[ElMikeTheMike]

I need a breakdown of a budget build, approx. $400 USD. Computer is for general computing, nothing special, internet, email, word processing, etc.

Need help cuz I'm trying to figure out how to go about building it - Get the best bang for the buck now, or build a lesser powerful, but more upgradable one.

Was thinking going AMD (Socket AM2) or Pentium D now. Thoughts and builds? REPs for any help. Thanks in advance.

 

[beret9987]

It's just me but I'd go Pentium D since of its OCing capability(would make a great folding rig). I'm compiling a parts list for both Athlon 64 and Pentium D though just in case you wanna see both. I'm gonna assume integrated video since it sounds like a no-frills machine.

 

[ElMikeTheMike]

Depending on the motherboards on-board video capabilities I may or may not get a video card. For possible future upgrades a PCI-Ex16 slot would be nice. And no this is not a folding machine. Thanks.

 

[beret9987]

I might suggest a Celeron just to cut down on price. Heres a Pentium D build though(didn't include price of case or OS)

CPU: Intel Pentium D 805 Smithfield 2.66GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache LGA 775- $93 Link
RAM: CORSAIR ValueSelect 512MB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300)- $53.99 Link
MOBO: Foxconn 945P7AA-8KS2 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 945P ATX Intel Motherboard: Foxconn 945P7AA-8KS2 Socket T (LGA 775) Intel 945P ATX Intel Motherboard $77.99(67.99 AR) Link
PSU: FSP Group (Fortron Source) ATX400-PA, version 2.0, SATA, 400W Power Supply-$36.99 Link
DVD Burner: Samsung 18X DVD Burner-$29.99 Link
Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 ST380811AS 80GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive-$44.99 Link

Total Price(without shipping)-$336.95

Just add in a case and an OS and you're set! I'll do an AMD build also just to see which one is cheaper. Athlon 64 or Sempron?

 

[NuclearCrap]

AMD Athlon 3200+ Orleans AM2
MSI K9MM-V Motherboard
OCZ 2x 512Mb Memory
Biostar 7300LE
Antec Basiq 350W PSU
LiteOn Combo drive
WD Caviar 40Gb 8Mb Cache

Totals to $390.44 without tax and shipping.

 

[beret9987]

Quote:

Originally Posted by NuclearCrap AMD Athlon 3200+ Orleans AM2 MSI K9MM-V Motherboard OCZ 2x 512Mb Memory Biostar 7300LE Antec Basiq 350W PSU LiteOn Combo drive WD Caviar 40Gb 8Mb Cache Totals to $390.44 without tax and shipping.

Dude Nice build but just a small problem. You gave him DDR RAM with an AM2 build.

 

[wowza]

This DDR2 then.

 

[NuclearCrap]

Quote:

Originally Posted by beret9987 Dude Nice build but just a small problem. You gave him DDR RAM with an AM2 build.

Lol I initially was building a 3700+ rig for him but I forgot to change that. The 3700+ build went to $411 so I thought that was a bit overbudget.

 

[ElMikeTheMike]

Thanks for the posts. This is a good starting point. Just trying to determine now what the best way to go is.

 

[NuclearCrap]

Oh look at what I just found, DFI board on sale!!! The rig below will only costs you $406.43 without tax.

I doubt they'll keep that board on sale for long.

AMD Athlon 3700+ San Diego S939
DFI LanParty UT RDX200 CF-DR
OCZ 2x 512Mb Memory
Biostar 7300LE
Antec Basiq 350W PSU
LiteOn Combo drive
WD Caviar 40Gb 8Mb Cache

 

[Cheetos316]

Here's a case, free after rebates, to keep you in your budget.