Trying to Build a Budget PC

[GroundedSailor]

Originally posted by: TheJoelster
Thanks for all of the help guys.. So I am wondering which would be the smarter choice right now go for the Semprom 3100+ or the AMD 64 2800+.... Also what do you think of getting a cheaper case and upgrading the PSU, like the Aspire Turbo Case??? Let me know! Thanks in advance!!

As a general rule go with the better CPU, in this case the AMD 64. The Sempron is their value line of CPU's like the Celerons arer to Intel.

You can upgrade the AMD 64 processor later on to a faster one once prices come down.

 

[TheJoelster]

So basically I should go with the AMD 64 2800+ and of course a compatible motherboard. With that being said I would need to go down on the video card as I am spending more money on the CPU/Mobo... So what do you guys think an ATI 9600/9700 Pro? Or is there an NVIDIA card out there that would be more reasonable?? Let me know!

 

[TheJoelster]

I was wondering if it would be smarter to go for a cheaper CPU and up the video card? What do you guys think??

 

[Remedy]

Originally posted by: GroundedSailor

Originally posted by: TheJoelster
Thanks for all of the help guys.. So I am wondering which would be the smarter choice right now go for the Semprom 3100+ or the AMD 64 2800+.... Also what do you think of getting a cheaper case and upgrading the PSU, like the Aspire Turbo Case??? Let me know! Thanks in advance!!

As a general rule go with the better CPU, in this case the AMD 64. The Sempron is their value line of CPU's like the Celerons arer to Intel.

You can upgrade the AMD 64 processor later on to a faster one once prices come down.

Oh really?

 

[TheJoelster]

Well now I am really confused!!! Haha!! Nothing new there, I guess its called being a first time builder.. If I look at that article correctly the Sempron 3100+ and AMD 64 2800+ are performing at identical speeds... What does everyone tink of this.. Should I stick with the 64 or go with the Sempron?

 

[Remedy]

I bought the Sempron 3100+ because @ the time of purchase, it was cheaper. $99 as opposed to $143 for the 2800+ A64 some months ago. They(3100+) were also going for $75 on ebay as well.(Socket 754 Semp, not SKT A). Get whichever one is cheaper and fits your budget.

 

[GroundedSailor]

Originally posted by: ReMeDy{WcS}

Originally posted by: GroundedSailor

Originally posted by: TheJoelster
Thanks for all of the help guys.. So I am wondering which would be the smarter choice right now go for the Semprom 3100+ or the AMD 64 2800+.... Also what do you think of getting a cheaper case and upgrading the PSU, like the Aspire Turbo Case??? Let me know! Thanks in advance!!

As a general rule go with the better CPU, in this case the AMD 64. The Sempron is their value line of CPU's like the Celerons arer to Intel.

You can upgrade the AMD 64 processor later on to a faster one once prices come down.

Oh really?

You have to compare apples to apples. Comparing an overclocked Sempron to a standard Athlon is not valid. If you want to compare then overclock the Athlon as well.

Not everyone wants to overclock and deal with stability issues. TheJoelster is a first time builder and by the questions being posed I doubt TheJoelsterwill overclock.

TheJoelster I think spending more money on the Video card vs the cpu/mobo will give you a better bang for your buck but I'm not sure. It all depends upon what components you use. I'll let someone else answer that.

 

[TheJoelster]

Ya if someone could let me know about upgrading the video card and going for a cheaper cpu let me know I would really appreciate it! Also I stumbled upon this POWMAX Terminator Case and was wondering if this would be a good purchase and if so which fans and psu I should get?? Thanks so much for all your guys help it has been appreciated.. And oh by the way I don't plan on overclocking, not that experience. yet.

 

[TheJoelster]

Sorry for the double post but I also heard quite abt about the Antec SuperLanBoy.. Anyone have any good or bad feedback on that case?

 

[TheJoelster]

Alright here is my updated computer setup that I am thinking about going with... Any comments or advice would be appreciated!!

AMD 64 2800+: $128
CHAINTECH nForce3 250 Chipset Motherboard: $76
Mushkin 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200: $66.55
Seagate 80GB 7200RPM SATA Hard Drive: $69.56
Video Card: Undecided (Need Help)
Case: Undecided (Need Help)

Total (So Far): $382

I want to spend anywhere from $500-600 dollars maximum on this PC. I still need a case and video card with the remaining $200.. I already have XP, and I have a monitor, speakers, keyboard and mouse...Any suggestions on the products I have up there and the ones I still need to figure out? Thanks so much!

 

[Arcanedeath]

I'd highly suggest the Antec 3700AMB case w/ the SL350 powersupply, it's price performance can't really be beat and it has some of the best cooling possible for a mid tower case. For the Video card I'd seriously suggest a used 9800Pro.

 

[newParadigm]

Maybe consider the Aspire X-Dreamer II its around $50 comes with a decent PSU (not great or name brand, but i've been using it problem free for a a while).


~new

 

[GroundedSailor]

Here's a cheap POWMAX window computer.

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=11-145-047&depa=1

You can live the PSU that comes with it - but be prepared to replace it if you have problems. Check the hot deals forum for whats going cheap among the good ones. Antec is always a good power supply.

The super lanboy is very nice but about $97 shipped. And then add the cost of a PSU.

You will also need a CD rom and maybe floppy. Check duminggoods they have a cdrom floppy deal for around $10.

Look in the hot deals or For sale forums for a video card. ATI or Nvidia - they're both good. First decide yuor budget for it and then see which models you can afford. Any decent card will be fine.