Suggestions for a Budget PC (First Build)

[Megasonic988]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: In the next few months BUDGET RANGE: $500-600 CAD

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Experimenting with overclock, just to simply build my first computer

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg.ca/tigerdirect.ca (Only Canadian sites), or www.memoryexpress.com

PARTS PREFERENCES: Since it's my first build, I don't want to get top notch parts and preferably like to get parts from www.memoryexpress.com which is a computer parts store in my city.

OVERCLOCKING: Yes, maybe to a 3.2/3.4 Ghz

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Nope

MONITOR RESOLUTION: Anything really, probably 1024x768

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Again, preferably from www.memoryexpress.com and maybe some online parts. I'm looking for bang for the buck, not performance. Tell me if parts aren't compatible, bad quality, terrible, sucky, retarded etc. I don`t need a graphics card- the IGP is fine.

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Gigabyte GA-MA785GM-US2H w/ Radeon HD 4200, DualDDR2 1066, 7.1 Audio, Gigabit Lan, 1394, Hybrid CrossFireX, HDMI-
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX25389(ME).aspx

Antec Three Hundred-
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX20934(ME).aspx

AMD Athlon™ II X2 240 Dual-Core 2.8GHz w/ 2MB Cache (Retail Box, Socket AM3)-
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX25424(ME).aspx

Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro Rev.2 CPU Cooler- http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX25728(ME).aspx

SEAGATE 500GB Barracuda 7200.12 SATA II w/ 16MB Cache-
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX23454(ME).aspx

Crucial Ballistix 2GB PC2-6400 Dual Channel DDR2 Kit (2 x 1GB)
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX22329(ME).aspx

Samsung SH-S223L 22x DVD-Writer, SATA w/ Lightscribe Black-
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX25485(ME).aspx

Corsair CMPSU-400CX 400 Watt w/ 120mm Fan
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX22031(ME).aspx

Scythe KAMA Flow-2 80mm Silent Case Fan
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX26949(ME).aspx

 

[djg9205]

Well, everything you've listed here will technically work, yes. That AM3 CPU will work in your AM2+ board, and since the AM3 processors include with DDR2 and DDR3 memory controllers, the DDR2 you've listed will also work. The board and power supply will both fit in your case, and the power supply has plenty enough power for your components.

However, with the kind of system it seems your looking to build (very low budget), I would question getting any sort of aftermarket CPU cooler at all. Your processor should come with it's own stock aluminum heat sink and fan, completely with pre-applied thermal paste.

Edit: If suppose if you're just trying to try out building a computer for the first time, learning how to install an aftermarket CPU cooler, complete with brackets and whatnot might be useful.

 

[MadAdmiral]

You don't really need the extra case fan.

I'm with djg. It's not a good idea to be using DDR2. And it's not the AM3 CPU that makes you need DDR2, it's the AM2 board. I would pick up a true AM3 board (it just lists AM3, not AM3/AM2+/AM2). They're not much more expensive, and allow you to use DDR3.

The cooler is not that great. If you insist on having on, get the Coolermaster Hyper 212. It should be about the same price, but this one is one of the best avialable. This is something you can leave off until you get to the point of wanting to overclock.

 

[Megasonic988]

Best answer selected by Megasonic988.