• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Need help finding budget gaming system

R

rl32455

Junior Member
I want to buy a budget gaming system. I already have a monitor, OS and CDRW.

I have no problem installing cards and devices and RAM, but think I'd rather not install a mobo/cpu (isn't that a little more tricky?) So I am looking for a case w/ barebones combo to start from and then buy other components and RAM fom anywhere.

I would like to keep total cost at/under $500. Any suggestions? What I'm thinking of right now would be something like this...

$200 Athlon 2000,case,mobo barebones (for example http://shop2.outpost.com/product/3513694 )
$70 video card (maybe radeon 9000?)
$160 512 PC2700 (crucial for example)
$80 Hard Drive

Any thoughts? Am I missing something here? And what do you think of the mobo in that outpost.com combo? I couldn't find a review of it by anandtech. But it seems good, with extras like USB 2.0 which are nice.

Thanks.
 
Welcome to anandtech, yeah i think that is a decent setup for what your looking for careful with cheap power supplies though sometimes they will act a little funky, like mine is...
 
Memory Support: Up to 3GB PC 2100 DDR


Won't support that 2700 that you have listed to pick. I didnt' see what mobo that is, but sounds like a good system there. I would also ask them what mobo that is too. If you really want budget, I saw a good deal on NewEgg on Albatron mobos. kt333 you can't beat ~$70 for those, and the xp 2000+ you should be able to get for around $80 but you need a HeatSink too. I'd skimp on the processor and get a better Video Card like a GeFoce 4 4200, or the Radeon 8500 with 128MB Ram. You can't beat the 1600+ for the price on it.


Also unless your overclocking the Ram, you might as well get some Kingston Value ram, I just purchased 512 pc2100 for around $100 from GoogleGear. pc2700 ram isn't going to give you much of a performance boost over 2100.

That's if your trying to save some $$$
 
hindsight:

wish id bought the radeon 8500 with 128 instead of 64, i think itll serve me better in the near future, prolly about a hundred bucks, otherwise maybe a 9000 64mb pro for about 80, or the radeon 8500 64le for about 70 ( chose the latter myself)

as for installing a mobo/cpu, takes a little patience if the case is small , but not terribly difficult, tho if youre nervous its probably a good idea to get a barebones like you mentioned

im happy with my xp1600 (tho, i do overclock, its still very good at the base 1.4ghz)


and do yourself a favor and make sure you have decent speakers (if you dont) decent 2.1's are better than those cheap sets that alot of people sell, try justdeals.com, should have a few selections by logitech or someone for about 30 bucks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top