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Core 2 Duo Build...

ultimatebob

ultimatebob

Lifer
I'm trying to build a Core 2 Duo gaming system for under $1,250, but it's hard to pick good parts in this price range. All of the Core 2 Duo buying guides that I've seen so far have all been in the $2,000 range, so I had to figure out a lot of this on my own. Here's what I came up with so far:

Motherboard Intel DP965LT $110
CPU Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 (retail) $215
Memory 2 GB PC2-5300 DDR2-667 1.8V memory $200
Hard Drive(s) Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320 GB drive $95
DVD Burner Sony 18X DVD+-R DVD Burner $30
Case Antec Sonata II with 450W power supply $100 ($50 after Newegg rebate! Yay!)
Video Card 7900GS Video Card $180
LCD Display ViewSonic/Optiquest 19" Widescreen LCD $190
Keyboard Microsoft USB Keyboard $20
Mice Microsoft Optical Wheel Mouse $15
Speakers Logitech 2.1 (Bought) $0
OS Windows Vista OEM $95?
System Total $1,250

Please let me know if you have any recommendations for different parts, keeping in mind that I only have $1,250 to spend on this.
 
Vista OEM ain't out yet, buddy. If you want to save a few dollars, go for the E6300 instead of the E6400 and overclock it a bit.
 
Everything looks good. I would buy a different PSU, but that is going to add to your bottom line, so it's your choice.
 
I got a C2D system for my Sister in law (onboard video only) with 17" widescreen LCD for ~ 1200, it's doable...
 
Gigabyte 965p S3 Mobo - $100
CPU Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 (retail) $170
Crucial 10th Anniversary - $230-$250
Hard Drive(s) Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320 GB drive $95
DVD Burner Sony 18X DVD+-R DVD Burner $30
Case Antec Sonata II with 450W power supply $100 ($50 after Newegg rebate! Yay!)
Video Card 7900GS Video Card $180
LCD Display ViewSonic/Optiquest 19" Widescreen LCD $190
Keyboard Microsoft USB Keyboard $20
Mice Microsoft Optical Wheel Mouse $15
Speakers Logitech 2.1 (Bought) $0
Windows XP Home - $100-$70rebate = $30
System Total $1,160

Also, the 7900gs can be had for roughly $130-160 if you deal seek.
The Antec Sonata can be replaced with the Antec P180 (a wayy better case IMO) for $80AR.
If the P180 doesn't come with a PSU, pick up a S12 380w Seasonic or a Fortron for roughly $40-60.

I know some of the items i listed aren't saving you money but some are better parts for the money. GL with your purchase.

http://forms.young-america.com/58789_OD7102153-12122006.pdf
 
maybe pick up a 19" CRT (dime a dozen) for free, and use the money for a higher end case, PSU, and maybe upgrade to a 7900GT?
 
Originally posted by: ApostolicFire
Originally posted by: ForumMaster
don't count on vista. put on windows xp home oem for $90 or pro oem w/ upgrade to vista for $139.
Click to expand...

I doubt they want to run Vista business as what the upgrade path says on Newegg http://promotions.newegg.com/microsoft/vista/TechGuarn.html, so I would recommend getting Windows XP MCE http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832116171, which gives you an upgrade to Home Premium for ~$109 + SH for the Vista disc.
Click to expand...

what's wrong with business? it's a step under ultimate. he could get MCE. i've heard about compatibilty issues with certain apps but i suppose by now those are all fixed.
 
I have the beta version of Vista Ultimate and it takes up nearly 8gigs by itself, I imagine Business would take up roughly the same, I recommend a Enermax Liberty 500w they are onsale for the holidays for 104.99, Antec p180 is a really good case, I have a Tt Amor and I love it, It is really quite even with the 4 case fans, plus the airflow is excellent and there is lots of room. Also the Giga-byte GA-965G-DS3 is a good option for a motherboard, I would stick with the E6400 and OC it, apparently they OC really nice. Viewsonics is a good choice for a monitor, look of one with a timing between 2ms and 6ms for gaming, otherwise go for a CRT monitor. As of OS's go with XP Home or MCE, wait for vista you will want reliable drivers, seagate is an excellent choice for HDD's all of mine are Seagates, plus the warranty service is excellent if you ever end up having to use it.
 
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