I have built numerous PC's back in my college days, but its been a few years since I have read or messed around with anything. Currently have a older system I built many years ago.
AMD 3000+ Barton
1.5 Gig of DDR
200 Gig HD IDE
120 Gig HD IDE
80 Gig HD IDE
CD/DVD Burner IDE
ATI 92xx AGP Card
Windows XP
The systems has been giving me issues over the last few months and its coming down to motherboard. At this point I am ready to upgrade. I have been happy with the performance, but as with anything I would like more. The problem is most of my components are older and outdated.
I am looking to build a budget system around $300 or less. The main programs I use are Photoshop CS3, but the majority of the work I do in it is simple color correction or cropping, nothing extensive. I have and listen to alot of MP3s, but again nothing extensive as far as processing. I do run so photo and video software, but this is rare. I work at a office that uses AutoCAD ALL DAY and I sometimes have to bring work home. But the old PC did everything I wanted find, so I dont feel speed will be a issue.
Looking for recommendations on what to use for a budget build. I have been thinking of a Intel E5400, but my coworkers say go with the AMD AM3 series. I have always built AMD systems, but would be interested in doing a intel is the $$ is right.
KEY thing is I want a rock solid stable system. Dont mind buying older technology as long as it does the job. The last system has served me well and I hope the next will do the same.
Beening looking at
Intell E5400
Basic board with onboard graphics/audio
4 gigs of DDR2 1060 (some say I should stay with 3)
Sata HD in the 200-400 gig range
maybe a big heatsink to keep it cool and quite
Same software (Windows XP)
AMD 3000+ Barton
1.5 Gig of DDR
200 Gig HD IDE
120 Gig HD IDE
80 Gig HD IDE
CD/DVD Burner IDE
ATI 92xx AGP Card
Windows XP
The systems has been giving me issues over the last few months and its coming down to motherboard. At this point I am ready to upgrade. I have been happy with the performance, but as with anything I would like more. The problem is most of my components are older and outdated.
I am looking to build a budget system around $300 or less. The main programs I use are Photoshop CS3, but the majority of the work I do in it is simple color correction or cropping, nothing extensive. I have and listen to alot of MP3s, but again nothing extensive as far as processing. I do run so photo and video software, but this is rare. I work at a office that uses AutoCAD ALL DAY and I sometimes have to bring work home. But the old PC did everything I wanted find, so I dont feel speed will be a issue.
Looking for recommendations on what to use for a budget build. I have been thinking of a Intel E5400, but my coworkers say go with the AMD AM3 series. I have always built AMD systems, but would be interested in doing a intel is the $$ is right.
KEY thing is I want a rock solid stable system. Dont mind buying older technology as long as it does the job. The last system has served me well and I hope the next will do the same.
Beening looking at
Intell E5400
Basic board with onboard graphics/audio
4 gigs of DDR2 1060 (some say I should stay with 3)
Sata HD in the 200-400 gig range
maybe a big heatsink to keep it cool and quite
Same software (Windows XP)