EggXpert

Things look pretty good, but if you plan on doing a decent amount of gaming with that system, I'd have to suggest changing a few things.  I would jump for an ATI/AMD HD 3850 atleast for a video card.  I would get rid of the sound card as the onboard will do just fine for those speakers.  This will leave you with something like $30 needed for the HD3850.  Since you are going with AMD for a processor, I'd say forget the after market HSF and just stay with a stock one with a CPU like the 5200+ because yes, maybe you could get another 200-300MHz out of it, but I'd say that the money is better spent towards a more powerful video card.  If you wanted more overclocking power, I'd say go with Intel and get an Allendale core CPU (E4500) as this will be very similar to the 5200+ at stock, and could far outperform if overclocked.

I check this thread every once in a while because I've been wanting to buy a gaming rig for a reasonable price.

 

Keep up the good work! 

thanks for the input. as for the vid-card I cant seem to find on when I search for it. could you send me a link to it @ newegg? as for the hsf...i was curious about the arctic silver heat transfer stuff (glue in a tube)? I see EVERYONE talking about and using Arctic Silver... I know...noob stuff I aint got a clue what its called or does the hsf that comes with the chip have it already, and if so is it good enough to use? OC'ing the chip? ya right dude....if I knew how to do that...LMAO! If y'all aint figured it out, Im going to rely on this eggxpert thing heavily as I have NEVER put a 'puter together b4. The only thing I have done previously is install RAM and a sound card cuz my onboard sound on my ASUS went on the fritz, and that took me a day to get it to "talk" to the puter cuz of a problem with shutting off the onboard sound and then having to update driver to talk to XP. Also...OEM/Retail? whats the difference? Should I buy all retail or OEM? I haven't a c-l-u-e. Thanks again for the advice/words of wisdom/help.

Hi, and thanks a lot for putting these builds together as they have helped immensely in deciding on a system. I've only built a desktop once and have no clue as to what parts are best or what works together, so your guide was just what the doctor ordered. :)

That said, I've basically used your setup but mixed and matched a little. Was wondering if you could comment on this build:

LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write Black SATA Model LH-20A1S - Retail
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail - For me, the connections on the top are crucial.
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD7500AAKS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - I want a big hard drive, and this seemed the cheapest.
PC Power & Cooling Silencer 610 EPS12V EPS12V 610W Continuous @ 40°C Power Supply - Retail or  CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX ATX12V V2.2 550W Power Supply - Retail - Is the second one nosier, or does it do a good enough job?
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail - I'm guessing this works fine?
XFX PVT88PYDF4 GeForce 8800GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail - This card is out of stock. Is there any other place you would recommend buying the card from?
A-DATA 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail or pqi TURBO 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail - I want to go 4gb, because I do a lot of multitasking on my computer. Is there anything wrong with going with the cheap 2X2GB memory?

I also need a wireless network card. Any suggestions?

This puts me at about $1,150 + the wireless card, which is in my price range, considering I need to shell out for a monitor and keyboard.

I would very much appreciate any comments on this build, and thanks again for your great work making theses budget builds.

Gummi 

roadkillalamode:

thanks for the input. as for the vid-card I cant seem to find on when I search for it. could you send me a link to it @ newegg? as for the hsf...i was curious about the arctic silver heat transfer stuff (glue in a tube)? I see EVERYONE talking about and using Arctic Silver... I know...noob stuff I aint got a clue what its called or does the hsf that comes with the chip have it already, and if so is it good enough to use? OC'ing the chip? ya right dude....if I knew how to do that...LMAO! If y'all aint figured it out, Im going to rely on this eggxpert thing heavily as I have NEVER put a 'puter together b4. The only thing I have done previously is install RAM and a sound card cuz my onboard sound on my ASUS went on the fritz, and that took me a day to get it to "talk" to the puter cuz of a problem with shutting off the onboard sound and then having to update driver to talk to XP. Also...OEM/Retail? whats the difference? Should I buy all retail or OEM? I haven't a c-l-u-e. Thanks again for the advice/words of wisdom/help.

Here is a link to all of the ATI HD 3850 video cards at Newegg. 

