Advice on barebone or buying parts

rjo98

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I'm attempting to build a computer from scratch. I'll have to do it over a couple months for fiscal reasons. Looking around I can buy the following for $200, then I think I just need RAM and a hard drive as I can transfer my Windows XP not OEM license from my dead computer to my new computer, and i already have a monitor keyboard mouse from my old computer. I think that's kinda an old processor, right? Or is that an OK price for that stuff and I should go for it? it doesn't say what model motherboard it is unfortunately.


Intel Dual Core 2200
ATX 400w Case
Gigabyte Motherboard
 
Solution
I found an even better deal on the graphics card - same BFG GTS 250 card - but with 1 GB memory instead of only 512 MB and for only $117 after mail in rebate and including shipping. So more memory for $13 less.

BFG GTS 250 1GB PCI-Express Video Card - $110 AR plus $7 shipping
http://www.frys.com/product/5866223?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

However it is only available for backorder so you might have to wait a little to get it - you can call them and see if they have a date. Or if you live near one of their stores, the local store might have it - several stores in San Jose where I live have it.

rockyjohn

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Your also need to provide more specific information about the components in the possible $200 purchase as the specific models make a huge difference in value. Iis the processor an e2200 or is 2200 the speed of the processor? What case and PSU? Mobo? Are these new or used components? If you can't find out these things I would pass on the deal.

Are you sure you can transfer your OS? Is your O/S from the old computer from a retail box edition, OEM, or did it come with a computer system?

If you are trying to get into something cheaply over time, what else can you reuse from the old computer? What went bad on it? What about replacing what went bad and upgrading - even if it is the mobo, cpu, memory it might enable reusing the case, PSU, video card, DVD, and OS - until you can upgrade them.
 

rjo98

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Hi everybody. I know the components are new, i just got emailed about it with those limited details. either way I'm starting to think its not a good deal if i'm getting that older processor, case, PSU, and mobo with onboard everything. something just doesn't seem right, or i have the bad feeling in a year or two i'd be kicking myself.

Yes, I confirmed I can transfer the OS, it wasn't OEM or preloaded with the computer.

The old computer is a P4 3.4GHZ with a very small power supply (remember from when i was looking into video cards) 1GB stick plus two 256MB sticks of DDR PC3200, and a hard drive with a growing number of bad sectors. I'm not positive but I think all my stuff is so old or beaten down (hard drive) that I have to start all new. Plus it has a 256MB PCI video card. Right now all the computer is used for is internet, writing papers, and playing the Sims 2 which is slow but playable.

I'm not trying to be totally cheap, but I don't have a lot of cash right now so if i can build something to last a few years that'd be great.
 

rockyjohn

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In the low budget category, often you can find the best deals by buying a system on sale at the local computer store.

Examples from Frys -

Compaq with Athlon II X2 240, 3 GB RAM, 500 GB HD, onboard graphics and Win 7 - $330
http://newspaperads.mercurynews.com/ROP/ads.aspx?advid=32664&adid=8826296&subid=28126726&type=

emachines with E5400 dual core processor with 4 GB RAM, 750 GB HD, and Win 7 - $350
http://newspaperads.mercurynews.com/ROP/ads.aspx?advid=32664&adid=8815768&subid=28086615&type=



 

rjo98

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Yeah, you're right, that is a good deal. I could probably throw an inexpensive video card in there and would have no problems whatsoever. I doubt I could reuse my current one. Thanks for the advice.

I'm just worried about Windows 7, as a lot of the software I have is older. It works great on XP but I'm afraid if I go to 7, I won't be able to use much of it without issues. I guess I could install my copy of XP on the machine?
 

rjo98

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Hey RockyJohn. I found out details on that barebones. Intel Dual Core 5200 (2.5GHz), Gigabyte G31-ES2L motherboard (or asus equivalent), and a
choice of several ATX cases for $199.

What other stores other than Frys could I look at for a complete unit? I dont think I've ever seen a Frys store before.
 

rjo98

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Hi guys. It's a little more than I originally planned on spending, but OfficeMax has a P6330F on sale for $600.
What do you think of that? I think this would last me a lot longer since it's got a much newer processor in it. I know I'd have to add a video card in there eventually, not sure what kind though would be best.
 

rockyjohn

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If you are ready to spend $600 for system without a graphics card then you might consider the following - or at least compare with the Office Max sysem:

CPU
AMD Athlon II X4 620 Propus 2.6GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor – Retail - $99 and free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103706

Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-MA785GT-UD3H AM3 AMD 785G HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail - $95 AR + $8 shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128411

Memory
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL8D-4GBHK – Retail - $109 with free shipping
Timings 8-8-8-21
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231189

Graphics Card
ASUS ENGTS250/DI/512MD3 GeForce GTS 250 512MB 256-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card - Retail - $110 AR plus $7 shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121328

Case
Antec Two Hundred Black ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail - $50 AR and + $15 shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

PSU
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7 -– Retail $40 AR + $6 shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016&cm_re=ocz_power_supply-_-17-341-016-_-Product

