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Is this okay computer for 400 dollars?

Forum Homebuilt Systems : New System Build - Is this okay computer for 400 dollars?

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PC CASE - Cooler Master Centurion 5 ATX Mid Tower Case - $54.99

INTERNAL HARD DRIVE - Western Digital 500 GB Caviar Black SATA HDD - $64.00

DVD/CD Burning Drive - Samsung cd drive - $31

PROCESSOR - Intel Pentium Dual-Core E5200 Processor, 2.5 GHz - 63.99

MOTHERBOARD - GIGABYTE GA-EP43-UD3L Motherboard - $65.00

MEMORY/RAM - Corsair XMS2 4 GB (2 X 2 GB) PC2-6400 800 MHz 240-PIN DDR2 Dual-Channel Memory Kit - $82

POWER SUPPLY - Thermaltake W0070RUC TR2 Series 430W Power Supply with 2 Fans - $40.00

Are these parts good for the price?

the graphics card I'll be using is a nvidia geforce 8800GT is it any good? My cousin gave it to me.

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Looks good to me, but I'd get some cheaper RAM (G.Skill, maybe?) and grab an Antec Earthwatts PSU. I'm not sure on the quality of Thermaltake's power supplies.

Reply to Fortunex

I would suggest this 400watt Corsair power supply over the Thermaltake. It's a much higher quality power supply and has more usable power even if it's rated 30w less. If the Corsair isn't available look at Antec/OCZ /Seasonic or PC Power and Cooling.

$49 and a $10 rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139008

Try to get a SATA DVD/CD burner in case that one is an IDE.

The 8800GT is good mid level graphic card.

Reply to dirtmountain

Agree about the PSU. Here's some cheaper RAM
CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820145238

Also, this HDD is faster, cheaper
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] f3%20500gb

Finally, this case has better cooling
Rosewill R901-P BK Triple 120mm Cooling Fan, Mesh Design Front Panel, ATX Mid Tower
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811147125

Reply to jbakerlent

@Turdle

 

Skip LGA775. It is a dead end. Instead, look for Athlon II Quads.

 

I would find u some links if my Internet wasn't shaped. I'll leave this to others :)

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by alikum on 11-03-2009 at 04:17:16 PM
Reply to alikum

alikum wrote :

@Turdle

Skip LGA775. It is a dead end. Instead, look for Athlon II Quads.

I could find u some links if my Internet isn't shaped. I'll leave this to others :)



I would agree. that E5200 is weak. LGA 775 has nothing on AM3 and 1156.

Reply to masterasia

Atm u can grab an Athlon II X3 for around $87, and nothing comes even close to that for price/performance, and they are relatively low power so u dont need a monster PS.

Reply to Hopar

Thanks alot guys! Is the 8800GT any good? Is it better than the ati radeon xpress 200 256mb I'm using atm? And how much power does it require? Lastly will the computer handle left 4 dead, call of duty, etc without lag?



Thanks!

Reply to Anonymous

The 8800GT uses about 100 watts at full load. Any quality 400w power supply (or the antec earthwatts 380w) will handle it easily. It's a good mid range card, about equal to the 4830.

http://www.anandtech.com/video/sho [...] =3658&p=12

Reply to dirtmountain

First of all, switch to an amd build. Better performance for the same price. Intel doesn't lead in the best bang for the buck market, since your budget is relatively low.

 

Second of all, can you edit your post in this format?
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] ild-advice

 

Lastly, get this hard drive.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] f3%20500gb


Message edited by overshocks on 11-04-2009 at 07:19:35 AM
------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

Your system is good enough for at least one to two more full years. However I'd suggest you save up and sell your "free" graphics card" and buy a newer GTX275 or GTX285. Then your system will last the full2-3 more years. Don't listen to others as LGA775 isnt totally dead yet as you can eventually upgrade to a Core2quad before your system becomes obsolete. If you use Windows 7 then its fine for now...

You will be able to play many newer games with a new GPU. The 8800gt is a middle ranged card as I had that with my current system and replaced it with a 9800GTX+. One last question... is your PSU rated 80plus? If so, then your system can handle a single GTX285. If not, then Id say you may eventually need to change your PSU as well to further extend your current builds life to 3 years..... with upgraded parts. I always believe one should max their systems out totally until its time to truly upgrade and change PCs. Meaning buy the best possible parts for the best prices.

Reply to liquidsnake718

^Lol, you just contradicted yourself.

 

"Don't listen to others as LGA775 isnt totally dead yet as you can eventually upgrade to a Core2quad before your system becomes obsolete."

 

Why should he listen to you? Can you provide evidence LGA775 is not dying? Intel is discontinuing LGA775, therefore it is dead.

