onboard video plus an AGP Pro 4x slot, $72. Supports up to a 266MHz-based 2600+ too.

As mentioned, the SK-6+ is for 60mm fans, so maybe bump that to an SK-7 or else cheapen up to this one, $7 with a copper contact plate (but not very quiet).

 

[Bovinicus]

I should've waited until I had probed her more deeply about what exactly she wants in the system. Here are my responses to the critiques. Some of them will be incomplete or leave several possibilities because I need to discuss the system needs in greater detail. Anyway...

You can get the Epox 8RDA non "+" at Newegg for $88. It has the same onboard sound but it only has 2 channels instead of 5.1.

I am definitely considering that. However, I do recall her saying something about getting better speakers in the near future. Therefore, at least 4.1 audio support might be a good idea. I may just end up giving her my SB Live! Value if she wants to go that route so she can save money on the motherboard. The other problem is that it lacks onboard LAN. She could use the card in her current system, but she may want to hook both on a network (Give the old one to her mom so she leaves her alone).

Oh, and if you are not overclocking I would just get a basic heatsink/fan combo. You can find good-enough one's for ~$10.

I agree, it is overkill. However, I would like to use an 80mm fan, as she has specified she would like a pretty quiet system. I just realized that heatsink only supports 70mm. I am now looking at the Thermaltake Volcano which has a variable speed control and an 80mm fan. For $15 with the fan, it's a good price.

Also, I think you can find some Geforce4 MX's for ~$45, unless I am wrong, they would do just as good, if not better than, a 7500.

They are maybe 10% better. However, the $45 version is the SDR version. The 440DDR is about $5 less than the 7500. She also plans on using it for DVD playback, which the 7500 has hardware support for. Anisotropic filtering is also useable. Furthermore, I am still going to try and squeeze in a Radeon 8500.

And why are you getting such expensive RAM if you are just planning to use it normally? With that nForce2 mobo, it would be better to get 2 sticks of RAM, instead of one, so it can do dual-channel ram mode. You can find some DDR2700 256m sticks for ~$35 of the generic ram. (make sure it has a return policy. Test it once you get it, if it's good, then it's good).

It isn't expensive RAM... I don't buy generic RAM; it just isn't as consistent in quality. PC2700 is worthless for her because a 333FSB CPU is not being used. The performance gains would be negligible, but there is a significant cost increase. Dual-channel mode does very little unless the onboard video is being used.

Right off the bat I'd recommend 1) Faster RAM, 2) Better video card (8500LE can be had for barely any more money), 3) Less extravagant motherboard, although in my opinion its the best overclocking motherboard in existance, it is not meant for a budget system.

Faster RAM is only good for upgradeability (Use with a 333MHz FSB CPU). I may go for PC2700, but only if the cost allows for it. I am definitely considering suggestions 2 and 3 heavily. I am looking for a way to save some money (Go with cheaper motherboard without LAN/5.1, reuse LAN card and make her mom buy another one =)

Techstore.com has a pretty good buy on an Antec SLK3700AMB that would look nice with black drives: $71

I prefer to stick with one retailer, especially with the case. That is another possible $15 in shipping right there. I know, a quality PSU is good, but the rails look nicely distributed. It seems to be a good quality PSU for 300W. I suggested a cheap case and an Antec Tru PSU, but she didn't like that idea. She wants the case to have a certain look (You know women), so the selection is limited. I will be tweaking this configuration to save money, so if budget allows for it then it will be done.

Thanks for all of your suggestions. As you can see, I need to determine a few things before further decisions about the system can be made. How soon does she plan on upgrading speakers? Will she reuse her old NIC? Does she plan on upgrading or going all out on a new one a few years from now? Things like this will be discovered soon.

 

[Pilsnerpete]

DUDE!! don't go the way of the noisy thermaltake 7 (variable by temp). The fan's so loud when it gets WARM, I took it out and here it sits in my shoebox full of fans. 2nd most annoying fan I own. 1st is from a volcano 6cu. I can never go back to 60mm.

