Me needs a C2D Build for March

[sasquatch12]

Yes March is 2 months away but Im one of those people that like to have a plan. My budget is $700 and im looking for C2D Build that I can OC a bit (nothing extreme). I Dont need a monitor or Keyboard+mouse but i do need the OS. I play games like BF2/Quake/CoH/Oblivion. Thanks.

 

[akhilles]

Build around this:

http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/GUIDE-3GHz-Core-Duo-System-631-ftopict205223.html

 

[drummerdude]

except get a better graphics card

 

[cattbert]

Good idea to start looking for deals early. If you do not care about getting a flashy looking case, there is a great deal at Fry's right now:

Ultra mid-tower case for free after a $40.00 rebate (with free shipping):
http://shop3.outpost.com/product/5124886?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

I got the same one for a budget build for my sister and it worked fine (no sharp edges and both sides come off for easy installation of the drives). It has front USB and firewire. I did get the rebate after the 6-8 weeks. You do need to buy a case fan separately, but I think that is a good thing as you can pick out something quiet.

As to the power supply, Fry's also has a good deal on an Antec True Power Trio TP3-650 ATX12V for $60 (incl. s&h) after a $40 rebate:
http://shop1.outpost.com/product/4947861

The same power supply is $110 ($130-$20rebate) at newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817371001

and has good reviews by newegg posters.

 

[sasquatch12]

Thanks, keep em coming.

 

[drummerdude]

you need to come up with something too and then we can actually get somewhere

 

[akhilles]

you need to come up with something too and then we can actually get somewhere

Best quote of the day. Some don't even use the search.

 

[sasquatch12]

Hey sorry I took so long to reply. These are the parts I have came up with.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E4300 Allendale 1.8GHz ($130ish in March)

Gigabyte GA-965P-S3 ($118)

CORSAIR XMS2 1GB (2 x 512MB) DDR2 800 ($110)

W.Digital Caviar SE WD800JD 80GB SATA 7200 RPM ($43)

SONY Black 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM IDE ($20)

OS [XP Home or MCE] ($100)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That still leaves a Case/PSU and Video Card. The budget for the remaining components (including shipping) is $200. Case looks are somewhat important to me but quality comes first. If anyone has any suggestions Id really apperciate them.

 

[drummerdude]

COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 - $39.99
FSP Group 450W $53.99
HIS Hightech X1650PRO $82.99 (after rebate)

 

[sasquatch12]

Thanks, I think I'll go with that case you suggested. Im going to hold off until march to decide on any vid cards because the prices are supposed to drop tremendously. No clue on the psu yet tho.

 

[alcattle]

You use a good 500 w PSU. Lots around for $50 or less.

Can you live with 80Gigs? Seems low to me.

Rest of the parts match up well

 

[sasquatch12]

Found a better Hard Drive ;D

W.Digital Caviar SE WD1600JS 160GB 7200 RPM 8MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s -$52

 

[anthropophaginian]

You use a good 500 w PSU. Lots around for $50 or less.

... But it's not a good idea to get a cheapy one and lose your whole system with it. The one recommended above should be OK since FSP are a reliable brand.

The 7600GTs are only about $100 at the moment which is damn good value but you might see better if you're waiting 'till next month. But the x1650 Pro is v good for $83 if you wanted to save and not lose too much performance.

 

[sasquatch12]

What do you think about this PSU?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817101021

 

[anthropophaginian]

I've never even heard of EPower but on the other hand, the reviews are all fairly good. I'd say you'd be quite safe with that.

 

[drummerdude]

it should be fine, just remember cheap psu's can do more bad than good. and take neweggs' reviews with a grain of salt. most of them are biased and opinionated, because some people "really liked it" or just got a defective product and went off complaining about how bad it is. heres a good list of psu's you should take a look at Official XS Tiered PSU
according to that the psu you chose is on tier four

Tier 4 is recommended for stock or low power systems if Tier 3's are more expensive or are not available.

 

[cattbert]

I do not have personal experience with it, but I often see people recommend the Antec Nine Hundred case. CompUSA has a great deal on it right now ... $90 after instant discounts - $25 rebate (on thru 2/13) = $65. Same case at newegg is $155 right now.

Case:

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?pfp=cat3&product_code=342484&Pn=Nine_Hundred_ATX_Ultimate_Gamer_Tower_Case


mail-in-rebate:

http://image.compusa.com/pdfs/0027452.pdf

 

[drummerdude]

the rebate and the instant savings are not goin on at the same time, plus the rebate expired a couple days ago. the case is however $90

 

[cattbert]

the rebate and the instant savings are not goin on at the same time, plus the rebate expired a couple days ago. the case is however $90

Okay, so I rolled out of the wrong side of the bed and I am editing my reply to reflect that CompUSA is misinforming people on the product page ... click through to the rebate form and you will find that the rebate expires today (2/13/07). If you are interested in a new case it seems like an unbeatable deal.

 

[drummerdude]

chill dude... i looked at the compusa link with the case and right at the bottom of it it said previous rebates and it "says" it expired on 2/10, but the link to the rebate says 2/13. sorry i make mistakes too, i'm not perfect.