help building a comp under 500

[kevin28282]

I'm trying to build a simple gaming rig for under 500...and thats including shipping/taxes etc. I was hoping someone out there could help me out in the process. Theres a few things that I'd like to mention... I would really prefer to have a small case so I can move it around when I need to. I'm not quite sure which cases can fit my gfx card, but I picked out the one below even tho it is more on the expensive side. And more specifically, I need help finding a mobo to go along with everything. Please help me out and thanks in advance =]

APEVIA X-QPACK-NW-BK/420 Black Aluminum 1.0 w/ ABS plastic front panel MicroATX Desktop Computer Case 420W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: X-QPACK-NW-BK/420
Item #: N82E16811144162

$79.99


1 XFX PVT84JUDF3 GeForce 8600GT 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 Video Card - Retail
Model #: PVT84JUDF3
Item #: N82E16814150230

In Stock Mail-in Rebate $129.99 -$10.00 Instant $119.99

1 Thermaltake TR2 W0070RUC ATX 430W Power Supply - Retail
Model #: W0070RUC
Item #: N82E16817153023

Return Policy: Standard Return Policy

In Stock $39.99 $39.99

1 AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Windsor 2.0GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADA3800CUBOX - Retail
Model #: ADA3800CUBOX
Item #: N82E16819103735

In Stock $66.75

1 Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model KVR800D2/1GR - Retail
Model #: KVR800D2/1GR
Item #: N82E16820134487

In Stock $45.99

1 Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 ST3250820AS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Model #: ST3250820AS
Item #: N82E16822148142

In Stock $66.99

 

[gatoatigrado]

I'm going to probably buy some similarly priced things. Your list looks good, though I think there's a rosewill power supply for $33 which is a bit more than the $25 thermaltake.

Here's what I'm looking at, if you're interested. If anyone has any advice before I buy it I would appreciate it.

biostar motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813138077

8600gt
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814150230

x2 3600 brisbane
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819103046

ocz 2gb
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820227139

 

[gatoatigrado]

I anticipate there will probably be some Intel fanboy asking why I am choosing AMD here. I have an Intel E4300 and I enjoy it a lot. I'm going to get this for my sister though, and I don't think she would be as willing as I was to go to a friend, take out their pentium 4 to flash the bios--and though I didn't have to, with high performance ddr2 I hear you also might have to: boot with 1 ram stick because of voltage problems, adjust the bios, etc.... I respect AMD's decision to use different sockets to improve motherboard compatibility.

 

[gatoatigrado]

If this might help: you might want to look at the Antec Sonata III and the Seagate Barracuda 7200.9 ST3160812AS (160gb). Both are supposed to be quiet, and you probably don't need a gigantic hard drive for gaming.

I couldn't find a lot of information about low cost motherboards because not a lot of reviewers are interested in them. I pretty much went with newegg reviews, and looked at specifications. If you find a great deal, please let me know.

 

[phraun]

You're already getting close to breaking your budget WITHOUT a mobo... That adds up to $419.70 without shipping or tax. You might need to expand your budget. I'm going to go look for a prospective mobo for you anyway, though. I'll report back in a few. Also, @gatoatigrado: nice, uh, triple post... 8O

EDIT: OK, so here's what I found:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138077
This Biostar will probably get the job done. It's 56.32 with shipping and supports 800Mhz DDR2. It's a socket AM2 with one PCI-Ex16 slot and uses an nForce 520 chipset, which I have no experience with. According the reviews, it also OC's decently if you're into that. I've only worked with one other Biostar mobo, and it worked out great w/out any problems (the same cannot be said of my EVGA 680i, though I love it ayway. )

Umm... yeah, didn't realize that you picked out a microATX case. Hmm... well, I get a gold star. :lol: I'm going to see if I can find you a case with a handle, instead of one of those tiny SOBs. Tiny cases are no fun to work in... Also, I don't know if you noticed, but that case comes with a PSU. Thought I'd point it out, anyway.

 

[kevin28282]

Thanks for all the replies already!

I realize that I'm already getting near my cap, thats why i posted on this forum to see if people have anything cheaper to offer. Yeah I picked out a mATX case because i would like to be compact enough that i can move it around with ease. Thanks again =P

 

[phraun]

A question for ya:
Would you be opposed to a mid-tower ATX case with a handle on it, instead of a microATX case? Those are arguably more mobile, so unless you're putting somewhere that necessitates a tiny case I think I'd go with a handle. My CoolerMaster has a handle, and as such allows me to carry my entire setup in one trip (I have a box with a handle for my monitor.)

