New Computer Budget $600

Shandrakor · 02-25-2006, 04:05 PM

I'm looking to build a new computer for around 600 dollars US.

Here's my current system:

Pentium 4 1 GHZ
1 GB RAM
200 GB 7200 RPM HD
36 GB Raptor HD
GeForce 2 MX 400
Hard Drive Cooling Kit
Sony DVD RW+/-
Floppy Drive
22" LaCie electron22blue monitor

Reasons for replacement: So as you can see, it's a bit dated.

Okay, it's ancient. It sits on my desk and whirrs and humms and is very, very noisy. I need one that isn't nearly as loud.

I'm a gamer at heart, but I work 16-hours days now. The primary use for my new computer will be work, but internet telephony (Skype) is critical. I'd like to be able to play games such as Dynasty Warriors, maybe F.E.A.R., certainly all the upcoming RTSes for the next few years.

Now, as near as I can tell dual-core costs substantially more, but is probably my best bet. I was thinking of getting an Athlon 64 X2 3800+, because they appear to run cooler, and offer dramatically better performance for a bit less than a Pentium dual-core.

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Dual Core 64-Bit Manchester 90nm CPU Socket 939 2.0Ghz FSB 1MB (512KB + 512KB) L2 Cache 64-Bit Processor 2.0Ghz Frequency Core: Manchester w/1 Yr Warranty

Is the Manchester core what I want, or should I be looking for a better one?

I'd be using this CPU cooler because it seems to offer a good price/performance ratio, and I think I won't need thermal compound with it(?):
http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/arcofr64pro.html

I need a new case. My current one is a giant steel monstrosity with terrible thermal properties. I'd like one with great thermal properties (aluminum?), great airflow and easy to work on. It wouldn't hurt if it wasn't hideous, either. Can you suggest a case?

Noise is a fairly big concern for me, as I'd like it so quiet that I don't notice it unless I put my ear up against the case. I expect I'll have to replace the fans that come with the case, unless it's a really swanky case. What sort of fans would you recommend?

What mobo would you recommend to go with the processor? I'd like one with a PCIe slot, and possibly two, though if just one is a far cheaper option than we get the one. I'd like to use the onboard sound, as I don't think there's room for a sound card within my budget. And my speaker system is crap anyway. ;P

GPU? Ummmm....Hmmmm.... Before my GeForce2, the last one I bought was a Diamond Stealth 32. So...yeah. I don't care wether you select nVIDIA or ATI, but I'd like a somewhat up-to-date card. Maybe trailing-edge of technology? If possible, one that's Directx 9c & Pixel Shader 3.0 compliant. (( I think that's the new standard Microsoft set? ))

RAM: Ideally, I'd like 2 GHz of RAM. One or 1.5 would probably also work, but I'd really prefer two. I don't know how important the speed of the RAM is -- is DDR2 what I should be looking for? 800? 400 is pretty much the bottom-end of the spectrum now.... Which supplier do ya'll like?

PSU: I might be able to cannibalize the one I'm using now but it'd fairly noisy. If I got a new one, which sort would ya'll recommend?

Monitor: My monitor kicks patootie. It cost more than the last computer I built, and it's sexy as heck. Yes, it's huge and heavy and a heating device, but it's also FREE.

I talked to my local computer store and they were talking about a grand to build the system I want -- which is silly. And the online builders only really want to sell you a complete system, and tweaking it usually voids the warranty.

The local store was talking this:
$269 GeForce 6800 GS
$129 Lian Li Case
$214 Kingstone PC 3290 400
$360 AMD 3800 Dual-Core
109 Asus A8NSX
100 Fans, etc
+PSU
+Labor
And that's just silly.

So. I'll be grateful for any and all help you can provide.

Much thanks in advance,

Shandrakor

diduknowthat · 02-25-2006, 09:56 PM

uhh, since you're going w/ AMD, then it has to be DDR.

btw your local store is ripping you off =)

Here's an AMD 64 X2 3800 for about 300USD

here's a eVGA 6800 GS for about 154 bucks are mail in rebates.

Here's a gig of corsair value select ram for 70 bucks. So 140 bucks for 2.

That was just some replacement parts for the ones your local computer store suggested.

