Recommend me a cheap(ish) computer setup

[Davidh373]

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-141-_-Product

$98.99 + $19.99

Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-063-_-Product

$89.99

Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-222-_-Product

$124.99

Ram DDR3 1333
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-812-_-Product

$52.99 + $5.99

Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-359-_-Product

$69.99

CD/DVD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-030-_-Product

$27.99 + $1.99

if you don't mind space consumption, you don't need to spend that much on a case (the case comes with a 400W)... If you have a case and PSU you should come out to $391.91, but it's 2GB Ram. another 2GB is possible. You may not need a CD/DVD, so that would only be an extra $10 for the ram so about $420 with tax. ($99 (4GB DDR3) - $60 (original 2GB) - $30 (CD/DVD)).

I would get whatever Graphics card you want. There have been some good recommendations going around thus far.

 

[Kabob]

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-141-_-Product

$98.99 + $19.99

Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-063-_-Product

$89.99

Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-222-_-Product

$124.99

Ram DDR3 1333
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-812-_-Product

$52.99 + $5.99

Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-359-_-Product

$69.99

CD/DVD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-030-_-Product

$27.99 + $1.99

if you don't mind space consumption, you don't need to spend that much on a case (the case comes with a 400W)... If you have a case and PSU you should come out to $391.91, but it's 2GB Ram. another 2GB is possible. You may not need a CD/DVD, so that would only be an extra $10 for the ram so about $420 with tax. ($99 (4GB DDR3) - $60 (original 2GB) - $30 (CD/DVD)).

I would get whatever Graphics card you want. There have been some good recommendations going around thus far.

Only problem is without including the graphics card that'll be way outside of the budget.

Another thought/question. I probably wouldn't go this route but I figured I'd ask.

I know that a few years ago some MFR's started making AGP video cards again. Looking on newegg there are two (HIS and Powercolor) Radeon 4670 HDs, 128 bit, 1GB DDR3 for a lil' over $100 each.

There's also a Gigabyte and XFX 4650s for around $75 each.

Could I nab one of those, maybe upgrade my processor somehow (I suppose dual core is out of the question w/s754...), and get some more RAM (my mobo will only support up to 2GB) and get by? I'm thinking it probably won't work too well (I'd like the game to look halfway decent and I hear it's pretty CPU dependent) but I figure the more budgety the build the better.

 

[Davidh373]

Only problem is without including the graphics card that'll be way outside of the budget.

Another thought/question. I probably wouldn't go this route but I figured I'd ask.

I know that a few years ago some MFR's started making AGP video cards again. Looking on newegg there are two (HIS and Powercolor) Radeon 4670 HDs, 128 bit, 1GB DDR3 for a lil' over $100 each.

There's also a Gigabyte and XFX 4650s for around $75 each.

Could I nab one of those, maybe upgrade my processor somehow (I suppose dual core is out of the question w/s754...), and get some more RAM (my mobo will only support up to 2GB) and get by? I'm thinking it probably won't work too well (I'd like the game to look halfway decent and I hear it's pretty CPU dependent) but I figure the more budgety the build the better.

I wouldn't recommend that. you need to check processor compatibility with that motherboard, but I would get an all new chipset. I'd think it would be best you'd get an AM2+, or an LGA 775 with a corresponding processor at least. Preferably Dual Core. Core 2 Duo, Athlon II X2, Phenom II X2, something multicore. You can easily find that within your budget. I wouldn't count on anything staying DirectX 9 either. Get a DX10 G-card of some sort. Your idea for ram is not likely to get you by very long either. 2GB is soon to be the new minimum. Get 3-4 GB of a mid speed DDR2.

 

[Kabob]

Yeah, I think it's a bad idea, it was just an idea.

I know I'd have issues finding a decent processor for s754 as it is (what's sad is I traded a s939 CPU/Mobo off to buy it...

 

[Davidh373]

Yeah, I think it's a bad idea, it was just an idea.

I know I'd have issues finding a decent processor for s754 as it is (what's sad is I traded a s939 CPU/Mobo off to buy it...

That wouldn't be the greatest either. you need a proc. that's come out recently.

 

[fffblackmage]

You're much better off getting a cheap low-end modern cpu, than something from 3+ years ago. It shouldn't be much more expensive, but you'll get much improved performance and features.

If you don't mind some gambling, you can get a PhII X2 555BE (or some variants of the Athlon X2/X3, I don't know which ones) and an appropriate AMD chipset mobo and try your luck at getting an unlocked quad core.

