deciding between these two systems

[funkymatt]

My neighbor wants me to build him a new machine, he didn't really give me a budget to work with, but im assuming $3-400. It will be used for light gaming, which is why i chose the 8600GT, but mostly email and internet/home office work.

system1
ASUS P5kPL socket 775 Motherboard
Intel E5200 2.5GHz Processor
HP 20x DVD Burner with LightScribe
RaidMAX Mid-Tower Case
Nvidia 8600GT video card
2GB DDR2 533 Memory
250GB WD hard drive


system2
Asus M2N-e motherboard
AMD Athlon 62 X2 Dual Core 2.6ghz
HP 20x DVD Burner with LightScribe
RaidMAX Mid-Tower Case
Nvidia 8600GT video card
2GB DDR2 533 Memory
250GB WD hard drive

All these components are available at newegg. I'd prefer to stick to them as a vendor out of convenience, but open to suggestions. I guess we'll have to get a new monitor too, but haven't started researching that yet.

Thx in advance.

 

[Roguestar]

Buy a Dell, put a 9600GT in it.

 

[DSF]

I would find out the budget rather than making assumptions.

 

[funkymatt]

Originally posted by: Roguestar
Buy a Dell, put a 9600GT in it.

is there a specific model you can get for that cheap?

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: Roguestar
Buy a Dell, put a 9600GT in it.

For a $400 budget, that's about your only option.

I really hate it when "joe average computer user" wants a new computer to replace his Pentium II, Windows98 POS but only wants to spend $400 or so. What do you think you're gonna get for that? (Assuming a Windows OS also needs to be purchased).

"Light gaming" on a $400 system in today's terms REALLY MEANS gaming at 1024x768, low details all around using the onboard integrated video. I.E. pure torture.

 

[Roguestar]

The Dell or the card?

Infact for the card you said light gaming so I'd say Radeon HD4670; it costs as little as $65 after rebate.

For the Dell, you could check the Dell Outlet.

 

[Denithor]

Dude, you're getting a Dell...

Oops, that's probably copyrighted material, isn't it?



Anyway, yeppers, get a Dell and drop in either a 9600GT or a 4670, both are low power cards so the included PSU should be adequate. Look for a sale or around the Outlet for a good deal. Target either an e2180 or e5200, both should work well for the intended uses. Just make sure it has (or upgrade to) 2GB RAM or it might feel kinda slow in some stuff.

 

[styroe]

I would ask you define what light gaming means, because if you ask my girlfriend that means mahjong or solitaire. But if you are looking at that budget, I suggest the dell as well, something pentium and core 2 duo minimum, but then again I am an intel/nvidia fanboy.