Want to build a budget - good enough desktop

[vanvogt]

Hey Folks,

This all started when I asked this forum if it was worth upgrading my video card on my aging desktop.

For that thread please see: http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/f...rint=0&numreponse=0&quote_only=0&new=0&nojs=0

It was decided that building a new system was the way to go. Like many of us I am on a budget in this economy. While I like to play games, I am not really a "gamer". With your advise, and research on my part I've come up with a system. I've been out of the hardware market for a long time so I would really appreciate input on compatibility and if the system makes sense. Any and all information, suggestions and guidance will be greatly appreciated!!

CPU - AMD Athlon 64 X2 7750 Kuma 2.7GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 2MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 95W Dual-Core black edition Processor - Retail $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103300

Motherboard - ASUS M4A78-E AM2+/AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail $139.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131368

RAM - Crucial 2GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Desktop Memory - Retail - $37.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148286

Hard Drive - Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM - $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

Video Card
None, will use mobo on board video for now

Audio Card
None, will use mobo on board audio for now

Optical Drives
Will use the two I now have

PSU
Hope to use 440 watt Antec psu that I already have. Is this enough power?

OS - Microsoft Windows XP Home SP3 for System Builders - OEM - $89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116511

Mid tower Case - Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail - $58.95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

Total - $456.90

Thank you so much,

Vanvogt

 

[o1die]

First change is that I would go for the ocz reaper HPC 2x2gb 1066 memory for $64.99 with free shipping at newegg. It has a $20 rebate. I would also look at the biostar TA-790GX-XE board for $89.99 with free shipping. I've had pretty good luck with biostar boards. Finally, I would try windows 7 RC for free. With 4 gigs of memory, the 64 bit version is very quick. It's a free download, and good for a year. If you don't like it, you can back up your files and get xp later. You may also want to look at the 5800 brisbane black edition, as it only uses 65 watts and should run cooler than the kuma.