The Phenom IIs are pretty comparable to Core 2s. The Core i5/i7 are obviously the performance high-end and comes with the price premium. So since it looks like you want decent performance for cheap, the AMD cpus seems to be the best choice.

So you'll either end up with a fast dual core, decent tri-core, or a fully unlocked quad core, depending what cpu you get and your luck.

 

[Axon]

Kabob,

Sale @ newegg today. Decent budget build is up, as follows: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboB...t=Combo.328144

Pros:

Price: New CPU, RAM, case, PSU for only $190 after rebate.
Includes the same motherboard you've been targeting.
Includes on-board video (ATi HD4200 - considered a strong chipset GPU but certainly not as potent as a full-on vid card).
New case, new PSU (I can't speak to the quality of the PSU but there are no complaints in the Reviews; I have a RAIDmax PSU and it's ok)


Cons:
Included X2 240 does not include a Heatsink Fan
Only 2 gigs of RAM - good but not great - I would buy another 2 sticks of 1 GB each
X2 240 v. X3 435: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/default.aspx?p=114&p2=112&c=1 (I'm not certain if that's the same X2 240 chip)
No unlockable cores

 

[Kabob]

Not a bad deal at all, although I do wish it came with a little beefier processor.

PSU is kinda weak (and cheap, it's a $15 PSU). Does the PSU have the power connectors I'd need for a PCIe card?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-032-_-Product

1 x Main connector (20+4Pin)
1 x 12V(P4)
4 x peripheral
1 x SATA
2 x Floppy

(I thought you said I needed an 8 pin connector).

 

[Kabob]

You're much better off getting a cheap low-end modern cpu, than something from 3+ years ago. It shouldn't be much more expensive, but you'll get much improved performance and features.

If you don't mind some gambling, you can get a PhII X2 555BE (or some variants of the Athlon X2/X3, I don't know which ones) and an appropriate AMD chipset mobo and try your luck at getting an unlocked quad core.

The Phenom IIs are pretty comparable to Core 2s. The Core i5/i7 are obviously the performance high-end and comes with the price premium. So since it looks like you want decent performance for cheap, the AMD cpus seems to be the best choice.

So you'll either end up with a fast dual core, decent tri-core, or a fully unlocked quad core, depending what cpu you get and your luck.

Just a thought, I don't mind buying used stuff either. My current Mobo/CPU/Video card I all bought used (albiet lightly) and they've all ran like champs. I actually was looking at a Phenom II Black Edition processor with all the cores unlocked for like $75 on the FS/FT forums just the other day, although I think it's since been shipped. Hrm, maybe I should just put a "WTB - Mid-level gaming setup" thread on the FS section and see if I get any bites?

 

[Axon]

Not a bad deal at all, although I do wish it came with a little beefier processor.

PSU is kinda weak (and cheap, it's a $15 PSU). Does the PSU have the power connectors I'd need for a PCIe card?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-032-_-Product

1 x Main connector (20+4Pin)
1 x 12V(P4)
4 x peripheral
1 x SATA
2 x Floppy

(I thought you said I needed an 8 pin connector).

PSU is certainly cheap, yeah. Now as to the PCI-E plug, this is a confusing point. There are 6 pin PCI-E's out there, and 8 pin (so-called 6+2 - it looks like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...RP.-_-12706013) You're right, I don't think I see a 6 pin PCI-3 there, though it looks like one might be attached to a modular plug from the pic of the wires.

Anyway, given the cards you're targeting, you would only need a 6-pin PCI-E connector. If you get a beefcake card (think 5800), you could need the bigger 8 pin. Each card is different. You have to read the specs carefully, there is no universal solution. I'm a moron and also just realized you could probably get this: http://www.amazon.com/6-Pin-Express-.../dp/B002CZANA8 and stick it in your old PSU.

You could go into the used section if you want, but I rarely see a good deal there and I constantly troll it. You never know though, you might get lucky. It's certain worth a shot. I saw a decent deal on a Phenom X2 550 and mobo, but no RAM. Also, I believe your case will only house an mATX motherboard, but you would know better than I.

 

[Kabob]

Wait, the current mobo form factor is larger now? (told you I was out of the loop)??? Yeah, I believe I'm only set up for mATX...

You never know on used stuff, I'm sure alot of the stuff on there isn't worth the effort, there's bound to be some good deals to be found though. Honestly if I could just find the guy who built his PC last year and wants THIS year's technology...

