Super budget build

UriA702

New Member
This is the budget build I have put together, let me know if you guys have a better idea. It's a basic HTPC/linux box. Will get a video card upgrade in a month or so.
Budget $300

Case/psu:
Linkworld 431-06 C.2828 Silver SECC/SGCC rustproof and galvanized steel available ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 500W Power Supply - Retail $32.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811164060

I liked the look, very mac pro-ish will fit in well with the room it's going in.

CPU:AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+ Windsor 2.4GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail $55.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103064

Mobo:GIGABYTE GA-MA74GM-S2H AM2+/AM2 AMD 740G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $66.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128328

ODD: LG 20X DVD Burner Black SATA Model GH20NS10 - OEM $23.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136142

RAM:SUPER TALENT 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model T800UB2GV - Retail $34.99 - used super talent on many budget builds, very good deal.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820609283

HDD: EXCELSTOR Jupiter Series ESJ8080S 80GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM - $34.99 (media will be stored on NAS so I needed the smallest drive I can find)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822210003

Any suggestions or recommendations? How do you guys feel about the mobo I got. I had a $300 budget and this system came up to 303 total including shipping.
NY residents now have to pay sales tax on every item shipped into the state, so I had to go cheapo on the ram and HDD. Thank You New York for screwing me over.
 

UriA702

New Member
So what about graphics card? You do need one as the mobo does NOT have integrated.

Yes, it does. It has the ATI Radeon HD 1200 integrated graphics. here are the specs.
Model
Brand GIGABYTE
Model GA-MA74GM-S2H
Supported CPU
CPU Socket Type AM2+/AM2
CPU Type Phenom FX / Phenom / Athlon 64 FX / Athlon 64 X2
FSB 1000MHz Hyper Transport (2000 MT/s)
Chipsets
North Bridge AMD 740G
South Bridge AMD SB700
Memory
Number of Memory Slots 2×240pin
Memory Standard DDR2 800
Maximum Memory Supported 8GB
Dual Channel Supported Yes
Expansion Slots
PCI Express x16 1
PCI Express x1 1
PCI Slots 2
Storage Devices
PATA 1 x ATA100 2 Dev. Max
SATA 3Gb/s 6
SATA RAID 0/1/10
Onboard Video
Onboard Video Chipset ATI Radeon HD 2100

Onboard Audio
Audio Chipset Realtek ALC888
Audio Channels 8 Channels
Onboard LAN
LAN Chipset Realtek 8111C
Max LAN Speed 10/100/1000Mbps
Rear Panel Ports
PS/2 1
LPT 1
Video Ports D-Sub + DVI
HDMI 1 x HDMI
USB 4 x USB 2.0
S/PDIF Out 1x Coaxial
Audio Ports 3 Ports
Onboard USB
Onboard USB 8 x USB 2.0
Physical Spec
Form Factor Micro ATX
Dimensions 9.6" x 9.2"
Windows Vista Certified for Windows Vista
Features
Power Pin 24 Pin
Packaging
Package Contents GA-MA74GM-S2H
Driver Disk
User Manual
Rear I/O Panel Shield
IDE/PATA Cable
FDD Cable
2 x SATA Cable
 

Steelshivan

New Member
I think your component list looks real good. Basically everyone that replied I disagree with.

Guys, this is an HTPC system, he's not looking for an extreme budget build to overclock. Cheap rules here, not potential.
 
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UriA702

New Member
That's right it's basically used to play video files downloaded and/or ripped on the projector. It will not be used for gaming or anything of the like, just to watch streams and downloads, as well as occassional web surfing etc, I don't need a powerful system. I will be running fedora 9 on this system. It's a very basic system.

I don't understand why I would downgrade from a x2 at 2.4 ghz to a 1.2 ghz celeron. The MOBO I selected has great reviews and does have onboard video.

Why would I get a barebone kit? A barebone kit is just a case and mobo preassembled. an Asus barebone would be $139; whereas my mobo and case combo is <$100. Plus, none of the barebones in my price range offer HDMI output. I think it's a good board for the price. I haven't had good luck with Gigabyte in the past but I'm hoping this experience will be a better one.
 
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Gareth

Active Member
No, its a budget of $300, you can't expect to get high end parts, and the parts chosen were decent for the price.
 

concorde

New Member
Your case looks like a Mac's. Make sure to disclose this to a buyer if and when you are selling this thing that this is not a Mac to avoid conflict.
 

UriA702

New Member
LOL, don't worry this one is not for a buyer, it is for an HTPC. The reason I chose that case is because it fits in nice with furniture in the theater.
 
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