Want to build a new computer for $500

[ragsters]

Hi ,

My friend asked me to build him a new computer for $450-$550. He is not a gamer so will not need a gamer graphics card but does work with cad.
He will not need an OS, any peripherals and monitor.
I am really just looking for the main components like Mobo, CPU, Video Card and Ram.

Thanks guys

 

[geofelt]

Here is my suggestion:

Antec NSK3480 with included psu $92:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129035

A micro motherboard with integrated graphics will do just fine. How about the Gigabyte G41M-ES2L for $65:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128388
It has a pci-e slot if you should want to install a discrete vga card for gaming later.

E7500(2.93) for $140.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115056

4gb of DDR2-800 ram in a 2x2gb configuration should be plenty. Corsair for $27 after rebate:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184

For hard drive, get much more than you think you will need, The extra cost is relatively minor, and performance is better.
A WD caviar black 1TB for $110:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

I have found the Samsung sata dvd burner to be reliable and quiet for $25:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151171


This totals to about $459.

---good luck---

 

[xaira]

looks like a good build, once u checked g bytes site and made sure cpu is compatible
other than that the build looks good, not sure i approve of samsung burner , liteon fanboy and the ram i see is 1.9v so u may hav to raise the voltage urself stock ddr2 is usually 1.8.

 

[ragsters]

Thanks a lot guys. I am willing to spend more for a better motherboard if you could recommend me one.

 

[badge]

http://microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0301964

 

[aford10]

The Gigabyte p43 is a nice board.

 

[christop]

check prices at tiger direct too

 

[Outlander_04]

AMD Phenom II X3 710 2.6GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Processor $120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103648

BIOSTAR TFORCE TA790GX 128M AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX HDMI $100



Rest of build same as above .

Better multitasking triple core processor + MUCH better onboard graphics onm the 790G motherboard

A terabyte is a large hard drive . Save money there if you have to by buying 320/500/640 which is plenty for almost everyone

 

[drunknmunkys]

The WD Black 640GB HDDs are a great option at 75$ to save some money.

 

[ragsters]

http://microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0301964

I wish I could get this cpu but the sale ends today and I live too far away to try to get there in traffic. They also have the antec 300 for $49.99.

 

[ragsters]

AMD Phenom II X3 710 2.6GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Processor $120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103648

BIOSTAR TFORCE TA790GX 128M AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX HDMI $100



Rest of build same as above .

Better multitasking triple core processor + MUCH better onboard graphics onm the 790G motherboard

A terabyte is a large hard drive . Save money there if you have to by buying 320/500/640 which is plenty for almost everyone

I like this Idea. Would this mobo allow him to upgrade later to a Phenom II if he wanted?

 

[aford10]

^ yes

 

[AKM880]

AMD Phenom II X3 710 2.6GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Processor $120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103648

BIOSTAR TFORCE TA790GX 128M AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 790GX HDMI $100



Rest of build same as above .

Better multitasking triple core processor + MUCH better onboard graphics onm the 790G motherboard

A terabyte is a large hard drive . Save money there if you have to by buying 320/500/640 which is plenty for almost everyone

+1, I like this build. :lol:

 

[Outlander_04]

I like this Idea. Would this mobo allow him to upgrade later to a Phenom II if he wanted?

The 710 is a Phenom ll. Its a value selection triple core , and it could be swapped out for any AM2 or AM3 processor . The MB is also a good basis for expansion .it can even crossfire two ati cards if thats ever required .
Heres the link to it that i forgot b4
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138130

 

[ragsters]

What is the difference between these two mobos besides the on board video? Do you guys like these choices?

 

[ragsters]

oops, I forgot to ad the link.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010200022%2050001314%20107191003&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&CompareItemList=N82E16813128387%2CN82E16813128384

 

[Outlander_04]

oops, I forgot to ad the link.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010200022%2050001314%20107191003&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&CompareItemList=N82E16813128387%2CN82E16813128384

the 790gp has onbaord gfx , the other needs a gfx card as well

both are great boards from a quality manufacturer

 

[ragsters]

Does anyone know if this board will support the new Phenom II X4 955.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138143

 

[badge]

It does if that helps. No mention of BIOS version needed for support of these procesors. Not really familiar with Biostar Product page.

http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en-us/t-series/cpu_support.php?S_ID=379

Definately needs the JUne 2009 BIOS update to support PII 940.

http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en-us/t-series/bios.php?S_ID=379

 

[ragsters]

I hope so because there is a deal at frys for the Phenom II X3 710 with that mobo for $179.99. What do you think? I also want the board I get to be able to to accept the latest Phenom later down the line. What about the bulldozer cpu's do you think This board will support those?

 

[badge]

So with the 710 update ther BIOS and install the PII 955 when ready. I did the same thing with my ASUS 780G and 5200 X2. I like the The PII 45nm 940 quad. Unlocked multi sets it 3.6GHz (200Mhz x 18) about as easy as flipping a light switch. Is the 955 unlocked? I'm sure you will be happy with the performance of PII 45nm quad, I am. Just about as good as my Intel 9450 quad at 3.0Ghz. Doubt the future 32nm chips will work on these current platforms. By that time AMD may be on top of the world again like AMD 64 was. A top of the line unit would cost like $2500 LOL.

 

[ragsters]

Which cpu should I get from these two.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103680
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103648

 

[badge]

I think for the work you do the triple core would make a difference. Dual core is not as effective at some tasks. Like the video encoding I do begs for the quad. Maybe others can add to that. BTW is the PII 940 quad still $189?

 

[ragsters]

What about the difference in speed 3.1Ghz Vs. 2.6Ghz is huge. Also, I will not be overclocking his rig just in case someone wants to throw that in.

 

[badge]

I was thinking that MB may need a BIOS update to run 45nm CPU's period. Not familiar with Biostar. Someone posted recently Fry's sold a MB/CPU combo that had a CPU not capable of running on the bioard without a BIOS update. Ask at the Tech desk if there is any question. LIke they would know...