REASON:

The SK6 comes with some wire fan-holders that fit right around my 80mm Sunon fan (not as quiet as a panaflo, but a whole lot better than the TT fan)...really snug, but they fit. OR you could get a 60-80mm fan adaptor if you need extra cfm's over the hs, because the fan does protrude over the sides of the hs a bit. You may not need it though, as my proc stays pretty cool w/o it

DVD player? why not a combo?
How about a good minitower?<<-----these guys won't screw you over on shipping. If you don't mind USPS. 4.95 for ground orders. Order some software from them too! (price is nice)

Hard drive: This is it! 8mb for 10 bucks more. you know it's worth it. This is probly the most important.


Pete

 

[Viper96720]

Here's a system
Chaintech 7NJS Nforce 2 w/ integrated video, audio, lan etc... $178
1800XP TB Retail $72
2x256MB PC2100 Crucial ram $46.99($93.98)
Seagate Baracudda IV 80GB $98
Panasonic Floppy $9
Lite-On Black DVD drive $44
Enermax CS-3051L-B3A. BLACK, Aluminum Silver and Plastic Front Panel with Acrylic Cover. 10-Bay, Enermax Logo side Window, Sound Sensitive Neon Light. 2 x USB, 1 x MIC, 1 x headphone ports at front. POWERUP 350W P-4 power supply $78 This case is cool
Total is around $574 + shippingEnermax Case

 

[StattlichPassat]

Too tired to think and spec out a system for you, but your platform definitely needs to be the nForce2. I recommend MSI.

 

[Insane3D]

Motherboard: EPoX 8RDA+ ($122)

I understand your desire to use one retailer, but Newegg has been overcharging for that motherboard since it has been out..


Mwave has the 8RDA+ for $104.50...even with two day or better shipping it will still be less than Newegg. If you choose ground it will probably be under $110. Also, TCWO has them for $115 or so shipped via the same 3-Day FEDEX as Newegg.

 

[HokieESM]

Bovinicus, I recently built my parents a Shuttle SN41G2 (you know, one of the small form factor PCs)... and they are VERY pleased. Similar specs to yours.... the SN41G2 (which has a Nforce2 motherboard, onboard USB2.0 and FireWire, onboard LAN, and onboard GF4MX), an Athlon XP1800+, 512MB of Crucial PC2100 (i'm with you on the generic RAM), a Seagate Barracuda IV 80GB (they're QUIET), and a Toshiba DVD/CDRW combo drive. Oh yeah, and that legacy floppy. I managed to come in right at $600... but I was using the onboard GF4MX. Which is satisfactory for them.

Expandability IS an issue.... but you do have a plethora of high-speed external ports. And the thing is really really "cute".

If you're sticking with a full-size computer, I agree with most of your choices. I would HIGHLY consider getting an Enermax or Antec case, however--just for the better power supplies. Newegg has some of these... see if your gf likes them.

Best of luck!

 

[Bovinicus]

DUDE!! don't go the way of the noisy thermaltake 7 (variable by temp).

Can't it just be set to low? This way it would never get loud...

DVD player? why not a combo?

She already has a 24x Lite-On CDRW.

How about a good minitower?

I will see what she thinks. As I said, the looks of the case are important to her.

Hard drive: This is it! 8mb for 10 bucks more. you know it's worth it. This is probly the most important.

I know, I was considering that. As you can see, things are already tight. I think the video card needs upgrading more than the HDD.

Mwave has the 8RDA+ for $104.50...even with two day or better shipping it will still be less than Newegg. If you choose ground it will probably be under $110. Also, TCWO has them for $115 or so shipped via the same 3-Day FEDEX as Newegg.

That is a pretty good deal. I have actually purchased from MWave before. I may suggest going this route. $10 less may just be worth it.

I would HIGHLY consider getting an Enermax or Antec case, however--just for the better power supplies.

I was looking at those cases too. However, as I have said, the look of the case is important to her. Also, this case/PSU combo is only $45 before shipping. I'm gonna have to go through and make an alternate setup with a better PSU and see what the results are like. Maybe even downgrade the HDD as a result...

It's really hard for me to give her a crappy PSU because I know how much that can cause problems. In fact, I just replaced a friend's PSU with my higher quality sparkle PSU and it fixed many of his problems. A format fixed the rest. Again, thanks for all of your help. There have been a lot of good suggestions. It's good to get other people's perspectives.

 

[Pilsnerpete]

Can't it just be set to low? This way it would never get loud...