 

"I always believe one should max their systems out totally until its time to truly upgrade and change PCs. Meaning buy the best possible parts for the best prices."

 

For his budget, the "best possible parts for the best prices" is an amd build.

 

Why did you even suggest a GTX285 when you don't even know his resolution? When you could get a 5850 for cheaper and performs better, just have to find one in stock. Also no point in getting gtx 275 when 4890 is a lot cheaper. Again, we don't even know his resolution, so it's pointless.


Message edited by overshocks on 11-04-2009 at 08:21:11 AM
------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

Depending on your resolution, 5770 should be a good buy if you play medium setting at 1920x1080 or lower. This is just a general guide and may not apply in every situation.

If you have the money, invest in a 5850 and you will never regret. Like what overshocks said, nVidia's cards are just very expensive at the moment whereas for the same performance, Ati charges cheaper. Ignore liquidsnake's comment about LGA775. Right now, at your budget, AMD is good to go.

Reply to alikum

So would a AMD Athlon II 2x 2.8 ghz be better than the intel? I'm trying to keep the price as low as possible.

Reply to Anonymous

Anonymous wrote :

So would a AMD Athlon II 2x 2.8 ghz be better than the intel? I'm trying to keep the price as low as possible.

 

^Go for amd build, best price: performance for your budget


Message edited by overshocks on 11-04-2009 at 09:40:38 PM
------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

What i'd suggest:

Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B - OEM
Item #: N82E16827118030
$27.99

COOLER MASTER Elite RC-332-KKN1-GP Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811119189
$49.99

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822152181
$54.99

ECS Black Series A785GM-M AM3 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813135241
$99.99 -$15.00 Instant
$18.00 Mail-in Rebate13-135-241

$84.99

OCZ StealthXStream OCZ500SXS 500W ATX12V / EPS12V Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16817341012
$79.99 -$35.00 Instant
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card17-341-012

$44.99

OCZ Obsidian 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model OCZ3OB1600LV4GK - Retail
Item #: N82E16820227495
$93.99 -$10.00 Instant
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate Card20-227-495

$83.99

AMD Athlon II X2 250 Regor 3.0GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADX250OCGQBOX - Retail
Item #: N82E16819103681

$76.00


Total: 422.94
MIRs: - 58.00


Grand Total: 364.94

Comes in under $400 w/rebates, pretty good parts (all name brand), and what not.

YMMV

Reply to jcknouse

^ OK except for the motherboard - I just can't recommend ECS.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128397
and if you can afford it, then this RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231253
you could also drop down to a 240
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103688
and switch to this case for better cooling
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811147125

------------------------------ How To Ask For Build Advice
Homebuilt PC Buying Guide
Reply to jbakerlent

You can use this bench tool to compare CPUs. I used the AthlonIIx2 250 and the E5300 to get a balanced comparison since they don't have the x2 240 or 245 in their data base.

 

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/def [...] p=96&p2=98

 

For $125 a AthlonII x2 245 and a AM2+ 785G matx combo deal for less then the P43/E5200 you has listed
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.290477
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.290477


Message edited by dirtmountain on 11-04-2009 at 10:56:01 PM
Reply to dirtmountain

Since I'm probably going to switch to a AMD build and I can't find any mobos that use ddr2 I have to find different RAM. So I found these two

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231277

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820145260

Which one is better?

Reply to Anonymous

Anonymous wrote :

Since I'm probably going to switch to a AMD build and I can't find any mobos that use ddr2 I have to find different RAM. So I found these two

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231277

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820145260

Which one is better?



See above? I posted a nice set of RAM.

------------------------------ How To Ask For Build Advice
Homebuilt PC Buying Guide
Reply to jbakerlent

jbakerlent wrote :

See above? I posted a nice set of RAM.



Oh wow. Sorry, didn't notice that. Anyway, I will probably just get that. Thanks!

Reply to Anonymous

If possible, can you guys look for a amd motherboard that's around $60?

Would this be good? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 813157161R

Reply to Anonymous

Not a good one with onboard graphics, but here's a good one without IGP
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128392

------------------------------ How To Ask For Build Advice
Homebuilt PC Buying Guide
Reply to jbakerlent



Neither. This one is trusted. plus its only 4 $ more than then ones you suggested.
Antec earthwatts EA380 Continuous Power
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371005

Reply to akash3656

akash3656 wrote :

Neither. This one is trusted. plus its only 4 $ more than then ones you suggested.
Antec earthwatts EA380 Continuous Power
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371005



So if I get the antec and directly connect it to my 8800GT, there'll be no problems? Like the GT not getting enough power, Etc?

Reply to Anonymous

There shouldn't be a problem. And this PSU has an active PFC and 80+ certification that the other 2 PSU you suggested do not have. It will start up fine (the 8800GT).

