NEED HELP CUTTING COSTS ON NEW PC BUILD!!!!

[Rehabisforquitters]

Whats up everyone? I am building a budget P.C and i grabbed all the pieces i wanted that i thought would be the best for my games and music production.
Please help me find some better pieces for a better price. Budget = $500-$650.

-EDIT- REBUILD AFTER HELP FROM POSTERS!!! second edit is for Video Card.. went from 8600 - 7900.

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ Windsor 2.8GHz Socket AM2 Processor ($174.00)
Mobo: BIOSTAR TFORCE 550 Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 550 MCP ATX
($80.00) saved $60
Power: Antec Basiq BP500U ATX12V Version 2.01 500W Power Supply 100
($70.00) Same
Video: XFX PVT71PUDP3 GeForce 7900GS 256MB
($170.00) Saved $110
Mem: G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB)
($81.00) Saved $49
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB 7200 RPM
($80.00) Same
Sound: None ( Have Music Interface and The mobo card is good enough for games )
($0.00) Saved $90.00
OS: Windows XP: Home ( unless you think Vista is best )
($90.00)
Case: Spire BlackFin SP-7090B Black Metal
($34.00) Saved $136.00
Dvd: SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW
($38.00) Lost 38.00 ( forgot it in my last build )

= $817 is the new price. Old price was $1,197 Saved $380 but still nee to try and cut down atleast 100 - 150...
I wanna thank everyone for posting on my thread.. i appreciate it alot.

 

[pous]

Here's something I think will work for you... it's the same thing I've got configured for myself at the moment, maybe we can both get some comments on it.

Case Spire BlackFin Black Metal Case, Mid-ATX = $33.99

Motherboard Biostar NF520-A2 (Socket AM2) = $49.99

PSU Antec NeoHE 500 ATX12V 500W PSU = $99.99

CPU Athlon 64 X2 Windsor 2.6GHz CPU = $163.99

GPU nVidia GeForce 8600GT (EVGA 256 MB GDDR3 PCI-Ex16) = $134.99

RAM G.Skill 2x 1GB 240 PIN DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) = $80.99

Hard Drive Seagate Barracuda 320GB 7200 RPM 3.0Gb/s SATA = $79.99

CD Drive Sony Black 16xDVD//48xCD-ROM IDE Drive (Could upgrade to burner really cheap, but if all you need this for is playing games, like me, then that should be all you need period.) Price = $17.99

Keyboard Microsoft Comfort Curve Black USB Keyboard = $14.99

Mouse Basic Microsoft 3 Button Scroll/Optical USB Mouse. = $9.99

Hope that helps you a bit, grand total for this is $684.90 before shipping.

 

[petevsdrm]

DDR2 800 is pretty cheap recently, you can get 2 gigs for a lot less than $130 - $50

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098
2 gigs g. skill ddr2 800 $80.99

The board you picked is an SLI board, which is unusual for a budget build.
Here is a nice budget non-SLI board. -$60

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138026
biostar tforce 550 (nforce 550) socket AM2 $79.99

The board above has onboard 8-channel realtek audio, so you could ditch the sound card altogether if you want. -$90

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119047
coolermaster centurion 5 case $44.99

Decent coolermaster case, nothing fancy. -$125

Total savings -$325

 

[aevm]

Nice list.

I'd go for a DVD burner because "music production" tells me he'd want to save what he produces.

The 8800 GTS at $280 is a better investment than the 8600 GT at $135.
The usual comment - you guys are too impatient. Save more money until you can afford quality parts that will last you longer and do the job better.

There's no sound card on the list, but I guess it can be added later if the OP is serious about the music production. The onboard sound should be fine for games.

 

[pous]

Nice list.

I'd go for a DVD burner because "music production" tells me he'd want to save what he produces.

The 8800 GTS at $280 is a better investment than the 8600 GT at $135.
The usual comment - you guys are too impatient. Save more money until you can afford quality parts that will last you longer and do the job better.

There's no sound card on the list, but I guess it can be added later if the OP is serious about the music production. The onboard sound should be fine for games.

Thanks for that bit about the music production, I get so caught up in the "Gaming PC" mentality that I didn't see it.

As for the patience bit... I understand, I've been looking at specs and whatnot for several months now.

Other than the video card in the build I listed, is there anything you think needs changing/waiting on?

 

[brick88]

i would use intel and overclock to make up the difference in clock speed. i would also use one of the newer g33 or p35 chipsets and just drop the sound card. the integrated should be enough. i suggest vista for the simple reason that bioshock among other dx10 titles are now trickling the market and your system is set up to use vista. as long as you get at least home premium. i would also go with cheaper ram. if you get ddr2 800 ram with only cas 5 timings you should save at least 20-30 dollars. the difference between cas 4 and 5 timings for intels are 1-5% performance difference. also you can use the cheaper yet quiet antec p180. and use the silverstone 56zf as your power supply. its a tier one power supply with a very strong single voltage 12v rail.

