$300 Basic Build

[plaza80]

I'm sick of my sorry old computer and need to build one. The sooner the better, like today haha. I already got monitor, keyboard, and mouse, so basically just the desk top. Would like to purchase through newegg.com. Whoever that is going to piece up the list, I would like to request a 4gb memory. Mostly just using it for surfing, downloading, burning, photoshop, and microsoft office.

I'm guessing this is my need to get list:
Case
power supply
memory
hard drive
motherboard
DVD Writer

Sorry, but I'm a complete noob when it comes to computer. I saw an cheap build thread a month ago but now some of the combo and deals are obsolete so I can't go off of that. I would like somebody to peice me a setup that will handle my simple needs. Thanks in advance.

Approximate Purchase Date: ASAP


Budget Range: (300-350) After Rebates


System Usage from Most to Least Important: (surfing the internet, watching movies, music, basics)


Parts Not Required: (keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS)


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: (newegg.com)


Country of Origin: ( US)


Parts Preferences: by brand or type (none)


Overclocking: no


SLI or Crossfire: no


Monitor Resolution: (1024x768)


Additional Comments:

 

[damasvara]

Well, for $300, a dual core CPU and a low end GPU would fit the budget perfectly.

I'm starting to get a de ja vu feeling about this $300 build... :lol:

For price, the AMD platform is the better option. With 300 bucks, you can get a decently clocked dual core CPU and better performing IGP. But since you do graphic, an IGP just won't cut it.

So here's the big picture:

Motherboard: If you're not a power user, get a basic motherboard with just 2 slots of DDR3 RAM (max. 8GB), it's usually cheap, around $50. ASRock usually made fine yet cheap ones. I recommend the ASRock 770DE3L model.

GPU: A simple 512MB HD4650 should give you enough edge before you decided to upgrade. It should also be around $40.

Memory: A value 4GB of DDR3 RAM costs around $50. Don't mind using heat spreaders if you don't OC.

DVD RW: Any will do. It's cheap anyway. Costs around $15

HDD: A 500GB costs nearly as cheap as the 250-320GB, so you might want to get one. In this case, bigger is ALWAYS better. Should be around $40.

PSU: A standard 350-400W from reputable brand should power up the rig nicely. Get a cheap but trustworthy one from FSP, Enermax or Thermaltake. Seasonic would be better, but just get the cheapest from any reputable brand. It should cost no more than $40, make that $30 (AcBel's 350W CE2 series) if you're lucky.

Case: Any will do: A $40-50 standard case is more than enough for such basic rig. Even a $20 one if you're tight on budget (HINT: I build 4 Internet cafe PCs using $10 cases, but keep it a secret, okay? ). But if you don't mind using old parts, just use your old case. Same goes for your HDD and ODD if you have any.

Finally, the CPU: Get at least a n Athlon 2.8GHz II X2 240, the higher model the better. Buy the fastest your budget permits you. It should be around $50. I heard they even sell them for $40 somewhere, but definitely not in my country.

There you have it. With a little bit of luck, you can even get those parts under $300. I heard US is famous for cheap computer parts, you can use that to your advantage.

You're probably wondering, why didn't I give you any links to Newegg? Simply because I don't buy from them. More like can't, since I'm not from US. So I guess you just gotta hunt those combo offers and discounts by yourself.

Good luck!

 

[Guest]

NZXT GAMMA Classic Series GAMA-001BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811146061
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$49.99
$39.99


SAMSUNG Spinpoint F4 HD322GJ/U 320GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822152244
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
$42.99


ASRock M3A770DE AM3 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813157176
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$59.99


PowerColor AX4650 1GBK3-H Radeon HD 4650 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
Item #: N82E16814131360
Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
-$15.00 Instant
$64.99
$49.99


Antec EarthWatts Green EA-380D Green 380W Continuous power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power ...
Item #: N82E16817371033
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
-$15.00 Instant
$15.00 Mail-in Rebate
$59.99
$44.99


CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMX4GX3M2A1600C9
Item #: N82E16820145260
Return Policy: Memory Standard Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$59.99
$49.99


AMD Athlon II X3 450 Rana 3.2GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor ADX450WFGMBOX
Item #: N82E16819103886
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
Protect Your Investment (expand for options)
$79.00
Subtotal: $343 AR

 

[plaza80]

Thanks a ton.

Anyone has more input, would like to see all my options before I start ordering tomorrow.

 

[plaza80]

Best answer selected by plaza80.