Help me make a budget system for my Aunt & Uncle.

[MDE]

Originally posted by: AMDman12GHz

Originally posted by: MonkeyDriveExpress
If you're using onboard graphics, get another stick of RAM and run it in dual channel.

Like get 2 128s instead of the 256? I am really pushing the budget with their current config.

Josh

Or just throw another 256MB stick in a little down the road.

 

[zodder]

As many have stated before me, get in on one of the Dell deals. For your situation, Dell really can't be beat.

 

[Snoop]

Originally posted by: AMDman12GHz
Here is the new system i configured through newegg, from your tips.

how does it look.

I would get the Biostar M7NCG 400, it will save you about 20 bucs, which can be used to pick up another stick of ram which you will really want to have to run the board in Duel Channel.

Biostar
Also, skipt the crucial pc2700, get the Buffalo PC3200 for only 4 dollars more per stick.

 

[optimistic]

Here's some options that might be a better value

BIOSTAR M7NCG-400 (NF2 IGP) -$24
Kingston 256MB PC3200 +$2.75
WD 80GB WD800JB 7200RPM 8MB +$8
LITE ON 48X/24X/48X CDRW+16X DVD +$14
MS Multimedia Optical Bundle -$4
Creative speakers -$1.75

High points
- Double HDD space
- Faster Ram
- DVD playback capability

End total = $5 under

from mwave

 

[Snoop]

Originally posted by: optimistic
Here's some options that might be a better value

BIOSTAR M7NCG-400 (NF2 IGP) -$24
Kingston 256MB PC3200 +$2.75
WD 80GB WD800JB 7200RPM 8MB +$8
LITE ON 48X/24X/48X CDRW+16X DVD +$14
MS Optical Internet Bundle -$4
Creative speakers -$1.75

High points
- Double HDD space
- Faster Ram
- DVD playback capability

End total = $5 under

from mwave

Ditto

 

[Cerb]

I say K7S5A Pro or L7S7A2 for mobo.
An 1800+ is fine for a budget non-gaming, non-media encoding system. In fact it's overkill. However, a 2000+ retail is cheaper than that 1800+ OEM + fan, so go with that instead.
I'd get a slightly cheaper Radeon (9000, 9100, 9200, 9200 SE), as they'll never need what the FX can do, and the 5200 still sucks at what it does well.

 

[SuperFreaky]

Originally posted by: Snoop

Originally posted by: optimistic
Here's some options that might be a better value

BIOSTAR M7NCG-400 (NF2 IGP) -$24
Kingston 256MB PC3200 +$2.75
WD 80GB WD800JB 7200RPM 8MB +$8
LITE ON 48X/24X/48X CDRW+16X DVD +$14
MS Optical Internet Bundle -$4
Creative speakers -$1.75

High points
- Double HDD space
- Faster Ram
- DVD playback capability

End total = $5 under

from mwave

Ditto

Agreed.

Your case and power supply add up to $52 Dollars shipped fron Newegg
You might want to see what that gets you at colorcases.com
Phoenix SS + 400PS = $51 + S/H

 

[airfoil]

Why do you need that floppy drive? You're getting the CD burner anyways.

 

[jcovercash]

Originally posted by: airfoil
Why do you need that floppy drive? You're getting the CD burner anyways.

You never know if they might need it.

Josh

 

[Ionizer86]

Here's my recommendations:
Get a burner and hard drive locally. You can get burners close to free, and if you check Hot Deals, you can get an 80GB hard drive for $35 or less on occasion. Also try to get some ram from OfficeMax. Kingston Valueram 2100 is sometimes sold for $10. We got ours for free on occasion, and I must say it's very good ram (it runs at 2700 CL2). On that line, try to get a free V.92 modem locally as well and switch the video card to a $30 MX440 from a local store like OfficeMax.

 

[jcovercash]

Originally posted by: Ionizer86
Here's my recommendations:
Get a burner and hard drive locally. You can get burners close to free, and if you check Hot Deals, you can get an 80GB hard drive for $35 or less on occasion. Also try to get some ram from OfficeMax. Kingston Valueram 2100 is sometimes sold for $10. We got ours for free on occasion, and I must say it's very good ram (it runs at 2700 CL2). On that line, try to get a free V.92 modem locally as well and switch the video card to a $30 MX440 from a local store like OfficeMax.

Yea but locally you have to fool with rebates to get those prices. They are giving me a set price and I need to get everything for that without messing with rebates.

Josh

 

[Rukkian]

The system you put up there should be pretty good, and then later down the road if they want a cheap upgrade, throw in another stick of ram. That should be a decent running budget system.