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So how does my budget build look?

X

xSeongminx

Senior member
So I've decided that enough is enough and time has come to upgrade my aging Celeron D machine. After doing some research for the last few days, this is the build that I've come up with.

CPU
Intel E5200

Motherboard
MSI G31M3L-V2 ($80 for CPU and Mobo)

Video Card
Sapphire 4850 512MB ($85)

Memory
2 x 2GB Crucial PC-6400 Memory

Nothing else really matters, as I already have some components that I'll be using from previous builds. What concerns me the most is that my monitor is a poopy 19" and the max resolution is 1280x1024, which I feel will not use the full potential of the video card. I don't want to make the jump to a new monitor at this point or else I will just do a full blown build.

I'm set on the E5200 and the motherboard since it is only $80 for both, but do you think my current VC, X1950 Pro, will be able to handle the newer games at 1280x1024? Truthfully, the only games that I'll be playing are most likely L4D, Dota, and CS:S, which I know don't require much computing power but it would be nice to have something on stand by for D3 and SC2. So I guess my main question is, will my X1950 Pro be sufficient and be able to handle newer games or should I just go with the 4850?
 
At least for source based games, you can get decent framerates with the x1950pro at 1280x1024. Maybe with slightly lower settings if you want to make sure framerates dont drop too badly in certain scenarios. That's if you want to save a bit of money.

With the 4850 on the other hand... you should be more than able to get 60fps on average with everything maxed and with lots of AA.

Recommendation? The 4850 is a nice powerful card for a very good price. I'd go with the 4850.
 
Originally posted by: M0RPH
Whare are you getting that CPU+MB for $80? Seems like a hot deal.
Click to expand...

Yup, like FFFBlackImage said, Fry's is having their anniversary sale and they have the E5200 and MSI G31 mobo for $80. An interesting note is that they have a new combo at the same price; E5400 and a Biostar G31 motherboard.

Should I get the E5400 or the E5200?!?
 
Originally posted by: xSeongminx
Originally posted by: M0RPH
Whare are you getting that CPU+MB for $80? Seems like a hot deal.
Click to expand...

Yup, like FFFBlackImage said, Fry's is having their anniversary sale and they have the E5200 and MSI G31 mobo for $80. An interesting note is that they have a new combo at the same price; E5400 and a Biostar G31 motherboard.

Should I get the E5400 or the E5200?!?
Click to expand...

5400... biostar and MSI are about same level of quality
 
I would agree, get the 4850. I would only get the 4670 for use with a weak power supply as it requires no power connector. If his power supply will run the x1950 it should be more than sufficient for the 4850.
 
Well, I finished my build this past weekend. Here's a list of the specs.

Intel E5200 @ 3.0Ghz
MSI G31 Motherboard
2 x 2GB Corsair XMS2 PC-6400
Asus 4830 512MB VC
Antec 300
Thermaltake TR2 RX 550W PS

The total build cost me about $230 which I am very happy with. It plays CS:Source perfectly! w00t!
 
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