Typical first time build questions

jimjag

Honorable
Oct 5, 2012
13
0
10,510
This is my first computer build and I'm pretty tight on funds (I only have around $500)
Im going to be getting an old dell xps 400 for free so i'm going to try and use as many parts as i can from that (not many)

The only thing I'm really going to use are basics like operating system, hard drive, monitor, mouse, optical drive, and keyboard
Now heres the stuff I think im gunna buy. If you see any compatibility problems or if you know any cheaper/better parts please reply. Thanks in advance.

Computer i'll be getting http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xps400/sm/specs.htm

New Parts:
Motherboard/Cpu: I'm thinkin either
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1824468&CatId=14
or
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2204333&csid=_61
(is the extra money worth the upgrade?)
~~~
PSU/case
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4249649&Sku=M69-0057
or
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4959331&csid=_61
~~~~
Video Card: Im thinking either
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3995578&csid=_22
or
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=86839&CatId=3669
(The fact they look the same is just a coincidence i dont care how it looks obviously, also the Wattage on the Radeon HD 7770 seems to be a lot more and when combined with the better CPU they are right on the limit of the PSUs im looking at. Is that a problem?)
~~~
RAM
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1412135&CatId=4534
 
I don't recommend tiger direct's Ultra power supplies. They tend to be somewhat bargain basement. what parts from the XPS 400 will you be using? (i'm guessing Hard drive, DVD burner, and maybe ram?).

the 4100 and A6-3500 are both not great choices. the 7770 is much better than the 550ti, and 700W is close to double what either will need.

here's my suggestion for $500:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3330 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B75M-D3V Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 7770 1GB Video Card ($103.98 @ NCIX US)
Case: Rosewill FBM-01 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $487.91
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)