Trying to build a good rig for $300 (already have vid and sound card)

[joshw10]

I'm trying to build a new rig ...thats better than what I have now (Athlon XP 1800, 512MB, WD 80GB SE, 52x cdrw, 16x dvd, Lian Li mini tower). I'll be keeping the existing video and sound cards (ATI 9800 Pro, M-Audio Audiophile 2496). I need a new case because I'll be keeping the old rig together, plus the Lian Li has horrible air flow.

So far, buying used or refurb. parts where I can (including on this forum), I've priced a p4 2.4b, 865 motherboard, raidmax mid-tower w/ 350w psu, lite-on cdrw/dvd combo, wd 120gb se, and 512x2 pc3200 ddr...I'm at $400 including shipping charges. Anyone think I can do better for $400 or can I get this down to $300 =D

 

[Gothgar]

Originally posted by: joshw10
I'm trying to build a new rig ...thats better than what I have now (Athlon XP 1800, 512MB, WD 80GB SE, 52x cdrw, 16x dvd, Lian Li mini tower). I'll be keeping the existing video and sound cards (ATI 9800 Pro, M-Audio Audiophile 2496). I need a new case because I'll be keeping the old rig together, plus the Lian Li has horrible air flow.

So far, buying used or refurb. parts where I can (including on this forum), I've priced a p4 2.4b, 865 motherboard, raidmax mid-tower w/ 350w psu, lite-on cdrw/dvd combo, wd 120gb se, and 512x2 pc3200 ddr...I'm at $400 including shipping charges. Anyone think I can do better for $400 or can I get this down to $300 =D

for 300 all you should upgrade is your mobo and proc, you won't notice a huge difference with that config.

If you kept everything you have now, you could get an AMD 3000+ and a MSI Neo2 Plat, you would be much happier with the performance increase, you'll just have to get more or better RAM later on...

 

[joshw10]

I really, really need a new case though. This Lian Li mini tower was poorly designed, the PSU hangs vertical right in front of the CPU, so you have to have a small HSF or it cant get any air, and the PSU intake fan is right up against the side panel of the case. Anything that generates more heat than what I have now is going to be a problem.