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System rebuild for $350... Looking for suggestions...

D

deadken

Diamond Member
Hi guys,

I have been busy with other projects and haven't been around Anandtech much lately. X-mas is coming and I have figured about $400 for each of my kids to get what they want. My son has been playing a lot of Left 4 Dead and wants to upgrade his PC. He doesn't have the latest hardware, but it runs L4D pretty well. He started out just wanting a new Video card, but perhaps he has been listening to the guys he is playing with, he now wants a Intel dual core CPU.

Ok, here is what he has now:

Socket 754 Athlon 3000+ CPU (O/C'd slightly)
2Gigs PC 3200 Corsair ram
MSI PCI-e Motherboard
PNY 8600GT PCIe 256MB Video card
80 GB PATA HD w/legit Win XP Pro
16x DVD Burner (I can't remember if it's SATA or PATA)
Antec Case w/ 480Watt PS (not a 20+4)
19" Hanns G LCD (Woot special)

As I have said, it runs L4D, BF2, COD4, etc.. pretty well. But, it certainly could use some upgrading.

Video Card:
I remember hearing that a NVidia 9600GT would be comparable to a 8800GT/GTS, but that was a long time ago. From what I read on Neweggs reviews the 9600's are having problems. Maybe it was just the ones that I looked at, maybe not. What is the best bang-for-your-buck card at the moment?

Motherboard/CPU/HSF:
I don't own a multi core CPU at the moment. I don't even own an Intel at the moment. I do know that the winds had shifted a few years ago. I don't know which way is the best to go right now.

Memory:
Boy have things changed... It seems that memory prices are pretty low now. But, I don't even know if 4 Gigs (I know, WinXP only supports around 3GB) or Corsair (2x2GBs) for $30 AMIR is a good deal anymore?

Power Supply:
It seems that a 500 or 600 watt unit is relatively cheap now. I still have all Antecs in my PCs, but I remember them having quality problems a little while back. Since my sons PC does not ever get shut down, do these 80+ efficiency PSU's make a big difference?


I am open to all suggestions. I do have $400 I could spend on his PC, but I would like to have at least $50 to get him something else as well. So, I am hoping that $350 will do. I had taken a quick look on Newegg before posting here and here is why I think I can get away for $350.

E2200 Intel Dual Core + eVGA Mobo: $105
Perhaps a better rated motherboard can be found for a similar price. I would definitely like to have at least one PATA though.

Arctic Freezer 7
With almost 3000 reviews and %75 5stars, why not? It's ~$20

4GB Corsair ram
Corsair still a top rated name in memory? How are those timings (or don't timings count so much anymore)?

9800GT Dual Slot Cooler

Antec %85 430W

All totaled it would cost $369.80 shipped. If I used the stock HSF, I would save $19 and that would bring me back to my budget of $350. I only did a quick look and I don't have any clue as to what better parts are avaible for a similar price at the moment (that is why I started this thread). Perhaps a newer Video card? What about a full ATX Mobo that gives me an PATA plug and enough room to work (and enough room for a dual slot Video Card)?

Thanks for any help that you guys can give.

-Ken
 
The 480w PSU, it's a truepower trio, isn't it? It could be sufficient for the new rig, or it could not be ... Can't gaurantee either way ...

I got a e5200 for $83, a p45 mobo for $85, a 9800gt for $95 AR, 2x2gb for $35. Leaving $52 for the PSU if it's needed. That buys you this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817702011 or maybe this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817139008

That should outperform the e2200, gives a better mobo and a nice PSU. No heatsink though, but I wouldn't worry about that. Stock HSF is decent enough.

Good luck
 
Nahh, that Antec is at least 5 years old and IIRC is a True Power II. I think that the Antec 380W that is in my system was better suited for the 8800GTS that I am running in my PC, so I handed down the 480W to him.

The components (Ram + GPU) that I listed have $45 in rebates. I was hoping that with any luck he can get some money back and buy a game or something in a few months. Perhaps, I will spend a bit more and hope that I will get repaid once the rebates come in.

Is the e5200 and a P45 Mobo worth a %50 premium over a E2200 and the combo Mobo that I listed? Please give specifics on the Mobo that you are talking about (Brand, model, link, etc...).

-Ken
 
p45 mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813131347

it has better upgrade value compared to the evga combo, more expansion slots as well, better oc-ing ( the e5200 will run 3.0ghz on stock cooling no problem)

if you don't mind rebates, sure, go with this ram instead: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820145184

If you go with my components, you should end up with $325 AR. Not bad for a mid-end gaming solution that will run any game at 1280*1024 or 1440*990 which the 19" screen probably is.
 
Originally posted by: DSF
I would go with the E5200 and the P45 motherboard without a doubt.
Click to expand...

Yes, those + a new video card would make an excellent budget upgrade, or, really, almost a budget build.
 
Cool, thanks for the suggestions guys.