 

[kevin28282]

I wouldn't be opposed to it. I'd just think it'd be nice having something small and compact =P I plan on using this kinda as a home entertainment so putting it next to the tv and stuff, it'd be nice if it was small and aesthetically pleasing. But I havent ruled anything out, so toss me some ideas =]

 

[kevin28282]

oh and to your point about the psu. I'd prefer a psu because i've had horrible experience with psu that comes with the case...just figure i'd play it safe and not risk my entire comp

 

[phraun]

OK, well if you want something that is plain and blends in, this has a handle.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154070
The looks are definitely nothing special, but it gets the job done and is significantly cheaper than the Aspire.

Also, here's a microATX board that's slightly more expensive than the ATX Biostar:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135049
It appears to be solid. Some of the reviewers mentioned that videocards can get in the way of the SATA ports, but yours seems to be short enough that you won't need to worry.

And here's a couple different and cheaper microATX cases:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811164098
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119088
I personally like the second one better, it definitely gets more style points.

And yeah, I definitely agree with you about the PSU.

Here's the king of all tiny cases:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154062
I don't know if your PSU will even fit in that one though... :?

EDIT: Two other cases, both standard ATX with handles:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811196009
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119098
I like both of those better than the first one, although the AeroCool would definitely suit the living room better. The CoolerMaster Ammo case is actually the one I've got right now. It is the king of rugged and portable cases, but it definitely stands out and probably wouldn't fit well with the home theater idea.

 

[kevin28282]

thanks for the link...yeah ive seen a few good small cases but i'm afraid that the gfx card wont fit =T

 

[phraun]

Yeah, I see what ya mean. Take a look at those other two standard ATX's I edited in above, and see what ya think.

 

[HDDFreak]

Looks good but some food for thought:
Do you need to have direct x 10 support? AFAIK, the radeon x1950 pro's or 7900gs's are much better value. Otherwise, looks good, try to spring for 2gb of RAM if you can squeeze it in.
Sorry if I missed anything

 

[kevin28282]

if you can find one at or under the same price, i'm all ears =P

 

[phraun]

I don't think you're gonna find an X1900 card for under a hundred bucks. In fact, the cheapest one I saw was $107 with a mail-in-rebate. It is, however, only a little more, so it's definitely worth looking at.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102061

It would definitely offer better performance than the 8600, that's for sure.

You can get 2GB of Super Talent DDR2 800Mhz for 79.99, but that might be a little pricey for your $500 budget.

NOTE: Something just occurred to me; do you need to buy an OS as well?

 

[kevin28282]

nah dont need an os =P

 

[phraun]

OK then, just making sure... that's something that can be overlooked... :lol:

 

[gatoatigrado]

@gatoatigrado: nice, uh, triple post...

EDIT: OK, so here's what I found:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138077

maybe you should have read it, I found the same mobo...

thanks for the comments about the graphics card, certainly a good consideration. I guess I'm interested in trying CUDA, and nVidia's linux driver is way better than ATI. The DirectX 10 consideration is very good, but actually DirectX 10 is supposed to make things faster, so it might benefit even a low end card. And in terms of actual numbers, with a 1280x1024 monitor, it's not bad at all.

And here's a couple different and cheaper microATX cases:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811164098
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119088
I personally like the second one better, it definitely gets more style points.

And yeah, I definitely agree with you about the PSU.

Here's the king of all tiny cases:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154062

I think these look better than the others. I think you can probably find a good looking non-matx case though (link below), it's similar to the second.

I guess as the Sonata III is $150 I can't recommend it, though it certainly looks like a good case. I would suggest looking around at good 80mm fans or whatever your case takes. I think GlobalWin's nanometer ceramic bearing fans are supposed to be good, though you can't get them from newegg. it's probably worth it to get quiet fans.

case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119068

better power supply (500w, 3 year warranty, nice led fans)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182044

 

[emp]

SAPPHIRE 100176L Radeon X1950PRO 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102061

Linkworld 617-C.88-P4 Gray/Beige Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case 250W Power Supply - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811164011

AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Brisbane 2.3GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 Processor - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103776&Tpk=4400%252b

GIGABYTE GA-M61SME-S2 Socket AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128045

Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822144415

A-DATA Value Series 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211165

Antec NeoHE 430 ATX12V 430W Power Supply 100Vac to 240Vac +/- 10% UL, CUL, TUV, CE, FCC, CCC, CB, C-tick - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817103939

