building computer...

ailetlvo

Member
Jul 24, 2005
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so ive decided to build a computer (after watching notebooks for 2 months i can honestly say never buy a notebook for gaming). ive never built one before, but my brother has, so if i get the right parts i can get it done. im not looking for something big, id actually prefer to have a small case, whether it be one of those boxy looking ones or a small tower, either way i want it to be smaller than normal/hopefully lighter.

here are the specs im looking at:

Core Duo (Core 2?, Athlon vs Intel?)
1-1.5 gb ram
60gig HD (already have 300gb external)
128-256mb Video card (capable of running WoW, Counterstrike)
Genuine Copy XP Pro

im hoping to get this in the 600-800 dollar range, although if you have a config thats more expensive but you think its worth it then go ahead and let me know. to all, if you see something i should change or you have suggestions on what parts to get (and links :) ) please let me know. ill be shopping around for the next couple days so ill check back every now and then.
 

ailetlvo

Member
Jul 24, 2005
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no see im asking for recommendations of parts to use for this computer. basically, i want someone who has experience building computers to config a desktop tailored to the needs i mentioned above, ie what kind of video card, processor, all that jazz.

in reference to your question, it would be nice to get everything from newegg, but ill consider other sites if its worth it.
 

bX510

Golden Member
Feb 11, 2006
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AMD athlon 3200+
1 GB of RAM
100 GB HARDRIVE or 40 GB (since you already have external)
Radeon X800XT

I don't think he can afford a conroe builde
 

ailetlvo

Member
Jul 24, 2005
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conroe? is that code for core duo?

i appreciate the input bX510, but i want to get either Athlon 64 X2 or Core Duo processor. im hoping that doesnt jump the price. :(
 

imipenem

Senior member
Mar 13, 2004
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ailetlvo,

You can't get an Intel Core 2 Duo (codenamed CONROE) system for $800 - but you can afford a decent AMD X2 based system. Below is a sample from newegg.com If you shop around you may be able to find cheaper prices from other vendors. I know securemart can beat their price on the case.

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ - $149.00
XFX 7600GT - $165.99
MSI M2N-E AM2 Mobo - $94.99
Antec NSK4400 w 380Wpsu - $71.99
Corsair Value Ram 2X512MB - $89.99
OEM Windows XP Pro - $137.99
NEC 3550-A dual layer DVD burner - $29.25

Total before s& h = $740.00

 

ailetlvo

Member
Jul 24, 2005
174
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imipenem, thanks for the info. that sheds some light on whats available to my price range.

on a side note, is there any notice or knowledge that the prices will drop, ie enough to be able to afford core duo in that price range, by waiting a month or so? i dont need the computer right away so im willing to wait if its worth it.
 

imipenem

Senior member
Mar 13, 2004
370
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Per this article written by anandtech.com the cheapest Core 2 Duo (Core duo is used to refer to the laptop CPUs) will be the E6300 and should retail for $183.00 but currently the E6300 is selling for $229. I'm not sure when prices will drop. Anand reviewed the core 2 duo versus AM2 chips and the results were impressive. If you could afford it the gains would be noticable.
 

Bobthelost

Diamond Member
Dec 1, 2005
4,360
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You're wasting money on the CPU, you don't need a dual core CPU for current games, if and when they are needed you can always upgrade. Right now they don't even result in a noticable improvement over single core.
 

ailetlvo

Member
Jul 24, 2005
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okay, well what kinda specs would you recommend? youre right in that ill be wasting money on the CPU, because i wont even be playing current games. i need the desktop for WoW, Counterstrike, itunes, firefox, office, AutoCAD, and a few other engineering programs.

now that you're a little more informed on my direct needs, what kind of config would allow me to do all that comfortably without blowing extra cash?
 

boomerang

Lifer
Jun 19, 2000
18,883
641
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You could save some money to put towards hardware by going XP Home vs XP Pro.

Do you truly need Pro?
 

SonicIce

Diamond Member
Apr 12, 2004
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Motherboard: MSI K8N Neo4-F $69.63
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130491

Processor: Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego $104
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103622

RAM: 512MB G.Skill DDR400 $48.99
www.chiefvalue.com/product/productdetails.aspx?item=20-231-029

Video Card: eVGA 7600GS $115.63
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130020

Case: some case $65

Hard Drive: 250GB Samsung $75.63
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822152025

Total: $478.88

This is under budget I guess but you could use it as a base, and upgrade what you need like RAM and videocard. This just shows how cheap a nice pc can be.
 

ailetlvo

Member
Jul 24, 2005
174
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No I don't really need Pro, as far as I'm concerned it just seems that everyone recommends Pro. ?

SonicIce, thanks for the help. That really opens up what I can do with the money that I have.
 

imipenem

Senior member
Mar 13, 2004
370
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For $50 more, why not go dual core? Which engineering apps do you plan on running? Some are multithreaded so a dual core cpu would help...
 

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
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Originally posted by: SonicIce
Motherboard: MSI K8N Neo4-F $69.63
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130491

Processor: Athlon 64 3700+ San Diego $104
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103622

RAM: 512MB G.Skill DDR400 $48.99
www.chiefvalue.com/product/productdetails.aspx?item=20-231-029

Video Card: eVGA 7600GS $115.63
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130020

Case: some case $65

Hard Drive: 250GB Samsung $75.63
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822152025

Total: $478.88

This is under budget I guess but you could use it as a base, and upgrade what you need like RAM and videocard. This just shows how cheap a nice pc can be.


I have this Motherboard and it's really solid! I recommend it for a budget build anyday