Cheap AMD Dual Core System

[blok55]

Hi

I'm looking to build a relatively cheap dual core AMD system to be used mainly for internet/email/ms office applications. I want a fast processor so that I can have lots of apps open at once.

Originally I was trying to find a motherboard with onboard graphics. But this has been too much of a struggle so have instead gone with a decent motherboard and lower end graphics card.

Here are the spec i'm currently looking at:

CPU:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Dual Core 2.0GHz Socket AM2 Processor

Motherboard:
MSI K9N Neo-F Socket AM2 nVidia nForce 550 AMD ATX Motherboard

Graphics:
Gigabyte GV-NX62TC128D GeForce 6200 128MB PCIE

Memory:
GeIL 1GB DDR2-533 (PC2 4300)

HDD:
Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 160Gb 7200rpm SATA


I would appreciate any feedback/suggestions on weakeness or ways in which I could improve this system.

 

[darksidedragon]

If you get an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, you can get the following mainboard with onboard graphics:
ASUS P5L-MX

 

[1Tanker]

Hi

I'm looking to build a relatively cheap dual core AMD system to be used mainly for internet/email/ms office applications. I want a fast processor so that I can have lots of apps open at once.

Originally I was trying to find a motherboard with onboard graphics. But this has been too much of a struggle so have instead gone with a decent motherboard and lower end graphics card.

Here are the spec i'm currently looking at:

CPU:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Dual Core 2.0GHz Socket AM2 Processor

Motherboard:
MSI K9N Neo-F Socket AM2 nVidia nForce 550 AMD ATX Motherboard

Graphics:
Gigabyte GV-NX62TC128D GeForce 6200 128MB PCIE

Memory:
GeIL 1GB DDR2-533 (PC2 4300)

HDD:
Seagate Barracuda 7200.7 160Gb 7200rpm SATA


I would appreciate any feedback/suggestions on weakeness or ways in which I could improve this system.

Although you aren't going for a barn-burner of a system, i still feel compelled to suggest that you try and fit some PC6400 RAM into the list, as AM2 really sees some benefit from the asynchronous RAM speed. You didn't list a PSU, but something of decent quality, in the mid 400w range should suffice. GL

 

[DukeDave]

I agree with 1tanker, the am2 cpu's really benifit from the faster ram.

If you are looking save some money I would recommend something like the Gigabyte GA-M55Plus-S3G, it's not too expensive and has onboard video that's not too bad.

 

[blok55]

Thanks for all the replies guyz.

I had a look at the gigabyte motherboard. Its had some pretty decent reviews on newegg. But i've decided to spend the extra cash and go for a seperate motherboard and graphics card.

I'll take your advice and get some faster ram for the sys. I've also heard that its better with dual core processors to get to sticks of 512mb ram than 1 stick of 1gb. Something to do with the processor being dual core...
Has anyone else heard about this?

 

[DukeDave]

I'm not aware of anything about dual core cpu's working better with 2 sticks of ram but the systems do work better with 2 sticks because that allows you to enable the memory in dual channel configuration, this in effect nearly doubles the memory bandwidth.

If you can afford it, windows xp will work alot smoother with 2Gb of memory (2x 1Gb)

 

[dlmacline]

Try Geil 1 gig DDR2-800 it will probably optimize your 3800+ to its capabilities

and when your looking for on board video and audio try ASrock AM2NF6G-VSTA it has Geforce 6100 128mb video and a 7.1 integrated audio plus it has x16 PCI-E just incase you want to get a dedicated card and a couple of PCI slots.. It will probably only cost you 70-75 dollars on this one

or any mobo in that case with 6100 or 6150 integrated. (ASrock has a wide range of variety on this) Its already low-end Geforce 6 class so you could probably still do some mid 3D gamings there plus it might affect your daily applications as well such as watching movies

about the memory stick.. im not pretty sure.. but I think they are talking about dual channel.. perhaps 2pcs 512mb ddr2-800 is better?

 

[halbhh]

Your original configuration with the slow ram was great if you only intend to do the activities you listed, and would be an efficient and great configuration.