Don't even bother thinking that the 8600GT is DX10 capable, because it's nowhere near fast enough to render the DX10 eyecandy at decent framerates :roll:

Sacrificed a bit on some areas to get 2GB of ram instead of 1, a faster CPU, a much better PSU (Modular BTW!), and somewhat better GPU

 

[kevin28282]

Hi,

Thanks for your input, I appreciate it a lot =] But I was wondering what your reasoning was for picking

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814102061

instead of what I had picked out

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814150230

Just curious is all. I don't plan on doing too hardcore gaming, probably WoW and SC2 when it comes out =P

 

[emp]

I believe the X1950Pro is a faster DX9 alternative than the 8600GT (If memory serves me correct the X1950Pro performance is about the same as 8600GTS), now Starcraft 2 is still TBA, meaning that who knows what kind of specs it'll need to run properly, so if you're not planning on upgrading, you should get the better performing card and ignore DX10 for now

 

[gatoatigrado]

um, why is starcraft 2 the deciding factor for a graphics card?

It depends on your resolution whether you should get the dx9 card or the dx10 card. If you prefer graphics with higher resolution and less shader detail, the directx 9 card is better. I guess I would rather have better looking shaders with a bit less sharp edges and textures, but it depends on what type of games you play. For a rts like starcraft it might give you an advantage to have higher resolution, because they usually let you see more.

as I said, DirectX 10 has features which should actually make DirectX 10 versions faster. The API reduces CPU overhead with efficient instancing draw calls, better occlusion (I forget the technical details), and geometry shaders, which can reduce the cpu load. of course you can point at incarnations like call of juarez which are slow and crappy, but I am guessing later games will use it better.

 

[kevin28282]

so uh. what would you recommend?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16814102061

or

http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16814150230

or another card that doesn't cost more than 110

 

[emp]

um, why is starcraft 2 the deciding factor for a graphics card?

It depends on your resolution whether you should get the dx9 card or the dx10 card. If you prefer graphics with higher resolution and less shader detail, the directx 9 card is better. I guess I would rather have better looking shaders with a bit less sharp edges and textures, but it depends on what type of games you play. For a rts like starcraft it might give you an advantage to have higher resolution, because they usually let you see more.

as I said, DirectX 10 has features which should actually make DirectX 10 versions faster. The API reduces CPU overhead with efficient instancing draw calls, better occlusion (I forget the technical details), and geometry shaders, which can reduce the cpu load. of course you can point at incarnations like call of juarez which are slow and crappy, but I am guessing later games will use it better.

That is just based on theory and marketing gimmicks, remains to be seen for now. If you try to make a more objective judgment with what we have currently seen, you have to agree that DX10 performance is piss poor, especially on that crap that nvidia and amd are calling midrange DX10 cards. My 2 cents are get the X1950Pro and if you REALLY want Dx10, then just get next generation cards.

 

[gatoatigrado]

That is just based on theory and marketing gimmicks, remains to be seen for now. If you try to make a more objective judgment with what we have currently seen, you have to agree that DX10 performance is piss poor, especially on that crap that nvidia and amd are calling midrange DX10 cards. My 2 cents are get the X1950Pro and if you REALLY want Dx10, then just get next generation cards.

You aren't making as much of a distinction between argument and adding to a discussion--perhaps my posts weren't as neutral/informative as I intended. Though these are actual features in DirectX 10, you may be very correct that they won't ever lead to better performance. I just said why I would get a 8600gt, not why it's better, or why I think kevin28282 should. In fact, I would agree with your recommendation for a x1950 here.

good picks imo, but if you are willing to spend $576 you can get this

COOLER MASTER Centurion 5 CAC-T05-UW Black Aluminum Bezel, SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
$44.99

Western Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
$51.99

GIGABYTE GA-M61SME-S2 Socket AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
$52.99

EVGA 320-P2-N811-AR GeForce 8800GTS 320MB GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate
$279.99

Rosewill Stallion Series RD500-2-DB ATX V2.2 500W Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16817182044
$15.00 Mail-in Rebate
$57.99

Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model BL2KIT12864AA804 - Retail
Item #: N82E16820146565
Return Policy: Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy
$45.00 Mail-in Rebate
$114.99

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ Brisbane 1.9GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADO3600DDBOX - Retail
Item #: N82E16819103046
Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
$63.99

Subtotal: $656.93