Thinking about a new rig

[imported_LoKe]

I've got a job now so I think I'll be able to put out $750 CAD before shipping/taxes/insurance for a decent system. I don't play any games, but that doesn't mean I want to cut it thin, either.

I've got some stuff in my cart over at NCIX that looks pretty good. What I was thinking was...

Processor: AMD X2 3800+ (2.0GHZ) processor, SAM2. Found an open box/refurb for about, $165.
Motherboard: Absolutely no idea. No specific requirements except socket AM2. Hopefully 4xDIMM, but 2-3 would be fine.
RAM: 2x512MB sticks, dual channel. Cheapest I can get; I don't do any video/photo editing, gaming, etc.
Hard Drive: 1x200-250GB.
Case: Doesn't need to be fancy with a bunch of LED's and whatever. Just has to not look like garbage, preferably black.
PSU: Decent brand, 350W+.
Monitor: 17' LCD for less than $200. I found one for $189 on NCIX.

Here's what's in my cart:
AMD X2 3800+ AM2, Refurb/OB ($165.70)
ASUS M2NPV-VM mATX AM2, Refurn/OB ($92.86)
OCZ GX XTC PC2-5400 1GB 2X512MB DDR2 CL4-4-4-12 240PIN DIMM Dual Channel Memory Kit W/ Heatspreader ($113.87)
Acer 17IN LCD Black 1280X1024 700:1 8MS VGA Monitor ($189)
Foxconn ATX Case Black, 300W PSU ($51)
Maxtor DiamondMax 250GB SATA2 7200RPM 16MB 9MS NCQ Quiet RoHS Hard Drive ($104.65)
Total: ~$717

I'm not hell-bent on any of these items except the processor. Everything else can change around, go for the cheapest of the cheap!

Any help?

 

[Howard]

So what DO you do?

 

[cmdrdredd]

hrm...hard to say cause you're in canada so I don't know what's available to you since some retailers only ship to US.

 

[happy medium]

Hear's a motherboard,3800x2 cpu (with heatsink),ram (1 gig),onboard 6100 graphics,200 gig western digital 7200 rpm hard drive combo deal with 24 hour burn in (they test the set up) for $388.99$. http://order.store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/wg...%3D%26s%3DQP1w7Cox_EGhHoS.xXGfuNIRxxs-

just add this case,power supply ( which is much better then yours ) -- http://order.store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/wg...%3D%26s%3DQP1w7Cox_EGhHoS.xXGfuNIRxxs-

and this monitor- (much cheaper but the same)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824224007

about $600.00

 

[DaveSimmons]

I just built a socket 939 X2 3800+ system with the Biostar TForce 6100-939 and getting it up and running was a snap. Mature tech with no RAM quirks, passive cooled chipset, onboard video plus PCI-E, hundreds of positive reviews at newegg.com.

I used an Antec NSK4400 which is a good, very quiet cheap case though the case isn't as nice as an Antec SLK3000.

 

[imported_LoKe]

Those are all american. =[

But thanks for trying.

 

[DaveSimmons]

I'd stay away from a refurb CPU since it could have been overclocked, overvolted, run without a properly installed HSF, or all of the above.

Antec NSK4400 = $88, but has near-silent 120mm exhaust fan, very quiet 380watt PSU - NCIX $88 CAD

 

[imported_LoKe]

I suppose you're right. Of all the things, the CPU should be new. Good tip.