Building a system < $400. advice pls.

N

Nick_Escalantes

New Member
Hi everyone. I've built a few computers over the years, but I'm looking to upgrade a friend's. I haven't built one in 4 years, so I'm behind on the tech. He's got a P3 800 Mgz HP. He doesn't want to spend alot and wont be doing serious gaming, just basic games on a 17" monitor.

I'm about to purchase a barebone system from Tigerdirect.com. I've bought from them in the past with no problems. This system is about $350 after the rebates. It's there #1 seller currently. Looks like a nice package.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3617776&sku=A455-2810 A

I'm going to throw in a DVD-R for $25 and a CPU fan for $20. Any opinions on this purchase? thanks guys.
 
It looks pretty good, but you're being overcharged for the memory (at least you can buy some cheaper sticks that equal in performance), and that graphics card is horrible. However with a budget that low, it's probably best to go with that system, get rid of the graphics card and pick up a 7600gt.
 
thanks for the advise. Yeah, the memory has a $35 rebate, so they are $35.00, you just have to wait for the rebate to come in and fill it out PERFECTLY. I'm not looking for an intense video card for gaming. He will be playing Nascar, and sports gaming. I'm sure that card will be able to handle it. these games are circa 2003-2005.
 
 
im trying to put something together on newegg.com, but it is tough to beat the price at tigerdirect, especially after the rebates... $305.00 for the whole thing...
 
 
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oscaryu1 said:
Take that back. That's a OEM CPU. You'll need:

Thermal Compound

CPU Fan...

This is why you go Retail :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

thanks for the advise. I was going for the 5400+ OEM for $95, then another $20 for a fan, $5 for compound... totaling $120.

Now I am leaning more toward a X2 4000+ Retail for $60 w/ fan... saving half.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103774

It's 2.1 ghz, compared to the 2.8 on the 5400+, but I think it will not be noticable, since he is not a hardcore gamer.

maybe thinking about the 4600+ 2.4 ghz for $71.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103751

for $12 more it jumps from 2.1 to 2.4 ghz.
 
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CURRENT FINAL ORDER LIST

mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138081

cpu
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103774

mem
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145034

video card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130062

hdd
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136075

dvd rw (SATA)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151153

case w/ 450 w power supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811208005

Changed from a 5400 to a 4000+ CPU retail which included fan/heatsink, so I saved $60.

Total price including shipping now is: $472.71

Total price after rebates is $387.71.

I know the 450 PSU in the case in not high quality, but it will get the job done for this system I think and hope.
 
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