Reply to akash3656

^There is a problem, the antec psu only has one 6pin connector. while the 8800gt needs a 6pin connector + 8 pin connector

http://www.nvidia.com/object/produ [...] gt_us.html

------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

WHOOPS sorry... damn... then this PSU should do overshocks?
OCZ StealthXStream OCZ500SXS 500W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] -_-Product

See, I'm not too good with the slightly old gen cards like ATI HD 2000, 3000 Nvidia 8000 series.to OP: Sorry

Reply to akash3656

The 8800GT only needs a single 6 pin connector. Unless you're talking about a 8800GTX? Can you look at the card and see?

Reply to dirtmountain

overshocks wrote :

^There is a problem, the antec psu only has one 6pin connector. while the 8800gt needs a 6pin connector + 8 pin connector

http://www.nvidia.com/object/produ [...] gt_us.html



Hey, wait a sec, a quick scan on newegg on 9800 GT (9800 gt is a renamed 8800 GT) says all have 1 PCIe power plug. Only SOME 9800 GTX+ needs the 2 pin. If that is so, OP pls check your graphic card and see how many power pins you have. Either

1. 6 pin
2. 6 pin + 8 pin
3. 2 X 6 pin

This is where USUALLY you can find the power pin requirement(in the red box):
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/6197/captureeep.jpg


Message edited by akash3656 on 11-05-2009 at 09:17:47 AM
Reply to akash3656

It only have one 6 pin so it should work fine right?

Reply to Anonymous

Umm..nvidia is stupid then, their website display faulty info. i'm going to file a lawsuit against them

 

http://www.nvidia.com/object/produ [...] gt_us.html

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by overshocks on 11-05-2009 at 10:38:09 PM
------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

overshocks wrote :

Umm..nvidia is stupid then, their website display faulty info. i'm going to file a lawsuit against them

http://www.nvidia.com/object/produ [...] gt_us.html



Lolz... :non: later they will sue ya back. BTW, a good video about sue-ing. SOrry for being off topic but, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09I4Mi5IUl4

Reply to akash3656

I just looked at the NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT site and it said it needed

Minimum System Power Requirement (W) 400 W

:[

Reply to Anonymous

Anonymous wrote :

I just looked at the NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT site and it said it needed

Minimum System Power Requirement (W) 400 W

:[



no the antec 380w is fine, if you don't overclock. they overrate the minimum requirement so people don't mess up.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817371005

------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

Okay then I pretty much got all the information I needed! Thanks everyone!

Reply to Anonymous

Anonymous wrote :

Okay then I pretty much got all the information I needed! Thanks everyone!



no problem. you can select me as best answer

------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

overshocks wrote :

no problem. you can select me as best answer



I....don't know how to do that. :lol:

Reply to Anonymous

LOL you should get an email in a week or two asking you to pick someone as the best answer. It's normally on the bottom of a post, just right of the quote button on the bottom right of the post box.

------------------------------ Antec 902 Mid-tower | MSI 790FX-70GD MOBO | Sapphire 4890 Toxic @ 1050/1135 | AMD Phenom II 955 @ 4.0ghz | Scythe Mugen 2 HSF | Mushkin 4GB DDR3 1600mhz 7-7-7-20 | Antec TruePower New 750W (Blue LED edition) | Western Digital Caviar Black 1 TB
Reply to kokin

overshocks wrote :

no problem. you can select me as best answer



LOL, of all the posters, you helped the least - you misinformed the OP about the PSU and hardly contributed anything. And what's up with you being so selfish anyways. On every post you tell them to select you as best answer, and you even put it in your signature!

Reply to jbl91

jbl91 wrote :

LOL, of all the posters, you helped the least - you misinformed the OP about the PSU and hardly contributed anything. And what's up with you being so selfish anyways. On every post you tell them to select you as best answer, and you even put it in your signature!

 

Misinformed? Buddy look at the nvidia site, who's misinforming who?
You coming here and bashing? Nice contribution. Plain pathetic I would say.

 

I hardly contributed? I was here at the beginning of the thread, and you?


Message edited by overshocks on 11-06-2009 at 07:22:49 AM
------------------------------ You can select me as Best Answer
e6400 oc'd 3.2ghz,CCF cooler
3870x2, p5k/epu
750watts psu, antec 900
Reply to overshocks

It is pretty sad to ask the OP to pick you as "best answer". They can decide that on their own. It just makes you look desperate. I've certainly never asked to be picked as best answer. Giving good advice will allow that to happen on its own. Being selected as "best answer" should be earned, not demanded.


Message edited by shortstuff_mt on 11-06-2009 at 07:12:19 PM
Reply to shortstuff_mt
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