The Arctic Silver thermal paste is an aftermarket product and is optional as most every HSF comes with its own thermal paste/pad.  This is the stuff that is spread onto the CPU and then the HSF is placed on top.  Arctic Silver 5 and Arctic Cooling MX-2 are probably among the top performing thermal products as they allow for higher heat transfer and generally lower temps maybe 5 deg C if done correctly.  These are usually bought if you are overclocking or are having problems with heat in your system.

For OEM/Retail, Retail is what you'd find sitting on say Best Buy's shelves normally.  OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer and companies such as Dell, HP, etc are called usually given this label as they make their own computers.  OEM items at Newegg are generally sold without the extras that would come with the Retail version.  For example, all of the CDs and cables that would come with a Retail Video Card, would not come with an OEM and it would probably come wrapped in bubble wrap.  As to which you should buy, generally I don't know why you would go with an OEM version of anything but a CPU or Hard Drive.  (OEM CPUs don't come with a HSF)

If you've got any other questions, give me a PM!  Hoped things are coming along nicely.
 

Hey, thanks for checking out my thread!  You've got a good idea there, for the PSU I'd go with the PC P&C as you have a pretty demanding system there.  For the memory, as long as you don't plan on overclocking those should be fine but I'd probably go with the A-DATA kit.  If you are interested in overclocking in the future, get two kits of 2x1gb sticks of DDR2 800MHz memory.

For wireless, I generally just stick with Linksys as I have never had a problem with them.  There are brands on Newegg that are much much cheaper, but I don't feel like dealing with c**p wireless parts.

Hope things go smoothly!  Make sure to stop on back if you've got any more questions. 

Hi JSV,

Built this system based on your budget $300 AMD system.  Made some changes like getting the Mbox because it included the PS and Case.  Also switch or upgraded so items because or reviews or deals.

 

Just wanted to say Thanks for the guidance in building the system.

 

Bugg 

Nice compendium.  You may want consider adding an attribute of "budget Non-gamer" vs. "buget gamer" as there is big difference in slection of components.  Specifically, there is still a large group of folks who don't do gamming. These folks (myself included) generally don't need a seperate GPU which usually adds significant dollars to the bottom line.  Even a modest GPU such as an 8600GT is still around $150. There are lots of us who use the system for routine stuff (web, email, music, videos etc) but not gamming.

 In that vain, you may want to consider the GIGABYTE GA-MA69G-S3H mobo for AM2 socket system http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128052

Sells for around $85 (which adds about $40 to your $350 budget system) but has several advantages in terms of future upgrade ability.  It is a fullsized ATX board (which I like becuse it has more room, more slots, etc), accomates 4 mem sticks (up 16 GB), has PCIe X16 along with sereval other PCI slots,  Most impotantly, the Integrated Graphics Processor (IGP) is an ATI Radeon Xpress 1250, which means ir should be able to handle Vista and DirectX10.  According to Anantech, the Nvidea 6100 series and VIA ICPs cannot.  

Also, according to the gigabyte web site, that board is also compatible with the Phenom Quad core with the latest bios update so you you have an upgrade path in a year or so when the Phenoms come down in price.

I was just wondering whether you were familiar with that board and if so what you though of it... I have been doing a lot searching for a new mobos for a budget build and that one seems to have everything want for low (but not absolute bottom) price.  I haven't ordered it yet but was thinking about doing it in the next few days.  (I already have the AMD X2 5000+ black edition - got it for $90, and 2GB of the Corsair XMS ddr800).

Anyway, nice job!! 

 

Hi

Its me again. I have not build my system yet. I have been thinking about my options. I am going with AMD because in the future I will go Quad-Core and so far they are cheaper in the CPU department. I went with a GIGABYTE MB you had a good point about them in response to another post I left. I pick the PSU from your listed parts on page one of this post, I think it will have the power and for the price its a good deal. I think I have picked good parts for my build, its been a long long time from my last build. I am done shopping and thinking about my options. So if any one can help and make sure I got it right. I would be thankful. Here is the list. 