So, is the 9800GT the budget video card to have right now? Is there anything better to be had for around the same price? What would be a comparable ATI card?

-Ken
 
9800gt could be called budget for $95. There's also the 8800gs which is a little more budget, but still decent for gaming. The HD4830 would be the equivalent of the 9800gt. There's also the HD4670 or 9600gt, both decent gaming cards. The HD4670 doesn't require a 6pin pci-e connector though.
 
I would gladly take AMD into consideration. I would set up 2 shopping carts and show my son the two suggested builds. Ultimately it would be my sons decision on which he would like to have for XMas.

Zerogear, could you suggest a AMD CPU and Mobo that I should look at? I need to order soon in order to have this done by XMas.
 
Well, I don't have anything against Intel, but generally going P45 board + E5200 is a huge chunk out of the budget 200~. While E2200 seems a bit anemic (unless you overclock, which you usually need a bump in voltage to about 1.4ish to get), and nVidia motherboard just screams instability (though I am biased since I owned old nForce 4 board, and it was just horrible.

Anyway, here is what I think:

- AMD Athlon 64 X2 5400+ Brisbane 2.8GHz Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core black edition Processor Model ADO5400DSWOF - Retail - $66

The Black Edition CPU is assuming that if you want to overclock, if not you can get a more energy efficient model, (slight drop in speed, about 200MHz)

- AMD Athlon 64 X2 5050e Brisbane 2.6GHz Socket AM2 45W Dual-Core Processor Model ADH5050DOBOX - Retail - $63

Motherboard:
- ASUS M3A78 AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail - $80

OR if you don't mind having microATX board.

- Foxconn A7GM-S AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail - $67
----
In the future if you want to go Quad, Phenom is only about 100-120$ depending on if there is a sale or not. There is also a possibility of being able to use Phenom II processors in the future (if your motherboard maker does the BIOS upgrade.. which I really don't know who is and who isn't, but it might be worth a research.)

For video cards around 100-125$ price point, the 8800GT (same as 9800GT) or Radeon HD 4830 performs all about the same depending on game/settings. But generally, out of these two, just pick the one with lower price point since performance is almost identical.


EDIT: I think all DFI AM2+ boards support future Phenom II, Asus/Foxconn haven't offered list yet.

I currently use a Gigabyte one:
GIGABYTE GA-MA78G-DS3H AM2+/AM2 AMD 780G HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail - 87$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...E16813128335&Tpk=MA78G

And it seems to support Phenom II in the future.


Phenom II Motherboard Support List:
http://forums.techarena.in/mot...cessor-ram/1079353.htm
http://www.techpowerup.com/index.php?78033
 
Well, I thank you for such a well stated case. I also don't have anything against Intel. I have used both AMD and Intel in the past. I am not a 'Fanboy'.
In this case, I am just looking for 'bang-for-the-buck'. Since I usually am limited by budget, I most always look for cost effective products. The more I save
on each component, the more we have to spend elsewhere on his system. As you may have noticed, there is room for improvement elsewhere on his system.

Thanks again for the suggestions. I have a bit of reading / research to do, then I have to get ordering. If anyone else cares to make suggestion, please do.
I am only looking for the best I can get for what money I have to spend.

-Ken
 
I don't have anything particularly specific to tell you, but I'd definitely recommend getting a Core 2 Duo CPU over Pentium Dual Core if at all possible. The Pentium is just a stripped down C2D, similar to the Celeron line.

Actually...I guess for an idea, and for around $355, you could do something like this:

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16813186138 (Pretty basic, but it gets the job done. Not much room for future upgrades, though)

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16819115132 (Should be worth the cash of the Pentium for sure)

Power Supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16817371016

Video Card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814161260 (Pretty similar in performance to 9800GT)

RAM (2 of these): http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820141300 (No need for anything fancy)

That total was around $375, but the video card had a $20 MIR, bringing it to just around your price range (plus shipping). I'm not 100% sure that's the best thing for you (or if it'd all work well together), because I only spent a few minutes throwing that together. I'm just showing you what you could potentially do for your money.

If at all possible, I'd also recommend getting Vista for the new machine (maybe even 64-bit?). I consider it to be much better than XP.

Side note: You could also consider the AMD Phenom CPUs. They're not as good as Core 2 Duos, but they're generally cheaper (and still pretty good). I know this has been mentioned already.
 
+1 for the HD4830: $115 ($105 AR)

You really can't go wrong with Intel or AMD either way. Intel will 'fly higher' and AMD has some great overall platforms.

I think it's always important to 'target' the best quality mobo for your budget and current and future needs, so ....

Combo Deal: $225 - e7300 & Asus P5Q
(you could save $20 or so here with e5200 & P5Q)

Look at this AMD Combo Deal: $109 ($79 AR) X2 5600+ & Corsair 2 x 2Gb DDR2 800, paired with an $80 Gigabyte 770
(if I have saved you too much money here jump on an AMD 790gx with sb750)

Before you spend that $$$ always check the combo deals - and make sure you are on the Egg 'Hot Sheet' email list for promo code discounts.


