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Pc for <$500

F

Firebert05

Member
i'm looking to get a 2nd PC for xmas to hook up to my TV (has a DVi connection) and stereo (which has digital coax and optical in). It will mainly be used for video and internet, but I do plan on playing some games on it too (until I can get a better vid card).

I don't need a monitor, since i'll be using my tv. I have an old 7900GTX video card, a windows vista disc from a pc that is no more, and a spare dvd-r drive.

I am looking to get: (and have a $500 limit set by the 'rents)

Case
Power Supply
CPU
CPU cooler (to overclock)
Motherboard
2GB RAM
Hard Drive
 
Check out the Dell outlet store. About six weeks ago, I picked up a inspiron 530 - E4300 - 2gb ram - Vista Home SP1, for $279. I added a HD 3650 for $50 AR. For $330, I'm real happy. The store deals change frequently, so keep checking if you don't see what you want at first.
 
You can easily get a great quality PC for $500 (if reusing video card, FS = Free Shipping):
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 CPU and Asus P5Q Pro Combo Link - $250
G.Skill F2-6400CL5D-4GBPQ 2 x 2GB DDR2 800 RAM - $45 FS
Western Digital WD5000AAJS 500GB 7200RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $60 FS
Antec Earthwatts 500W PSU - $50 FS
Antec 300 ATX Case - $50 FS
Xigmatek HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle HSF - $32 FS & Retention Bracket - $8.50 FS
---
Total: $495.50 plus tax and shipping

The RAM is good for at least at 3.6Ghz overclock if you keep the FSB and DRAM at a 1:1 ratio. The bracket will make it easier to install the Xigmatek HSF and does allow for slightly lower temps.
 
Originally posted by: Blain
Originally posted by: cockeyed
Check out the Dell outlet store.
The store deals change frequently, so keep checking if you don't see what you want at first.
Click to expand...
:thumbsup::laugh:
Click to expand...

:thumbsup: Most definitely. They currently have 209 desktops in the sub-$500 range with 2GB of RAM, so surely there is on there that would meet your needs.
 
Don't mean to be hijacking this thread but I've been thinking of building a really cheap PC to serve as a SageTV server. Do you guys think it would be just as good buying one of these Dell outlet PCs? I'm concerned about expandability, especially in terms of disk.
 
I do like the idea of getting a built PC like Dell (instant gratification), but do I need the PC to have Digital Optical output or digital coaxial output to connect the PC to my stereo so I get audio through my stereo speakers?
 
Antec Sonata III (comes with good PSU) $75 (only til tomorrow)
E8400 $165
XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm $22 AR
BIOSTAR TForce TP35D2-A7 $60 AR
Corsair 2x2GB DDR2 800 $25 AR
WD Caviar Black 640GB $85

Total: $432
 
Originally posted by: theAnimal
Antec Sonata III (comes with good PSU) $75 (only til tomorrow)
E8400 $165
XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm $22 AR
BIOSTAR TForce TP35D2-A7 $60 AR
Corsair 2x2GB DDR2 800 $25 AR
WD Caviar Black 640GB $85

Total: $432
Click to expand...

:thumbsup:

Except I would swap the e8400 for e5200 to save $80 and use that to buy a 4670 or add $20 and get a 9800GT.
 
Yup. Another vote for the E5200. It's an amazingly cheap / fast CPU that overclocks nicely!

Kill that 7800GTX, a newer card will blow it out of the water. I'd actually be interested to see how a 7800gtx compares to a Radeon 4670!

~MiSfit
 
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