Hard Drive
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive - $55 and free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395

DVD RW
Pioneer Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 40X CD-R 32X CD-RW 2MB Cache SATA CD/DVD Burner LabelFlash Support - OEM - $35 and free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129045

Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders – OEM - $105 with free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754


Total Cost AR
System after rebates but no operating system, no graphics card and before taxes - $512
Operating System - $105
Suggested graphics card $117


 

rockyjohn

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Just a few comments about the PC you selected:

CPU - the i3-530 is one of the newly released mainstream CPUs and I have no idea how fast it is relative to application performance

CASE - small case, won't handle real large graphics cards

Memory - uses 3 sticks - don't know what this says about dual-channel memory, but obviously at least part is not working in dual channel, which means slower performance

Graphics - only states " Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD" is Intel's integrated graphics solution - but does not tell what model it is and therefore how powerful it is - although this does not matter if you are planning to put in a video card from the start

PSU - only 300w. This is one of the big issues with purchased systems and will require upgrading to 450w to 500w before getting a good graphics card. If you can find a system with at least 350w could limp by with basic graphics card. Here are HP specs:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01969881&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

Good price though - newegg is selling it for $670 plus shipping:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883147093
 

rjo98

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Thanks rockyjohn. That's the part I'm worried about, is having a small power supply. I did like that it was using the newer Intel CPU, even if its only i3 compared to i5 or i7 which are sure are loads better. Kinda sounds like its not so great of a deal if the case is small and if the power supply would have to be replaced anyway to put a decent graphics card in there.

My big problem is knowing what to buy that will work together, not doing the actualy physical putting together. Like how big is a big enough power supply, what components will work with what, what kind of graphics card to buy. Guess I'm stuck to grunt work haha.
 

rockyjohn

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Its really not that hard.

The graphics cards generally state the minimum PSU requirement - but it you are planning to use only 1 card then 450w to 500w is generally ample.

For which graphics cards, just look at the THG recommendations on what to buy at different budget levels.:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card,2521.html

Pick about where you think you might be and then see what gaming level that buys by looking on the THG for that card and maybe the one above and below and compare and adjust:

http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/gaming-graphics-charts-2009/benchmarks,54.html

And just look at some of the instructions and model builds - see the top four stickies on this page:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/forum-31-322.html

And these model builds:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/269162-31-recommended-builds-usage
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/build-your-own-pc,9482.html

To narrow it down further and see recommendations for specific components, just to to the Homebuilt forum and read some of the posts by people asking for reviews and recommandations on systems near your budget level.
 

rjo98

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Thanks. I just spent some time reading them. After looking some more, I think I'll be able to spend 500-600 max. It looks like the last gaming computer they built was 700, which is out of my range. It doesn't need to play any intense games, just Sims 2 and maybe some sports games.

Also, another question, if I put XP on the system, will the newer processor perform not as good as with a new copy of Windows 7.
 

rockyjohn

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Windows 7 would be a little faster - but not enough for you to worry about. Much better to spend any additional funds on getting a faster processor or graphics card rather than new OS. \Although XP is no longer supported by Windows, I beleive, other than providing continuing security updates. And in a few years those will stop at which time you should migrate over if still on XP.

In the $500 to $600 range, the best option still might be to purchase a system for $400, upgrade the PSU for $50, and spend $100 on a basic graphics card for a total of about $550.
 

rjo98

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I should probably just go with Windows 7 to start with then probably.

The computer i was going to replace actually stopped working last night, so now I'm really in a pickle. I think I might just have to buy that one from OfficeMax for now. Then do the PSU and video card later, or next month and skip buying groceries for a couple weeks :) What kind of power supply and graphics card do you think would be my best bet to put in that HP from OfficeMax? with the small power supply i'm sure it wouldn't be worth it to try to find a graphics card that would work with that small power supply.
 

rjo98

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I tried looking through all the salespapers for stores in the area, that seemed to be about the best one for my price range, minus the PSU and video card. the real unfortunate thing is that i have to have a working computer on thursday, so i'm rushed.
 

rockyjohn

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Here is another PC you might consider - although it needs to be shipped and would cost even more to have by Thursday - with a quad core processor, 430w PSU -so it should accommodate a moderate mainstream card - and already has a low end nVidia GT 220 card installed:

CyberpowerPC Gamer Infinity 3315 Core 2 Quad Q8200(2.33GHz) 4GB DDR2 500GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 220 Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit - Retail - $590 + $25 shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229124

edit: I just checked and the $25 shipping is for guaranteed 3 day shipping - $52 for 2 day shipping.
 

rjo98

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Thanks RockyJohn, I didn't see this till today. I'm going to ask a few people if I can borrow an old computer for a week or two, just so i'm not screwed for Thursday.
I wanted to take my time and do the right thing with this, and that computer dying really isn't allowing me to do that.
Who knows, maybe if i can get a loaner that will allow me to save an extra hundred or two and get something better. Thanks again for all your help. Ideally, what size PSU should I be looking for?