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Want to build budget desktop

8

888qqq

Member
I need to upgrade from XP to W8.1. My XP Home is 32bit. In order to use 8GB of RAM to run W8.1 optimally I'll need to switch to 64bit. So I need a new processor. Since I need a new processor and my psu and hd are around 6 years old I want to build a new budget computer.

I only use my computer to surf the internet, watch Youtube videos, and check my emails.

There are three AMD kits listed at Tiger Direct from $170-$240. I did not see any barebones kits on Newegg, only barebones preassembled pc's.

One criticism I've read about barebones kits is that sellers oftentimes package components that are not ideally compatible to get rid of excess inventory, increase profit margins, or whatever. Is this a fair criticism or do barebones kits usually consist of compatible hardware and generally are a good deal? Would I be better off buying parts individually?
Thanks for any replies.

My current computer's specs:

Motherboard: ASUS P5G41T-M LX PLUS, Intel G41 Socket 775
O/S: XP Home, 32 Bit, SP3, version 2002
RAM: 4GB Crucial Ballistix DDR3, 1333 MT/S
CPU: Intel Celeron Dual Core E1200, 1.6 GHz, 512K, 800 MHz, OEM, Advanced
Intel G41 Express Chipset
Performance Series, Allendale, socket 775
PSU: Power Up 450 Watt ATX
HD: WD Caviar SE, 320G, IDE
Monitor: Samsung 2032NW, SyncMaster, 5ms, 3000:1, Dynamic Contrast, 20”
DVD burner: Memorex multi format, double layer
CPU fan:Ultra X Wind, aluminum socket
Case: from an old Compaq Presario
 
I typically wouldn't bother with "barebones kits" unless the parts themselves are good enough to warrant inclusion. They're not really adding any value other than the built-in discount, you aren't going to get a pre-assembled mobo/CPU/RAM or anything like that from Newegg or TigerDirect.

We can definitely help you with a new build, the first step of that is for you to update this thread with the answers to the questions posed here.
 
Individually.

mfenn said:
I typically wouldn't bother with "barebones kits" unless the parts themselves are good enough to warrant inclusion. They're not really adding any value other than the built-in discount, you aren't going to get a pre-assembled mobo/CPU/RAM or anything like that from Newegg or TigerDirect.

We can definitely help you with a new build, the first step of that is for you to update this thread with the answers to the questions posed here.
Click to expand...

+1
 
Agree with the above posts. One additional item of note, since you have an IDE drive currently you might want to budget for a SATA drive as well. If you end up getting a new motherboard the majority of boards sold nowadays do not support IDE. There are SATA to IDE adapters but they do occasionally have issues.
 
DaveSimmons said:
4 GB is fine for Windows 8.x, it needs less than Windows 7 not more.
You could just spend $30-40 on a used Core 2 duo or quad 3.x GHz CPU for your current motherboard.
Click to expand...
This. Also, possibly add a cheap video card. I don't know if Windows 8.1 supports the IGP in the G41 chipset.
Or a modern G3258 Pentium mobo - CPU combo for around $100: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2397300
Click to expand...
I think that deal is over, but it's an excellent choice for a powerful, entry-level system. Watch for it to come around again next month, or later this month.
 
monkeydelmagico said:
Is your heart set on building? It's fun and all but a pre-built pentium desktop is about $350.-.
Click to expand...

I would tend to agree... In my mind 'budget PC' means prebuilt. I've built 2 'budget PC's in the past 6 months, both accomplished by combing the sales for components over a 2 month period; both build's basic components were ~$400 or greater... and, to be honest, I could have gone right down to MicroCenter and bought a Dell for what it cost me.
 
Ok, I'll forget the build. I'll just replace the cpu and get a video card. Someone from another post of mine said the Core 2 duo E8600 is probably the best cpu for my system, so I'll get that. Are my heatsink, cpu fan, and power supply compatible with a Core 2 duo E8600?

Which video card should I get? Decent video cards for my uses are available for $20-$30. I just need to know which ones are compatible with my system.

My motherboard has SATA ports so I can install a SSD to speed up my computer further when my current hd dies.
 
Personally, i wouldn't spend much if anything on your existing system. That may just be me, but with an IDE hard drive, a lesser PSU, and much older architecture, it just doesn't seem worth it to me.

Here is a reasonable budget build with the OS included:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/gqz88d
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/gqz88d/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus H81M-D PLUS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: PNY Optima 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($68.88 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($59.99 @ TigerDirect)
Case: Antec VSK-3000 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($34.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Micro Center)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($13.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (32/64-bit) ($94.99 @ B&H)
Total: $417.80
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-03 17:01 EDT-0400

I did add an SSD and some others, but not much.

Alternatively, there is something like this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16883266538

It uses a budget/low power CPU. But you get Windows included, so you're essentially paying for $140 of hardware. Should be an upgrade over your existing hardware I would figure, and likely to last much longer to boot.
 
Wow, the Lenovo looks like the best option for my limited requirements. It's $210 with free shipping at Best Buy. At $130 is the hardware reliable? Is the hardware easily upgradable?
 
I just bought a Lenovo M73 for $351 (including tax & free shipping)
i5-4570, 8GB, 8.1, etc.
I'll replace the spinning platter with a Crucial MX100.

Lenovo Outlet Rules

Check often...
I missed out on a sweet i7-4970 rig last week. I checked the site too late to order before having to leave for work.
 
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