Axis304

Hey everyone, I have a really really old computer that is my personal computer now and I am looking to build a new one (current PC is running on less than 200MB of SDRAM YIKES!) However I still have another computer that I have access to, it's not mine and it doesn't fulfill all of my needs.

1. Budget: How much money are you willing to spend on the new build?

Prefer between 300-350$ (I know you cannot get a lot with this) If you have to spend up to 450 I understand, save money where you can :)

2. Brands: Are there any brands of components you want or don't want?

Whatever you guys suggest.

3. Multitasking: Will you be multitasking with this computer and if so, how much?

Music, internet, messaging nothing more at the same time.

4. Gaming: Will you be gaming and if so, how much and how new are the games?

Some gaming, but nothing stupid great. Probably nothing that requires more than 512-1GB memory.

5. Calculations: Will you be doing any intense calculations or media encoding?

Minimal, if any.

6. Overclocking: Do you plan on overclocking and if so, how much?

Not likley

7. Storage: How much storage will you need and what will you be storing?

Probably 120GB somewhere in that range, just storing personal media library and program files (few games etc.)

8. Legacy Support: Will you need support for older hardware like parallel, serial, or PS/2 devices?

Not necessary

9. Operating System: Do you want Windows XP or Vista, or Linux compatibility?

XP Home, but considering just going for linux to save 100$ (I have some experience with linux anyways, just afraid it will ruin playing my preferred games)

10. Case: Do you want help selecting a case and if so, how big do you want it?

Standard ATX

11. Accessories: Do you want a keyboard, mouse, or other items included?

Yes, wired is fine. (prefer to match case color)

12. Recycled Components: Will you be reusing any components you already have?

NO! (it's suicide :) )


13. Monitor: If you want a monitor, what size do you want and should it be widescreen?

No monitor thank you

14. Stores: Do you have any online stores that you prefer to purchase from?

newegg

15. Location: What country do you live in?

US, Ohio to be specific

Thanks a lot. I know I may not be able to do everything that I want to with this. Just thought I would get some input to see if it were really possible to achieve what I was looking for here.

Thanks for your time

EDIT: Just a side note, I would really love to be able to upgrade this to something more decent when money comes a bit more in my direction. So if that is at all possible I would appreciate it.

linderman

your budget is going to be a real challenge



you could start by shopping for an intel E4300

then a P35 chipset motherboard

you should get a 2 x one gig kit of DDR-800 ram


that will about shoot your budget


try looking for parts at mwave.com / click on refurbished

then look for power supplies and motherboards and cheap cases

as for power supplies / be very carefule, the majority are junlk models but one like the antec earthwatts 500 watt will do the job very nicely

same with motherboard, right now their are some asus motherboards with the P35 chipset that can be bought for under $100.00


be aware, the warranty on these is limited to 15-days / but I have not had one problem with anything I bought there yet ! although, I am a big buy when the day comes, I know i have saved enough it wont hurt

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cjessee

Be careful - always keep the OS in mind - take that price - minus- what you are willing to pay for a computer and go from there. You are going to have to shop hard to hit that budget - but keep in mind - you can use the existing case which should save you a great percentage considering the budget. I hope that you aren't putting a monitor in that budget.

damonhill0

I can highly recommend the Intel E2160 for a good, cheap processor. It won't awe you with it's performance but it's plenty good enough for standard pc use.

E2160 at Newegg

Having said that, the E4300 is notably quicker, but it costs $45 more.

One of the worst things about shopping for pc parts. There is always something just that little bit quicker!

For a graphics card, if you don't go onboard i could recommend looking at a Nvidia 8400gs.

Axis304

I think I may have found some parts. The monitor isn't included (thought I mentioned that). I already have one :) I am going to glance over my parts again to make sure that I didn't forget anything. As of now I have the full tower for 400$ (including OS). I just have to be missing something, going to run it by a few people around to avoid posting it on here and feeling dumb :) Once I get a go to make sure that everything is included I will post links.

linderman

no worry about feeling dumb; you will never be riddiculed or made to feel inexperienced here!


we are here to help you understand and discuss your needs


enjoy the research thats half the fun, knowing that you are getting components that are right for you!

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Axis304

Ok here is what I have and I think I am just going to go with this set up unless you guys suggest anything else.

Wishlist all in one

Case and PSU - 29.99

Motherboard - 79.99

Processor - 65.99

Memory - 56.99

Hard Drive - 47.99

Windows (not much to look at here) - 89.99

Fans(X2) - 1.99 (each)

TOTAL: 392.91

Axis304

Sorry, wrong link there with the memory (somehow)

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820211066

Also, why can't I edit a post after like 5 minutes? Strange

1 g0t 0wn3d

the psu is way to cheap.... look at the mwave refurb list it is a antec earthwatts 500 watt for $39 a great deal

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Axis304

Is that really so bad since I'm just running onboard video? None of the other parts are power hungry (actually I was told that, that CPU should conserve some wattage). I was trying to save money by purchasing the case, PSU combo.

1 g0t 0wn3d

That is probably the worst place that you could try and save money....

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Axis304

Trying to look for another case, read the reviews and you are very correct. Thanks a lot on that one, gonna have to get a weeinie HD for this to work, but you do what you have to I guess, hopefully and update soon with a new configuration.

1 g0t 0wn3d

With the psu you should be fine when you upgrade....

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Axis304

What exactly do you mean?

1 g0t 0wn3d

Liek you can buy it with a good psu then later put in a second hardrive and such, so you go "core" and when you get money you add storage space and so on.

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Axis304

Ok here we go, everything is the same as before except for the HDD, Case and PSU.

HDD - 42

New Case - 34.99

New total is 388

1 g0t 0wn3d

This case supports your motherboard and is cheaper http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811147065

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