Upgrading CPU, motherboard, and RAM for around $170

[strangequark]

I want to upgrade an old computer's cpu, motherboard, and ram for 170 dollars or less. It is an office pc, no games. I will get parts within 1-4 weeks.

I have an antec 300w psu which I will reuse.

CPU: I was think of an athlon II x2 for about 60 dollars, which one? Is OEM a good or bad option, if I get an aftermarket cooler?

motherboard: a good/reliable ATX or mATX for 40 to 75 dollars, with integrated graphics and onboard sound

RAM: 2GB (1 x2GB) DDR3 1333 for around 30 dollars

Also, if I decide to get a SATA optical drive for around 16 dollars extra, what is a good one?

 

[JordoR]

Please post your current specs, so we can compare and get you something that is actually better than what you have.

Also, we could possibly re-use your motherboard depending on what you have.

Thanks,

 

[strangequark]

My current specs:

Motherboard: ASUS A7V600
CPU: Athlon XP 2500+
RAM: DDR 333 512mb latency 2.5
Video: Asus FX 5200

 

[batuchka]

 

[kureme]

AMD Athlon II X2 250 Regor 3.0GHz $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103903

ASRock 880GM-LE AM3 AMD 880G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157199

A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit $49.99 after $20 mail-in rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211364

This comes out to just about $170 after rebates.

Could get the AMD 260 3.2GHz for $8 more. This is a hard deal to pass but not required if you are really tight on money. OEM versions don't come with a cooler or a box. Only worth it if you plan to overclock from the start and already are getting an after market cooler. The main reason for OEM is so that you don't pay for the cooler you won't be using.

The motherboard has core unlocking features so if you're lucky, that Athlon II x2 might become an Athlon II x4. Even getting one extra core will be well worth it. Has onboard Radeon HD 4250 which is one of the best IGP right now.

I highly recommend 4GB of ram even for an office PC because some programs can be very demanding and it will ensure the PC will last a long while. Part of the reason is also because the motherboard only has two RAM slots, which is one of many factors why it is cheaper than usual.

Just get the cheapest generic SATA dvd burner you can find with free shipping, preferably on newegg or similar site because you wouldn't need to pay tax. They all work the same and seldom have any problems. Asus, Sony, LG, LiteOn and Samsung are all good brands. They should be less than $20.