Planning out a decent and cheap build.

[SetZ]

Hello! I registered to this website just recently because I noticed that there are a lot of enthusiastic people around here that are helpful with computer stuff.

I just finished planning out a custom pc to build. Our family needs a new desktop to use and my parents are on a tight budget so I figured out to build one instead of buying ready-to-use ones because they're cheaper.

Anyways, this is the build:

Processor: AMD Phenom II X3 700e CPU
Motherboard: Biostar N68S+ Motherboard - GeForce 7025, Socket AM2+, USB, LAN, PCIe, MicroATX
RAM 1: Patriot 2048MB PC6400 DDR2 Memory
RAM 2: Additional 1 x Patriot 2048MB PC6400 DDR2 Memory = $29.97.
Graphics Card: On board (nVIDIA GeForce 7025)
Hard Drive: Seagate 500GB Barracuda SATA 6Gbps Hard Drive
Case: DiabloTek Elite 450W PSU ATX Mid Tower Case
Power Supply: Included in case (450 W)

All of these above (except the additional memory) are part of a barebone kit I found in tigerdirect's website at a cost of CDN $241.99.
Link: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=356624&sku=B69-0361

Cooling: 2 x Masscool 120mm Fan = $10.99
Link: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5472212&sku=S457-1054%20A

DVD Burner: LG GH24NS50R 24x Internal CD/DVD Drive = $18.97
Link: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=426314&sku=L49-1059%20OEM

Final Price (tax & shipping included): CDN $362.24

The unit would we used for everyday general uses, some photo and video editing (im okay with not so blazingly fast speeds ), watching movies, and moderate gaming in moderate settings.

Kso yeah, I did not actually build the majority of the parts myself but whatever, I found out that using the barebone kit to build a working desktop was cheaper. I want to know if I could still possibly lower the overall price while improving the build or even improve the build, pay more slightly, and save. Anyways,any further suggestions or comments from any of you guys would be much appreciated.


Again, any comment or help is welcome. Thank you!

 

[rvilkman]

Here is a little bit more recent build. While obviously it costs a little more, you would probably be happier with it.
You can probably switch the CPU to the A6 to save a $20.

DVD: Asus 24x DVD+/-RW $19.99
PSU: Corsair Builder CX430 $51.99 ( before $20 MIR )
Case: Cooler Master RC310 $45.99
HDD: WD Blue 500Gb $39.99
MB: ECS Socket FM1 $79.99
CPU/APU: A8 3850 $139.99
Memory: Ultra 2x2Gb Cas9 1600Mhz $57.99
Total: $435.85

Would basically bring you to 2011 with DX11 graphics, Sata 6Gb/s and USB3.

But in the end it is more expensive, but just giving you ideas

 

[4745454b]

The main problem I see with your build is the Diablotek PSU. To say they are junk is a massive understatement. I can show you reviews where their PSUs shut down after outputting only half of what they should be able to do. At the very least, get a different PSU. Only other issue I see is the onboard video probably won't handle "moderate gaming in moderate settings".

 

[SetZ]

Best answer selected by SetZ.