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Yet Another: Review this system that I am building for a friend thread!

B

BatmanNate

Lifer
That's right, my buddy is coming to visit in July and would like a computer built. I told him that I could build him a nice Athlon system for under 500 bones from the local stores (online is not an option in this case because of the time window unless it is a package deal) The places that I selected the hardware from are the best priced two in the area,

http://www.infotechnow.com
http://www.computersonics.com

Anyhow, here is the basic configuration:

CPU: AMD Athlon 2200+ OEM $73.90 (or 2400+ for $93.90)
MOBO: ASUS A7V8-X (333,Sound,LAN) $69.90
RAM: 512mb PC2700 DDR $51.95
Case: Linkworld mini ATX (4 5.25, 2 3.5, front USB, side fan, 350 watt PSU) $22.95
HS/F: Thermaltake Slim Volcano $15.90 (there are a lot of $15 dollar fans rated for this CPU, any of those really)
HD: IBM 7200 RPM 80GB $83.90 (or the WD for a buck or two more)
CDRW: Liteon 52x24x52 $49.90
DVD: Artec 16x $35.95
Modem: POS 56k PCI $7.90
Video: ATI Radeon 9000 OEM 128mb $79.90 (or 64mb for $62.90)

Both of these systems fall in at a little under $500 before tax without dealing with shipping, rebates, or any of that business. My question is are there any better parts that I should substitute for the money? Have to keep it on a budget and from the local places. Any compatibility issues here? Feedback welcome, thanks in advance. 🙂
 
Is that powersupply any good? You don't want a cheap powersupply blowing out your mainboard and taking out your other equipment.
 
Originally posted by: newbiepcuser
Is that powersupply any good? You don't want a cheap powersupply blowing out your mainboard and taking out your other equipment.
Click to expand...

Good question. I will look into that.
 
Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
is that the IBM DeathStar?
Click to expand...

I imagine that it is a 120GXP, not a 75GXP as those had 15GB platters. I could spring for the western digital, but the new IBM's don't seem to have the problems of their predecessors.
 
Aren't Maxtors 8mb ones about the same price from staples/office depot, etc after rebates? Its only a few dollars more. I believe IBM hard drives are under Hitachi now too.

I would not skimp on powersupply. I know prominent member on boards who went that route and it blew his equipment out.

How does that video card compared to cheapie Geforce4 MX or those new FX cheapie ones?
 
Originally posted by: newbiepcuser
Aren't Maxtors 8mb ones about the same price from staples/office depot, etc after rebates? Its only a few dollars more. I believe IBM hard drives are under Hitachi now too.

I would not skimp on powersupply. I know prominent member on boards who went that route and it blew his equipment out.

How does that video card compared to cheapie Geforce4 MX or those new FX cheapie ones?
Click to expand...


I don't want to deal with MIR's as they are generally a hassle and we are on a time table. The Maxtor drive from the place I'm buying at is a few bucks more, but I've owned many Maxtors and in my experience they are definately no more reliable than the WD's and the non 75GXP IBM's.

I agree with you on the PSU, that is crucial. I have an extra Sparkle 300 watt laying around that I could swap out for it, that would probably do the trick.

The video card is faster than all the GeForce4 MX's, and I haven't compared it to the new FX's. Is there a good videocard shootout for cheapie cards? I would be very itnerested in seeing that. 🙂
 
You list a mini-itx case, but are getting a full sized ATX mobo 😕 IMO, the parts you picked out are NOT money well spent. I'd build him a nForce2 barebones using a XP2500 and 256MB of RAM, and let him pick up the hard drive, CDRW, etc cheap/free after rebate. $20 saved on a HD buys you the faster CPU, $30 saved on the CDRW buys you quality RAM, etc, etc.

I just put together the following for a relative....around $450 after a couple rebates. And waiting 2 months for rebates is worth a much improved system.

XP2500
8RDA+
512MB HyperX
Antec 2600
40gig Maxtor
52x CDRW
Geforce2 ti
modem, keyboard, mouse, etc.

For $500 I could have given her a ti4200 instead of the GF2...but at 65 she's not exactly a gamer 😀
 
Originally posted by: chocoruacal
You list a mini-itx case, but are getting a full sized ATX mobo 😕 IMO, the parts you picked out are NOT money well spent. I'd build him a nForce2 barebones using a XP2500 and 256MB of RAM, and let him pick up the hard drive, CDRW, etc cheap/free after rebate. $20 saved on a HD buys you the faster CPU, $30 saved on the CDRW buys you quality RAM, etc, etc.

I just put together the following for a relative....around $450 after a couple rebates. And waiting 2 months for rebates is worth a much improved system.

XP2500
8RDA+
512MB HyperX
Antec 2600
40gig Maxtor
52x CDRW
Geforce2 ti
modem, keyboard, mouse, etc.

For $500 I could have given her a ti4200 instead of the GF2...but at 65 she's not exactly a gamer 😀
Click to expand...



If you'd read my post, you'd notice that we are not going to mess with rebates and shipping, so that is out of the question. Going below 512 ram in XP Pro with games is not an option either. The 2400+ is actually faster than the Barton in most instances, and as he's not overclocking (or else obviously I'd get an nForce2 and 1700+) so the regular old motherboard and 22-2400+ should be more than sufficient. Good point on the case though, I'll double check that.
 
I would get a 64mb ASUS GeForce3 for video, better case/psu, and a different heatsink as Volcanos are loud. As a friend, I would not be happy with the loudness of a cheap psu and heatsink...two minor components. I also agree with newbiepcuser in considering a Seagate HD...

Other than those points, I believe you have a great system.
 
The video card is faster than all the GeForce4 MX's, and I haven't compared it to the new FX's. Is there a good videocard shootout for cheapie cards? I would be very itnerested in seeing that. 🙂
Click to expand...

cop the new pcgamer(CityofHeros) they review budget cards including FX series
 
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