 

[aevm]

Good idea from brick88 there, a quiet case will help you enjoy your music. The P180 or P182 cases are not that expensive and they're very good. Of course, you could just use headphones

 

[akahuddy]

If it's cheap you want:

AMD X2 3600+ Good OC for cheap $65
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103046

Patriot CL4 DDR800 (2x1GB) $80 after MIR!! For CL4!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220144

Biostar TFORCE 550. Good for OC, onboard sound (a must) $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138026

Two different PSU's too choose from that will leave you upgrade room. Both are $85
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817128006
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341010

Cooler Master Centurion 5 $34 after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119047

Samsung SATA DVD Burner $37 cheaper non-sata drives can be had...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151141

Seagate 250GB 7200.10 $70 320GB for 10 more bones
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148144

Windows Vista 32bit Home Premium $112 Why the hell not? You'll want DX10 eventually.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116202

We sit at a total of: $553 before shipping & MIR

You could lose another $30 for XP, buy a 160GB HD, and get a cheaper less capable optical drive. Get a smaller PSU and lose another $30... I wouldn't go less than what's listed though.

Your graphics card is... critical.
EVGA 8800GTS 320MB $260 after MIR... allows for a step up in the future... read three months from now.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130082
Sapphire X1950XT 256MB $160 after MIR... great performance, great price, no DX10, no step up... your call
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102067
Sapphire X1950Pro 256MB $126 after MIR... pretty good performance, really cheap, no DX10, no step up.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102061

A really good gaming rig for now could run you ~$675 before shipping and rebate.

A great gaming rig for now and later runs you around ~$810 before shipping and rebate.

Savings of $390-520... could be a bit more still.

Edit: Sorry about missing the music production.. I got caught in the gaming rig too. If music production is important, I would rather skimp on the GPU and get a good sound card.

 

[billdcat4]

I suggest this build:

AMD X2 3600+ $60
Gigabyte M61PS3 AM2 motherboard (can OC) $80
2gb Kingston Value Ram DD2 667 $65 free shipping
Coolermaster Centurion 534 $50
Sony Optiarc SATA DVD Burner $33
FSP AX450 450w PSU $58
eVGA 7600GT KO (i have one) $98
WD 160gb Single Platter Hard Drive $52
same kb and mouse $25

Total w/o OS $521

very nice system. Consider getting a 7900GS instead (XFX has some highly-clocked ones) if you can find a deal for $130-140.

Cheaper is better.

 

[enewmen]

That PC is about as cheap as it can get.
You might want to get a smaller video card (like a X1950XT). Much better video-cards will be out within 6-12 months.
The X2 is a good CPU, but I don't think it has enough juice to keep the 8800 fed.
You might rather spend $10 more and get a low-end Conroe. That will be more future proof.
You also can save money by using the integrated motherboard sound.
The Sound Blaster X-Fi is nice, but I don't notice a big difference (unless you REALLY care about sound and X-Fi is not 'Budget')
Also get Vista 64. Yes, very few games/apps use it and it's a memory hog. But after you finally get the drivers and patches installed, it actually runs nicely and it's MUCH more future proof.
You can also save money on the case. But NEVER skimp on the PSU.

 

[billdcat4]

That PC is about as cheap as it can get.
You might want to get a smaller video card (like a X1950XT). Much better video-cards will be out within 6-12 months.
The X2 is a good CPU, but I don't think it has enough juice to keep the 8800 fed.
You might rather spend $10 more and get a low-end Conroe. That will be more future proof.
You also can save money by using the integrated motherboard sound.
The Sound Blaster X-Fi is nice, but I don't notice a big difference (unless you REALLY care about sound and X-Fi is not 'Budget')
Also get Vista 64. Yes, very few games/apps use it and it's a memory hog. But after you finally get the drivers and patches installed, it actually runs nicely and it's MUCH more future proof.
You can also save money on the case. But NEVER skimp on the PSU.

agreed. The reason I went with the 3600 is bc of its low price and overclocking potential with the above-mentioned motherboard. An aftermarket cooler or some faster ram would facilitate that, but that would raise costs. I would strongly condone getting a discrete sound card for a build of this budget range. I like the Bluegears Benspirer, but never recommend it for a rig priced under a grand.

The case is good bc it has two 120mm fans. Cases are a personal choice though, and there are many good ones. Just try to shy away from cases with integrated Power Supplies. If Frys ever brings back its Antec TP550 for $65 shipped deal, then get that.