  Qty.  Product Description  Unit Price  Savings  Total Price 
  
Update  COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel , SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail Model #: CAC-T05-UW Item #: N82E16811119068
In Stock    $49.99  -$5.00 Instant    $44.99 
  
Update  GIGABYTE GA-MA790FX-DS5 AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Model #: GA-MA790FX-DS5 Item #: N82E16813128074
In Stock    $209.99  -$10.00 Instant    $199.99 
  
Update  GIGABYTE GV-RX385512H Radeon HD 3850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
Model #: GV-RX385512H Item #: N82E16814125084
In Stock    $199.99     $199.99 
  
Update  PC Power & Cooling Silencer 750 Quad (Crossfire Edition) EPS12V 750W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: S75CF Item #: N82E16817341011
In Stock    $199.99  -$50.00 Instant    $149.99 
  
Update  AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Windsor 3.2GHz Socket AM2 125W Dual-Core Processor Model ADX6400CZWOF - Retail
Model #: ADX6400CZWOF Item #: N82E16819103191
In Stock    $159.99     $159.99 
  
Update  OCZ SLI-Ready Edition 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Micron D7 Chip Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2N1066SR2GK - Retail
Model #: OCZ2N1066SR2GK Item #: N82E16820227181
In Stock Mail-in Rebate    $105.99     $105.99 
  
Update  Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250410AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: ST3250410AS Item #: N82E16822148262
In Stock    $69.99     $69.99 
  
Update  SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S203B - OEM
Model #: SH-S203B Item #: N82E16827151153
In Stock    $29.99     $29.99 
  
Update  ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 64 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler - Retail
Model #: Freezer 64 Pro Item #: N82E16835185125
In Stock    $29.99  -$10.00 Instant    $19.99 
  
Update  ARCTIC COOLING MX-2 Thermal Compound - Retail
Model #: MX-2R Item #: N82E16835186020
In Stock    $6.99     $6.99 

Subtotal: $987.90

Thanks

Tommyboy1900

I have decided to go with your

~$1200 Budget (Intel)  (SLI or Crossfire* Ready)

setup with the following modifications:

WD Raptor 150GB 10000rpm Hard Drive

Cooler  Master Cosmos Case 

2 sets of A-DATA Extreme Edition 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Memory (same memory just wanted more than 2gb - 4gigs total)

xfx 8800 gt 600mhz clock (because they have awesome tech and customer support and are same brand as the mother board)
 

I am a little concerned about windows xp 32 bit recognizing more than 2gb.  It will recognize at least 3 gb right? (Out of the 4 installed).

 

After trying out the raptor I may get another raptor and put it into a raid 0 configuration.  Also I need to eventually run 3 monitors so I will be looking into a second video card.  What would be a good silencer option for the raptor hard drive?

 

Thanks 

hoenigmann:

I have decided to go with your

 

I am a little concerned about windows xp 32 bit recognizing more than 2gb.  It will recognize at least 3 gb right? (Out of the 4 installed).

A 32-bit OS will recognize up to 3.25gb of memory... If you get a 64-bit OS, it will see all 4 gigs...

Looks like a solid rig. The only thing I would do differrently is the CPU.  The one you spec'd (AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Windsor 3.2GHz) is based on an older core.  In particular, the power consumption (125W) is pretty high (which translates into heat which limits overclocking oprtions without going nuts on a cooling solution (e.g., water cooling).  If plan on using stock clocking, you'll be fine. 

But I have personal perference for keeping the heat down.  The new Brisbane cores are 65W based on 45nm dies. I just picked up an AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Black Edition (Brisbane core) 2.6GHz for $90 (from the egg) - the "Black Edition" has a completly unlocked multiplier. Haven't hooked it up yet, but early reports I have been reading (Tom's H/W) say they are able OC straight to 3.1GHz WITHOUT tweaking voltage (and using a cheapo CPU cooler).  Tweaking the voltage just a tad, they jumped to 3.3-3.4 GHz (at 3.4 it was a bit unstable but that was running some heavy duty benchmarks).  Basically, I didn't want spend a lot on the CPU becuase I know I will upgrade to the Phemon quad-core in about 12-18 months when the price comes down.  The 5000+ will do me fine in the mean time (especially if I "goose" the multiplier a bit, running it as a 6000+ or 6400+).

Also, I got the same optical drive  (SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S203B - OEM) except I ordered the SH-S203N - OEM.  The "N" suffix means you get the NERO burning software CD disk.  The "B" comes without anything.  I paid exactly the same price ($29.99). The newegg stock number was "Item #: N82E16827151154"  Not sure if that deal is still available but its worth a try...

Good luck 

 

This post was in response to the "Tommyboy" rig (sorry for the clutter...)

