Lets Build Me A New System

[Buddhatown]

I'm ready to build a new machine and retire my AMD 1.2 as the household server. My budget is 500 max. Its been a while since I have built a system, so Im out of the loop on the new stuff. Here is what I'll need:

Processor (AMD is preferable to me)
Mobo
RAM
Video
Case

I have my own hard drives, cd, keyboard, monitor, etc. I wont be doing any hardcore gaming, so I dont need the best video (but my 16mb AIW just aint cuttin it anymore). Overclocking isnt important to me either - I'd like it to run cool (the room is a little hot in the summer). I'll be running wireless, so no onboard NIC is neccesary. Onboard sound is ok.

So, lets hear those suggestions...

Thanks!

 

[sellmen]

Epox 8rda+ - $79
Antec Performance beige case w/ 350W PS - $80
2x 256mb Crucial pc2700 - $100
Athlon XP 2500+ - $88
OEM ATI Radeon 9100 64mb - $63


All prices are from newegg.com, comes to about $430 shipped. If you want to save some $$ and gaming really isn't important, you can substitute the 8rda+ for the 8rga ($100), which has onboard Geforce4 MX video.

 

[jacktesterson]

Originally posted by: sellmen
Epox 8rda+ - $79
Antec Performance beige case w/ 350W PS - $80
2x 256mb Crucial pc2700 - $100
Athlon XP 2500+ - $88
OEM ATI Radeon 9100 64mb - $63


All prices are from newegg.com, comes to about $430 shipped. If you want to save some $$ and gaming really isn't important, you can substitute the 8rda+ for the 8rga ($100), which has onboard Geforce4 MX video.

I like this, but I would do the following

AMD Athlon XP 2500
512MB PC-2700 Corsair Value Select
Soltek NV400-64 NForce 2 Mobo
Antec Lanboy Case
ATI Radeon 9100 128MB

Edit: Any Nforce2 Mobo will do, but Im not a fan of Epox...to many Dead on arrivals in my experience...This Soltek board is excellent value and good qaulity, and is single channel DDR, meaning you don't have to frig around matching memory pieces and there isn't a performance hit if your not running two pieces, saves you money, and if you look at the review on anandtech, easily as fast as the dual channel nforce2 boards

 

[chocoruacal]

Originally posted by: Buddhatown
Processor (AMD is preferable to me)
Mobo
RAM
Video
Case

1. XP2500 ~ $85
2. nForce2 ~ $80-$120
3. pc3200 (512MB) ~ $100-$150
4. Radeon 9500 Pro ~ $130-160
5. Antec SLK3700 ~ $90
6. SK7 + Panaflo or NMB (ultra quiet if you don't plan on overclocking) ~ $25

So, from $500-$600 for a kick a$$ system.

Mobo point(s):
You'll never get a satisfactory answer trying to get specific brands...so do yourself a favor and pick a mobo that has the features you want. There is not going to be a whole lot of difference in performance between the recent nForce2 boards, and there's a mountain of review data out there you can sort thru if you so desire. Ignore the blowhards and the insecure...you can get reliability/stability/performance from any of the major board makers.

RAM point(s):
Once you get a board selected, browse the forums and see what RAM people are using (for compatibility.) Don't forget to check people's sigs.

 

[Buddhatown]

Thanks for all the great info...I shall get started....

 

[jacktesterson]

there no point in buying PC3200 ram if hes not overclocking...Its like buying a Premium gas for a Dodge Spirit

Barton 2500+ are 333 FSB (PC2700)

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: AMDHardcoreFan
there no point in buying PC3200 ram if hes not overclocking...Its like buying a Premium gas for a Dodge Spirit

Barton 2500+ are 333 FSB (PC2700)