I actually found this locally on Craigslist:

Blue Alienware case with 750w power supply
Intel Core2Duo 2.66Ghz processor
8GB Ram
250GB Hard drive
Nvidia GeForce 260GTX 1GB Video Card
LG Super-Multi Drive DVD Burner
Brand new HP 24x Internal Double-Layer DVD±RW/CD-RW Drive
Floppy Disc Drive and Media Card reader combo
Integrated HD Audio AND Sound Blaster Add-On card
Dual gigbyte network ports
8 USB Ports (6 rear, 2 Front)
2 Firewire ports (1 front, 1 rear)

Windows 7 Ultimate 64Bit - Installed and activated with valid license (Not OEM, RC or trial!)
Nero 8 CD/DVD Creation software.

$400. I emailed the seller but haven't received a response so I assume it's probably sold. Not cutting edge but it'd have gotten the job done and saved me alot of work. Still the price seemed a little "too good to be true."

 

[Axon]

Yeah, wow - that would be a great deal. Sadly, on Craig's List, I've often emailed re: tech at awesome prices only to receive porno/Viagra spam in response. 😛

 

[Kabob]

Well, I think it was legit. He had it listed for $500 for two or so weeks then dropped it to $400. It's a local area, methinks he just needed it gone. No reply though (emailed him yesterday).

 

[Axon]

I hope it works out, that's an awesome deal. I live in NY, and I'm sure there are a few more shysters on the NYC Craig's List. Heh.

It appears your super lanboy will house a standard ATX: http://www.silentpcreview.com/article134-page1.html

Having seen the benches in such detail, this thread is making me itch to buy either the AMD x3 435 or x2 555. I'm going to PAX East and I kinda want to participate in the LAN - but I don't want to lug the 920, it's a big boy. I figure the 435 plus the onboard ATi 4200 would more than do the job on a 1280 monitor for SC2 Beta, TF2, WoW. Then it would become a backup rig. Not bad for a $150 investment. Soooo tempting.

 

[Kabob]

I hope it works out, that's an awesome deal. I live in NY, and I'm sure there are a few more shysters on the NYC Craig's List. Heh.

It appears your super lanboy will house a standard ATX: http://www.silentpcreview.com/article134-page1.html

Having seen the benches in such detail, this thread is making me itch to buy either the AMD x3 435 or x2 555. I'm going to PAX East and I kinda want to participate in the LAN - but I don't want to lug the 920, it's a big boy. I figure the 435 plus the onboard ATi 4200 would more than do the job on a 1280 monitor for SC2 Beta, TF2, WoW. Then it would become a backup rig. Not bad for a $150 investment. Soooo tempting.

Well I'll be, I too thought the case was only up to Micro ATX (it is pretty durn small after all).

My hopes are next to nil for picking up that deal but if it did happen I'd be stoked. Until then I'll keep looking at other options.

 

[Kabob]

So...I brought up the idea of upgrading my computer to my wife and she was less than thrilled (well, she was OK with it until I told her I wanted to spend $500...she thinks computer upgrades should be like $200...). So...we'll see if I can coax her.

In the meantime another decent deal was posted on Craigslist locally, while he says the price is firm I suppose if he can't move it I might be able to talk him down:

Custom built computer. No operating system. Sold AS IS. The only warranty is through the manufacture of products.

Mother board Asus M4N82 Deluxe
CPU AMD Phenom II 965 3.4GHZ 140watt version
CPU Cooler Noctua NH-C12P 120mm
Ram 4GB G.Skill DDR2 1200MHZ F2-9600CL5D-4GBPI
Hard Drives 2 Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB
DVD Samsung 22x read /write with light scribe
Power Supply Corsair 850TX
Case ThermalTake V9 black edition
Video Card XFX Radeon 4890
Card reader Koutech IO-RCM620 USB 2.0 3.5

Most of the computer components are less than a year old. To build this system today it would cost almost twice the listed price. The price is firm no deals first 500 bucks takes it. I have most of the original boxes for the components other than the mother board and computer case.

 

[Axon]

That's a strong deal for $500...and even better if you can get it for less. Drive up to his house and wave the cash in front of him, he might crack 😛

 

[Kabob]

I told my wife I wanted to buy it and she's being difficult...

 

[Axon]

Sometimes you gotta swing the big paw. Heh

 

[Kabob]

And if I swing the big paw and she rips it off, then what?

 

[klocwerk]

Honestly? Buy a new mobo/proc/RAM(if necessary), but sit on the gfx card until SC2 launches. Gfx card prices drop constantly, no point buying one now for a game that doesn't launch for what, 6 months yet?
Drop 300-400 on a good core, save up for a gfx card when you need it. You'll get a LOT more bang for your buck.