Looks like a solid rig. The only thing I would do differrently is the CPU.  The one you spec'd (AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Windsor 3.2GHz) is based on an older core.  In particular, the power consumption (125W) is pretty high (which translates into heat which limits overclocking oprtions without going nuts on a cooling solution (e.g., water cooling).  If plan on using stock clocking, you'll be fine. 

But I have personal perference for keeping the heat down.  The new Brisbane cores are 65W based on 45nm dies. I just picked up an AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Black Edition (Brisbane core) 2.6GHz for $90 (from the egg) - the "Black Edition" has a completly unlocked multiplier. Haven't hooked it up yet, but early reports I have been reading (Tom's H/W) say they are able OC straight to 3.1GHz WITHOUT tweaking voltage (and using a cheapo CPU cooler).  Tweaking the voltage just a tad, they jumped to 3.3-3.4 GHz (at 3.4 it was a bit unstable but that was running some heavy duty benchmarks).  Basically, I didn't want spend a lot on the CPU becuase I know I will upgrade to the Phemon quad-core in about 12-18 months when the price comes down.  The 5000+ will do me fine in the mean time (especially if I "goose" the multiplier a bit, running it as a 6000+ or 6400+).

Also, I got the same optical drive  (SAMSUNG 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S203B - OEM) except I ordered the SH-S203N - OEM.  The "N" suffix means you get the NERO burning software CD disk.  The "B" comes without anything.  I paid exactly the same price ($29.99). The newegg stock number was "Item #: N82E16827151154"  Not sure if that deal is still available but its worth a try...

Good luck 

Hi

It ok with me. You do have a good point about the CPU. Plus it save me 60.00 but I might up the ram to 4 GBs.  I was thinking about the AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Black Edition. I am going to go quad-core later in the future.

Do you have a thought on the CPU fan, one that works good and is not a pain to install.

And is there any thing I have forgot?

Oh yea I am going to install Windows XP Pro for now.

Thanks for the help.

Tommyboy1900

Just to correct a minor typo I'd assume on txw's part, the Brisbane core is not a "new core" by any means nor is it based on the 45nm tech (that would be the soon to come "Shanghai" if all goes right, which it looks to be; AMD already has Engineering sample of Shanghai). The Brisbane core is quite "dated" you could say and is based on the 65nm technology, not 45nm. Die technology really only affects the company with regards to cost/size but affects customer allowing higher overclocks, cheaper product and lower temperatures. It has some good benefits but also some drawbacks (in particular R&D or Research & Development) as it costs plenty of money to upgrade equipment to the smaller Die size.

Slmclarengt 

Hi

I know the Brisbane has been around a while. But if I am going to order the parts this week which CPU would you go with. It may have been around a while but from what I have read and hear its a good CPU.

Well I did some checking here are some of the CPU options. Here are some I found. I guess the question would be which CPU to go with?

 AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Windsor 3.2GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM2 125W Dual-Core Processor

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103191

AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Windsor 3.0GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM2 125W Dual-Core Processor

 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103773

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ Windsor 2.8GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM2 89W Dual-Core Processor

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103771

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5400+ 2.8GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor Core ?Core? Brisbane or Windsor ? don't know?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103242

AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Brisbane 2.6GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Black Edition Processor

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103194 

 

On a nother topic I am going to change the CPU fan from my build list. I am think about the first one but I am not sure.

XIGMATEK HDT-D1264 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail
Model #: HDT-D1264   Item #: N82E16835233004

Thermaltake CL-P0373 92mm Enter CPU Cooler - Retail
Model #: CL-P0373   Item #: N82E16835106088

ASUS Arctic Square 92mm Vapo Bearing CPU Cooler - Retail
Model #: Arctic Square   Item #: N82E16835101010

Thanks

Tommyboy1900

Tommyboy,

My personal preference for the CPU would the X2 5000+ Black Edition.  All the other ones you listed are based on the Winsor core at 90 watts or higher.  The 5000+ Black Edition is cheap and has gotten some good reviews for its ability to overclock. But it was the the price/perf ratio that I like.  And I plan to replace it with a Phenom in about 18 months anyway.  If cost wasn't an issue, then I would have gone with the 6400+ (actually if cost wasn't an issue, I would have gone with the Phenom 9700 Black Edition... 

