$600 budget Phenom 2 system

1877 Views 22 Replies 15 Participants Last post by Cr4zYH3aD, Mar 28, 2009

qTAP

Discussion Starter · Mar 15, 2009

Hello, OCN!

I'm building a computer for a friend. His budget is 600 dollars so I tried my best to configure the cheapest Phenom 2 CPU build system. So far this is what I have in the system. If you notice anything that can improve the price for cheaper please let me know. I'm open ears to all ideas and suggestions.

Thank you!

Note: It can be a little bit over 600 if the item is really worth it.

Antec 300 Changed Case and PSU combo
http://cmstore.coolermaster-usa.com/...roducts_id=108

CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103472

Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813157149

Videocard Changed to SAPPHIRE 100265HDMI Radeon HD 4830
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102822

Ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231122

Hardrive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148288

CD-ROM Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136152

Heatsink
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16835233003

Side Panel Fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811999122

I was wondering if this mobo would be better. It has no reviews on Newegg so I'm kind of worried. If you know anything about this motherboard I'll love to hear what you have to say

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128387

Thank you again

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1 - 20 of 23 Posts

waverider599

· #2 · Mar 15, 2009

Looks pretty good maybe a different PSU and MOBO would be in order.

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Yes i am little Skeptical of the PSU. Any ideas for a cheap PSU under 50 bucks? About the motherboard i cant find a real good one comparing to that price. I'm still searching on newegg for more ideas.

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Dominant

· #4 · Mar 15, 2009

looks alright, the gigabyte board will be a better choice though. asrock is asus's budget brand. I would also consider a better PSU, im sure this corsair 450W would be more than enough power.

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litho

· #5 · Mar 15, 2009

if you can spend $10 this would be problem free.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139003

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qTAP

Discussion Starter · #6 · Mar 15, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dominant

looks alright, the gigabyte board will be a better choice though. asrock is asus's budget brand. I would also consider a better PSU, im sure this corsair 450W would be more than enough power.

wow that Corsair PSU really LOOKS GOOD! I know corsair makes really good PSU! I have one in my other computer. I love it. thanks!

Would that PSU would be able to handle Ati 4870 in the future. Because that video card might be temporary for now

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grayskunk

· #7 · Mar 15, 2009

Why not get a case/PSU combo case with fans already in it? Would probably cost the same as buying all that stuff and a cheap PSU is all well and good until you are in the other room and you hear *SNAP* and run to see it smoking.
Newegg has this combo deal
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.165050
for mobo and CPU
Also, if your friend games at all, get a 4850. If you aren't scared of fleaBay, they go for ok prices used.

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slothfish

· #8 · Mar 15, 2009

This is a much better power supply, VERY worth the extra couple of bucks.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139003'

also, this is a much better video card at an amazing price

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814187030

and yes, that gigabyte motherboard is a GREAT board

edit: someone beat me to the corsair psu lol

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aod2002

· #9 · Mar 15, 2009

I would definitely trust the Gigabyte board over the Asrock board. It seems to have better features too. Also if you want to save some money you could get him a Phenom II X3 for now and he could upgrade later to a x4 when they are cheaper. If he isn't going to be doing video encoding or crazy data encoding he can probably live with 3 cores

. That'll give you more headroom for that Corsair PSU and the motherboard.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103649

edit: I would also recommend the 9800GT mentioned above. Get him folding for OCN!

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qTAP

Discussion Starter · #10 · Mar 15, 2009

So many great suggestions. I really do apperitiate it. I will add the Corsair PSU.

Yes about the AMD Tri Core. I was thinking about getting that CPU. But he's going to be gaming allot and therefore games are becoming more quad core support. Might as well spend the extra money and don't have to worry about it for years.

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awdrifter

· #11 · Mar 15, 2009

That board is fine for a budget board. You should get a better PSU though. You can save money by getting a regular S1283 heatsink, the only advantage of the DK is the bolt-through mounting for Intel boards, you're not going to need it for AMD boards.

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spaceballsrules

· #12 · Mar 15, 2009

Get a better PSU and this CPU/mobo combo - http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.165018

This is the best board for a budget ATM. It has the latest and greatest chipsets AMD can offer, and will give you ridiculous performance and OC-ability.
What the others have suggested for the PSU is fine

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Dominant

· #13 · Mar 15, 2009

actually, im pretty sure that the x3 outperforms the x4 in some cases. I think its becuase each core has more access to the L2 cache.

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qTAP

Discussion Starter · #14 · Mar 15, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by awdrifter

S1283 heatsink Does it support AM2+?

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awdrifter

· #15 · Mar 16, 2009

AM2 and AM2+ is physically the same, so yes, the S1283 will work.

Quote:

AMD Athlon64 processors on 754/939/940/AM2/AM2+ work with a modified spring clip that attaches to the lugs on the AMD heatsink retention frame. A cam lever at one end of the clip applies pressure to the heatsink base directly. The AMD clip is tool free, but the metal is thin and tends to bend towards one side or another after clamping pressure is applied.

http://www.frostytech.com/articlevie...articleID=2233

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