Definitely don't get an 8800 or any DX10 card for that matter in a budget-minded gaming rig. If you absolutely insist on being DX10 ready :lol: , this is the best deal that ive seen: XFX fanless 8600GT 620/1700
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150238

Good luck and write back

 

[htoonthura]

Whats up everyone? I am building a budget P.C and i grabbed all the pieces i wanted that i thought would be the best for my games and music production.
Please help me find some better pieces for a better price. Budget = $500-$650.


CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ Windsor 2.8GHz Socket AM2 Processor ($174.00)
Mobo: ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe Socket AM2 NVIDIA nForce 570
($140.00)
Power: Antec Basiq BP500U ATX12V Version 2.01 500W Power Supply 100
($70.00)
Video: EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB
($280.00)
Mem: Patriot 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800
($130.00)
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB 7200 RPM
($80.00)
Sound: Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer 7.1
($90.00)
OS: Windows XP: Home ( unless you think Vista is best )
($90.00)
Case: Thermaltake Armor Series VA8003BWS Black Full Tower Case w/ 25CM Fan
($170.00)

= $1,197 now i need to cut that in half.
All my prices are from NewEgg i hope yall can help me thanks.

cut in memory , case and sound card.

 

[Rehabisforquitters]

Imma bout to make an edit post.. as off 6-19-07 so check it out

 

[rwpritchett]

Shop around a little. You can shave off some $$$ with the list you already have. For example:

XFX GEFORCE 8600 GT 256MB PCI EXPRESS FATAL1TY 620MHZ DDR3 DUAL-LINK DVI/TV (Retail) $161 @ MWave saves $9
Seagate ST3320620A 320GB ATA100 7200rpm 16MB Hard Drive $73 @ eWiz saves $7
Biostar TFORCE 550 Socket AM2/ nForce 550/DDR2/ SATA2/ A&GbE/ ATX Motherboard $71 @ eWiz saves $9
Antec BP500U Power Supply 500W ATX12V $51 @ Provantage saves $19

That right there gets you $44 closer to your goal. A little here, a little there... it adds up. Froogle is your friend. If you dropped the processor or hard drive down a peg you might make it. Maybe consider a regular 8600GT like the XFX PVT84JUDF3 GeForce 8600GT 256MB GDDR3 for $130... $110 after MIR.

 

[Rehabisforquitters]

thanks, i'm going to do that. Ill just wait till im 100% positive that its the pc i want first. and do yall thing that my processor will even run my video card well enought.

 

[FallenSniper]

You could always drop to 1GB on the Memory, no big deal there. I think you could also save some money on the video card, but there are tons of possibilities there... Good luck!

 

[Rehabisforquitters]

So far i thing thats the best i can do.. thanks again.. i will always check back to see if anyone post..

 

[Rehabisforquitters]

Down graded to a 7900 so no DX10 but this card is gonna work so much better for the price.. but ill just get a dx10 when they get better

 

[pous]

Take a look at this video card it's a 7600GT GDDR3 256MB.

You mentioned waiting until better DX10 cards come out anyway and at the price for this ($94.99 with a $15 rebate... so $79.99 after that) you can't really complain...

I guess it depends on what games you're currently playing, what resolutions/detail settings you like to play at, and how long you're planning to wait between buying this particular rig and upgrading to a nice DX10 card.

But that'd be a savings of $75 over your current selection. Other than that for cutting cost I couldn't think of much, I'm still new at this, but I've been learning a TON since coming to this site.

Edit:
Just was looking at CPU's and I'm not sure how set you are on the Windsor/2.8GHz...

But if you wanted to save $49 on that CPU you could go with this one. it's an Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Brisbane 2.5GHz.

I know these are both cuts in performance now, but if you look at the savings you'd get... which between the two is roughly $125.00 that's pretty awesome. It'd keep you a lot closer to your budget, and then later on down the road you can get a nice video card, and maybe do something with the cpu, either buy a nice hsf and oc it, or just get a new one all-together.

I hope that helps, other than that I don't think there's much of a way to cut cost, other than getting a significantly smaller hard-drive, or cutting back on your power supply. I guess it's all up to you. Some people recommended sacrificing 1GB of your RAM... that's an option too that could save you $35 or so... but I don't think it'd be as helpful.

Actually as for your operating system... if you have any friends that goto a university you could see if they could get a student copy of XP... I know some people that have gotten it (and other software) at greatly reduced rates... that'd also help carve some money off of your total.

Anyways, best of luck to you with all this, I'll be interested to see how it turns out.

Edit #2
Ok so I just couldn't help myself. I'm not sure how partial you are to that case you selected, but you could check out this one. it's still the black steel like the other one, but it will save you $16.

The other thing I thought of was, given your cut back in video card and (maybe) cpu... you could look into this PSU. It's only $39.99... which would save you another $30.

Add all these things up and you'd be around $170 saved on the initial cost of this build. Again, I hope this all helps you, and if not, well.. at least I tried

Best of luck to you.