It doesn't have a switch. I mean if you want to modify it, yes it is possible for $15. An 80mm fan @5000rpm is fairly breezy...darn loud though. A $7 Enermax manually variable speed fan works for me.

Don't know about vid cards at the moment.

 

[yhelothar]

I'd pay $10 more to get 2x Samsung 256MB PC2700 for $55 each...
also if you are just gonna get radeon 7500, i'd just get nforce2 onboard video.. which is probably faster.. and much cheaper..
but i'd suggest a radeon 8500/9000 Pro or a cheapo geforce4ti200

 

[recover]

Originally posted by: Viper96720
Here's a system
Chaintech 7NJS Nforce 2 w/ integrated video, audio, lan etc... $178
1800XP TB Retail $72
2x256MB PC2100 Crucial ram $46.99($93.98)
Seagate Baracudda IV 80GB $98
Panasonic Floppy $9
Lite-On Black DVD drive $44
Enermax CS-3051L-B3A. BLACK, Aluminum Silver and Plastic Front Panel with Acrylic Cover. 10-Bay, Enermax Logo side Window, Sound Sensitive Neon Light. 2 x USB, 1 x MIC, 1 x headphone ports at front. POWERUP 350W P-4 power supply $78 This case is cool
Total is around $574 + shippingEnermax Case

Did anyone listen to this guy? I think this one is the best deal so far

 

[human2k]

Saphire Radeon 8500LE 64MB @ newegg for $72, big performance diff between the 7500.

 

[ScrapSilicon]

Originally posted by: human2k
Saphire Radeon 8500LE 64MB @ newegg for $72, big performance diff between the 7500.

verily so..

 

[Viper96720]

Originally posted by: Viper96720
Here's a system
Chaintech 7NJS Nforce 2 w/ integrated video, audio, lan etc... $178
1800XP TB Retail $72
2x256MB PC2100 Crucial ram $46.99($93.98)
Seagate Baracudda IV 80GB $98
Panasonic Floppy $9
Lite-On Black DVD drive $44
Enermax CS-3051L-B3A. BLACK, Aluminum Silver and Plastic Front Panel with Acrylic Cover. 10-Bay, Enermax Logo side Window, Sound Sensitive Neon Light. 2 x USB, 1 x MIC, 1 x headphone ports at front. POWERUP 350W P-4 power supply $78 This case is cool
Total is around $574 + shippingEnermax Case

Oops wrong motherboard no integrated video with that one. Got SPP and IGP confused. get a MSI K7N2G-L for $113 and the price drops to $509 or Newegg has the leadtek one for $15 more.

 

[Bovinicus]

Alright, I have revamped the system taking some of your suggestions. She did end up saying 2.1 and no LAN are fan. Also, she wanted an upgrade path. As well, we looked at the Enermax case one of you suggested which is excellent. Here are the new specs:

Case: Enermax CS-3171L-B3A ($84)
PSU: Powerup 350W (Included w/ case)
Motherboard: EPoX 8RDA
CPU: AMD Athlonx XP 1800+ TBred ($64)
Memory: Crucial 512MB PC2700 ($110) Added for upgradeability to 333MHz FSB CPU
Video: Sapphire Radeon 8500LE 64MB ($72)
Sound: Onboard
LAN: Linksys LNE100TX (Already own)
HDD: Western Digital 800JB ($107)
DVD: Sony 16x Black ($51) Will be changed to LiteOn if it comes in stock in time, which is $44
Floppy: Panasonic Black ($9)
Heatsink/Fan: Coolermaster HAC-V81 ($15) Could be changed, but 80mm fan support is preferred
Case Fans: 5x80mm (Included with case)
Total Shipped: $620

She decided to break her budget just a little bit for improved components. Anyway, lemme know what you think of this. The heatsink is definitely up for debate, I just picked one real quick to make a form. The rest of the stuff seems to be the best combination of price and performance. Thanks for all your help.

 

[Viper96720]

That's one cool looking system

 

[Pilsnerpete]

It SEEMS like a good hsf! I'd have a little more copper on mine though. But I mean, since you have 5 case fans for "free", you could put just one on an sk6. The only difference btween mine and the new + style is mine lacks tyhe latch for all 6 hooks. New1=better. I feel like a friggin salesman.

That's a price for a hot machine. Sweet case btw! Hope your girl likes your new system!


Pete