You asked about a cooler... I just picked up a ZEROthrem BFT90. Read some goods things about it but it met my main criteria... it was cheap (compared with the hig end units) - $31 with MIR  http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=N82E16835887002  and it has 8 heat pipes and it is all copper.  It's probably overkill but I have personal issues with heat...

   

Hi

Thanks. I most likely will go with the 5000+ I am thinking about the 6400+ tho. I know that both cores have been around a while but that does have an up side you know it is a good product. Like you in the future I will go with a quad-core, it will be at least a year. It is tempting to go with the 6400+ but the power and heat is a bummer. Tho I think I do have the power with my PSU I have picked. I have a issue with heat as well. I am planning to order my parts on friday, and I am still shopping so any ideas are nice thanks. So any other thoughts. I hate the thought of forgetting some thing.

Tommyboy1900

I am a concerned about my pick of jsv35's

~$1200 Budget (Intel)  (SLI or Crossfire* Ready) system

the mother board supports 3 way sli but supposedly you need a 1000W or more power supply.

I purchased this systems motherboard and psu, and went with a xfx 8800gt 512mb with intention of adding more graphics cards later.  I think many people interested in the budget systems are interested in purchasing things like more video cards later when prices comes down so it should be noted that even though you are buying a motherboard  with 3 available slots for high end graphics cards only 2 can be supported due to choice of power supply.   The pcpnc silencer 750W power supply has 4 pci-e power supply connections, but will only will support 2  8800gt or better graphics cards.  My goal was to add another 2 8800 gt's to make a dual sli and one 8800 gt configuration(supporting 3 monitors) when they are lower in price, but now due to the power supply I wont be able to use 3 8800gts I will only be able to use 2 8800gt (no 3rd card to make a dual sli) to support 3 monitors. Someone please correct me if I am wrong but the pc power and cooling website says only dual sli is supported and the motherboard documentation says a 1000W psu is needed for 3 cards.

 
Thanks

 

 

Tommyboy,

You mentioned in an earlier post that you thinking about going with 4 GB ram *and* you were planning on using XPpro.  If you are planning on using the standard 32bit version  of XPpro, I wouldn't bother with 4GB of ram.  The OS can only address 3.25 GB of ram and from what I have read, you don't get much of a perfromance boost beyond 2 GB on XP (although others on the fourm have have more info on that). 

 More important is getting a high quality matched  pair of mem sticks with speed.  The best price/perf ratio I have found is the Corsair XMS 2X1GB DDR800.  I don't rememebr the exact timmings but they are pretty good and the egg had the pair advertised for around $35 (again, meeting my key criteria...)

 Good Luck..

txw

Hi

Yea I have read that too. I am still thinking about going to 3 GBs of OCZ SLI-Ready Edition 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 because it is on the approved list from the MB maker.

Thanks

Tommyboy1900

If someone is considering 3-way SLI, they're budget would be much higher than my builds are currently.  3-way SLI can only be done with 8800GTX/Ultra cards.  This would indeed require a 1000W or higher PSU.  If you were wanting to add additional video cards for extra monitor support, you don't need such powerful video cards, you could use the 8800GT as your main card, or 8800GTs in SLI, and then add a much lower end card from either ATI or NVIDIA.  With 8800GTs in SLI you have support for 1 monitor (or one desktop image, which could be stretched accross more than one monitor), if you were wanting support for more, then you would need additional video cards and not run them in SLI. 

Hi jsv35

I was wondering your thoughts? Which CPU would you get Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Brisbane 2.6GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W or Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Windsor 3.2GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM2 125W for the build I posted on 02-04-2008, at5:16 AM? And any thing else I may have missed. Oh yea I think I am going to go with the ASUS Arctic Square 92mm Vapo Bearing CPU Cooler - Retail  Model #: Arctic Square   Item #: N82E16835101010 for my fan.

Thanks

Tommyboy1900

jsv35,

 

really? I thought once 2 cards are in dual sli only 2 of their 4 dvi ports/connections can be utilized? so i can add another 8800 gt (and use dual sli) to support up to 4 monitors(in my case 3 1920x1200 24in widescreens)?

 

After i do this in terms of power requirements, a 8600 card can be added with out requiring more than 750W ?

 

Thanks for all your help
 

hoenigmann, I have to retract my statement earlier which was made without much research.  After looking around a little bit I found this thread over at the SLI forums, check it out.