Need advice on a low end system build. please give me a hand

Johnbear007

Diamond Member
Jul 1, 2002
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I'm used to working with high end parts, but I need to do an upgrade for a friend for under 200$ (as FAR under as possible)

Need a cpu/mobo/ram 256 megs max. THis machine is for internet, and possible SUPER LIGHT gaming.
 

optimistic

Diamond Member
Apr 29, 2001
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Mobo = Biostar nforce 2 IGP $62 @ mwave
Ram = 2x 128mb $40 :confused: @ staples, CC, omax, OD AR deals
CPU = XP 2400 $68 @ mwave
HSF = $5 @ SVC

total $175

even cheaper
substitute xp2400 for xp1500 subtract $32
substitute nfroce 2 for km400 subtract $11

total $132

even cheaper
Duron 1.6 with ECS $50 @ Fry's
256DDR = $30
HSF = $5
Video = $40

total $125
 

Johnbear007

Diamond Member
Jul 1, 2002
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Thanks, im not very close to a frys (at all hehe)

Also, I dont need to do a dual channel setup. I dont want them to have to mess with rebates, it may be too hard for them

I really appreciate the response though. ill keep looking for mobos.

Maybe just an ECS k7s5a lol

I think they are on a 500 mhz celeron so even a 1500+ would be a HUGE upgrade.
 

optimistic

Diamond Member
Apr 29, 2001
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No fry's? Then it is worth getting a KM400 for $10 more over the $30 K75SA, due to lack of video on the K75SA.

HSF $2
Rest of it $113

total $115 + shipping both svc and mwave have good shipping prices and reseller ratings.
 

Johnbear007

Diamond Member
Jul 1, 2002
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Originally posted by: Salvador
Friends don't build friends systems with ECS mobo's. ;)

Sal

hehe..

the K7S5A was a fine mobo, it got a bad rap because alot of noobies used it to build and complainned when they couldnt get it working.

I have build systems for friends with it many times. However recently ive been only working with high end stuff so I have paid attention to the budget parts.
 

Johnbear007

Diamond Member
Jul 1, 2002
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Originally posted by: optimistic
No fry's? Then it is worth getting a KM400 for $10 more over the $30 K75SA, due to lack of video on the K75SA.

HSF $2
Rest of it $113

total $115 + shipping both svc and mwave have good shipping prices and reseller ratings.

Thanks, I am familiar with both places. This is probably the setup I will go with.
 

rb56

Senior member
Oct 27, 2000
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Epox nForce2 8RDA3+ - Retail $89.00
AMD Athlon XP 2500+ - Retail $91.00
Crucial 184 Pin 256MB DDR PC-2700 - OEM $42.00

Total $222.00 all from Newegg, $22 over budget but well worth the extra $.

Wait for another paycheck and then pull the trigger.
rb56
 

Johnbear007

Diamond Member
Jul 1, 2002
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Originally posted by: rb56
Epox nForce2 8RDA3+ - Retail $89.00
AMD Athlon XP 2500+ - Retail $91.00
Crucial 184 Pin 256MB DDR PC-2700 - OEM $42.00

Total $222.00 all from Newegg, $22 over budget but well worth the extra $.

Wait for another paycheck and then pull the trigger.
rb56

These people dont need anything near that kind of power. It holds no value for them, and isnt worth the extra money just for web browsing. That is more of a gaming budget system, which they doent need.
 

chocoruacal

Golden Member
Nov 12, 2002
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Originally posted by: Johnbear007
Originally posted by: rb56
Epox nForce2 8RDA3+ - Retail $89.00
AMD Athlon XP 2500+ - Retail $91.00
Crucial 184 Pin 256MB DDR PC-2700 - OEM $42.00

Total $222.00 all from Newegg, $22 over budget but well worth the extra $.

Wait for another paycheck and then pull the trigger.
rb56

These people dont need anything near that kind of power. It holds no value for them, and isnt worth the extra money just for web browsing. That is more of a gaming budget system, which they doent need.

Just because they only use it for internet doesn't mean you shouldn't make the most out of their $200. If you're not willing to do that, then pick out a dusty/refurbished/ancient P1/2 system from your local Microcenter/generic computer shop for the same price.

Mobo = Biostar or Shuttle nForce2 ~50 @Newegg
256MB PNY FAR or ~$10-->$20
XP2500 = $60-->$70 from Trading Post or Ars Agora
 

Zebo

Elite Member
Jul 29, 2001
39,398
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Case Any $40
MB MN31N SHTL $65
CPU AMD|2500/ Retail $90.00
DDRAM 256MB PC-2700 APACER INFIN% $39
HD 40GB|ANY $55


=$279

Now where's the rest? floopy $8, CD $20, KB&MS $30 etc....Don't buy those mini computers..not worth unless you lan..
 

Johnbear007

Diamond Member
Jul 1, 2002
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Originally posted by: chocoruacal
Originally posted by: Johnbear007
Originally posted by: rb56
Epox nForce2 8RDA3+ - Retail $89.00
AMD Athlon XP 2500+ - Retail $91.00
Crucial 184 Pin 256MB DDR PC-2700 - OEM $42.00

Total $222.00 all from Newegg, $22 over budget but well worth the extra $.

Wait for another paycheck and then pull the trigger.
rb56

These people dont need anything near that kind of power. It holds no value for them, and isnt worth the extra money just for web browsing. That is more of a gaming budget system, which they doent need.

Just because they only use it for internet doesn't mean you shouldn't make the most out of their $200. If you're not willing to do that, then pick out a dusty/refurbished/ancient P1/2 system from your local Microcenter/generic computer shop for the same price.

Mobo = Biostar or Shuttle nForce2 ~50 @Newegg
256MB PNY FAR or ~$10-->$20
XP2500 = $60-->$70 from Trading Post or Ars Agora


Wow talk about hostile. That's simply just not a wise investment for them. They are relativley poor so the sifference between 220 and 120$ is HUGE to them. Deal with the fact taht there are people out there that CANT afford much. There is a world of difference between one of the old systems you mentioned, and something I could put to gether for well under 200. You are pushing your own misguided agends for some reason, and it isnt shared here.
 

Bonesdad

Platinum Member
Nov 18, 2002
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Biostar M7VIG Pro with IGP - $55 shipped
Athlon XP 2100+ retail - $70
Crucial PC2100 DDR (1x256MB) - $38

Total=$163

This is very similar to K7S5A board, but with IGP. it will handle either DDR or SDRAM.
Is IGP necessary? Or are they OK with current VGA board?
If IGP not necessary, save a couple more bux and go with K7S5A...it's a fine board which is meant for EXACTLY this type of application. Good luck.