02-25-2006, 04:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
Shandrakor New Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 9	New Computer Budget $600 I'm looking to build a new computer for around 600 dollars US. Here's my current system: Pentium 4 1 GHZ 1 GB RAM 200 GB 7200 RPM HD 36 GB Raptor HD GeForce 2 MX 400 Hard Drive Cooling Kit Sony DVD RW+/- Floppy Drive 22" LaCie electron22blue monitor Reasons for replacement: So as you can see, it's a bit dated. Okay, it's ancient. It sits on my desk and whirrs and humms and is very, very noisy. I need one that isn't nearly as loud. I'm a gamer at heart, but I work 16-hours days now. The primary use for my new computer will be work, but internet telephony (Skype) is critical. I'd like to be able to play games such as Dynasty Warriors, maybe F.E.A.R., certainly all the upcoming RTSes for the next few years. Now, as near as I can tell dual-core costs substantially more, but is probably my best bet. I was thinking of getting an Athlon 64 X2 3800+, because they appear to run cooler, and offer dramatically better performance for a bit less than a Pentium dual-core. Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Dual Core 64-Bit Manchester 90nm CPU Socket 939 2.0Ghz FSB 1MB (512KB + 512KB) L2 Cache 64-Bit Processor 2.0Ghz Frequency Core: Manchester w/1 Yr Warranty Is the Manchester core what I want, or should I be looking for a better one? I'd be using this CPU cooler because it seems to offer a good price/performance ratio, and I think I won't need thermal compound with it(?): http://www.sidewindercomputers.com/arcofr64pro.html I need a new case. My current one is a giant steel monstrosity with terrible thermal properties. I'd like one with great thermal properties (aluminum?), great airflow and easy to work on. It wouldn't hurt if it wasn't hideous, either. Can you suggest a case? Noise is a fairly big concern for me, as I'd like it so quiet that I don't notice it unless I put my ear up against the case. I expect I'll have to replace the fans that come with the case, unless it's a really swanky case. What sort of fans would you recommend? What mobo would you recommend to go with the processor? I'd like one with a PCIe slot, and possibly two, though if just one is a far cheaper option than we get the one. I'd like to use the onboard sound, as I don't think there's room for a sound card within my budget. And my speaker system is crap anyway. ;P GPU? Ummmm....Hmmmm.... Before my GeForce2, the last one I bought was a Diamond Stealth 32. So...yeah. I don't care wether you select nVIDIA or ATI, but I'd like a somewhat up-to-date card. Maybe trailing-edge of technology? If possible, one that's Directx 9c & Pixel Shader 3.0 compliant. (( I think that's the new standard Microsoft set? )) RAM: Ideally, I'd like 2 GHz of RAM. One or 1.5 would probably also work, but I'd really prefer two. I don't know how important the speed of the RAM is -- is DDR2 what I should be looking for? 800? 400 is pretty much the bottom-end of the spectrum now.... Which supplier do ya'll like? PSU: I might be able to cannibalize the one I'm using now but it'd fairly noisy. If I got a new one, which sort would ya'll recommend? Monitor: My monitor kicks patootie. It cost more than the last computer I built, and it's sexy as heck. Yes, it's huge and heavy and a heating device, but it's also FREE. I talked to my local computer store and they were talking about a grand to build the system I want -- which is silly. And the online builders only really want to sell you a complete system, and tweaking it usually voids the warranty. The local store was talking this: $269 GeForce 6800 GS $129 Lian Li Case $214 Kingstone PC 3290 400 $360 AMD 3800 Dual-Core 109 Asus A8NSX 100 Fans, etc +PSU +Labor And that's just silly. So. I'll be grateful for any and all help you can provide. Much thanks in advance, Shandrakor

02-25-2006, 09:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
diduknowthat formerly liuliuboy Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Massachusetts Age: 17 Posts: 6,280	uhh, since you're going w/ AMD, then it has to be DDR. btw your local store is ripping you off =) Here's an AMD 64 X2 3800 for about 300USD here's a eVGA 6800 GS for about 154 bucks are mail in rebates. Here's a gig of corsair value select ram for 70 bucks. So 140 bucks for 2. That was just some replacement parts for the ones your local computer store suggested. __________________ Silent Tuned \| 3D Marks 06: 11566 Q6600 2.4ghz CPU \| Gigabyte GA-P35 LGA 775 MB EVGA 8800gt 512mb Video Card G.Skill 4GB Ram \| Western Digital 400GB HD X-Fi Xtrememusic Sound Card Antec P180B Case \| Scythe Ninja HSF CM Real Power Pro 650watt PSU

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