 
Originally posted by: zerogear
Except LGA775 = dead. Where was Phenom II still can exist on AM2+
Click to expand...


Dead sound like a terrible word, but it is just a word, i.e. combination of few letters.

Technology wise there are few CPUs that can go into LGA-775 Mobo and be upgrade when their price go down.

How long you think it would take before the current AM/AM2 would be "Dead".

P.S. I do not care about Intel or AMD, I use both and I buy what ever gives the best result for its price and fit to my specific technological needs.
 
Originally posted by: JackMDS
Originally posted by: zerogear
Except LGA775 = dead. Where was Phenom II still can exist on AM2+
Click to expand...


Dead sound like a terrible word, but it is just a word, i.e. combination of few letters.

Technology wise there are few CPUs that can go into LGA-775 Mobo and be upgrade when their price go down.

How long you think it would take before the current AM/AM2 would be "Dead".

P.S. I do not care about Intel or AMD, I use both and I buy what ever gives the best result for its price and fit to my specific technological needs.
Click to expand...

Same, I use both Intel/AMD depending on what I need, but yeah, genereally 775 is reaching end of life, AM2+ hasn't just yet, but I don't doubt that it will soon.
 
Originally posted by: heyheybooboo
+1 for the HD4830: $115 ($105 AR)

You really can't go wrong with Intel or AMD either way. Intel will 'fly higher' and AMD has some great overall platforms.

I think it's always important to 'target' the best quality mobo for your budget and current and future needs, so ....

Combo Deal: $225 - e7300 & Asus P5Q
(you could save $20 or so here with e5200 & P5Q)

Look at this AMD Combo Deal: $109 ($79 AR) X2 5600+ & Corsair 2 x 2Gb DDR2 800, paired with an $80 Gigabyte 770
(if I have saved you too much money here jump on an AMD 790gx with sb750)

Before you spend that $$$ always check the combo deals - and make sure you are on the Egg 'Hot Sheet' email list for promo code discounts.
Click to expand...

That would be nice paired with an ATI 4870 $199 ($179AR)

you are looking at $388 with $40 rebate coming back,... the boost would be noticeable,.. but if you go with some of the other mentioned video cards you won't get much more than what your son currently has (9600 is similar to an 8600 with the exception of more ram here,... the 9800, 8800gs would be enough of a step up to be considered,... otherwise get a decent running dual core system at budget prices, and spend a bit more on the graphics card) - let him have the $40 rebate for a "late" extra in which he can then get 2gb more ram,... sell off the old MB, CPU, RAM and graphics for $50 or so,... to get the decent psu (like an Antec earthwatts 430 or 500 go down to $50 or so at times,... but you can actually run the current 20 pin on the 24 pin motherboard,... since it is older and if you want some overclocking, I would look at a newer 430-550 watt inexpensive solid model)


Just my 2 cents to help give some thoughts
 
Hi guys,

It seems that he is getting a e7300 CPU w/ Asus PQ5 Mobo and 2x2GB Corsair ram along with a 4830 Video card.

We will be re-using his Antec Case, 80GB HD, and DVD Burner. I am very limited in what is left in the budget for a PS and I need to order tonight. The current PSU is an old Antec 480W True power II.

Perhaps a BFG Tech GS-550 or a Antec earthwatts EA380? The BFG is about $50 AMIR and the Antec $48 w/free shipping.

IIRC, the BFG has 2x18A 12V rails while the Antec has 2x17A 12V rails.

I feel funny about using the old PSU. Could I get away with my old TruePowerII, it is supposed to have 17A on each 12V rail. It only has a 20Pin connector, would I need a 20 to 24 pin adapter (I think I have one already around here)? Is it a bad idea to use a 4 year or older PSU on this build?

What do you guys think? I have the parts in my cart and will order tonight.

-Thanks, Ken

BTW: Since there is a combo deal on the P5Q and e7300, it doesn't seem worth dropping down to the P5Q and e5200, it would only save me $21. Don't get me wrong, I am sure going from a S754 Athlon 3000+ to a e5200 would be a huge improvement. I just don't know if I should save that $21 and put it towards the PSU.
 
Even from the viewpoint that 775 is "dead", think of all the headroom there still is above the e5200/7200...
 
Originally posted by: yh125d
Even from the viewpoint that 775 is "dead", think of all the headroom there still is above the e5200/7200...
Click to expand...

775 still offers the best bang for the buck and it's a hell of a lot cheaper than i7.
 
You've probably already ordered but just in case, there's an OCZ 500W PSU at newegg for $25AR.

For what it's worth, you can also get a Foxconn G43 motherboard for $63AR, pair it up with an e5200 and the RAM/GPU you picked out and he's gtg.
 
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