Hey everyone! I finally decided to join the community.
I am building a budget PC for my grandfather. I am an experienced builder, heck, even have my degree in Computer Engineering... but my grandpa is very critical and there is a lot of pressure to do this right. Not to mention, the budget CPU market is FLOODED with options, so I'm not sure what to choose now. I came up with 5 options, could anyone tell me what they think is best? I welcome any critique or advice as well. Thanks so much! (Each system has 4GB DDR2, I thought 2 would be enough, but the 4 has such a good deal right now! Also including a WD 320GB HDD, and other various parts he wants.) I want this PC to work through Home Premium quite fast, but it's not like he's gaming or any of that.
1.) Intel Pentium D E5200 / ASUS P5KPL-CM (Intel G3) Mobo / Radeon 4350 w/ 512MB = $495
2.) AMD Athlon X2 7750 / GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-US2H (really like this board with the Ultra Durable 3 enhancements and 3 year warranty) / Radeon 4350 = $505
3.) AMD Phenom X3 8650 / GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-US2H / Radeon 4350 = $525
4.) AMD Athlon X2 7750 / GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-US2H / no gfx card, use integrated HD 3200 = $475
5.) AMD Phenom X3 8650 / GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-US2H / Integrated HD 3200 = $490
Would like any advice you have. There is a little room to move either way on the dollar signs, but not too much.
I am building a budget PC for my grandfather. I am an experienced builder, heck, even have my degree in Computer Engineering... but my grandpa is very critical and there is a lot of pressure to do this right. Not to mention, the budget CPU market is FLOODED with options, so I'm not sure what to choose now. I came up with 5 options, could anyone tell me what they think is best? I welcome any critique or advice as well. Thanks so much! (Each system has 4GB DDR2, I thought 2 would be enough, but the 4 has such a good deal right now! Also including a WD 320GB HDD, and other various parts he wants.) I want this PC to work through Home Premium quite fast, but it's not like he's gaming or any of that.
1.) Intel Pentium D E5200 / ASUS P5KPL-CM (Intel G3) Mobo / Radeon 4350 w/ 512MB = $495
2.) AMD Athlon X2 7750 / GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-US2H (really like this board with the Ultra Durable 3 enhancements and 3 year warranty) / Radeon 4350 = $505
3.) AMD Phenom X3 8650 / GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-US2H / Radeon 4350 = $525
4.) AMD Athlon X2 7750 / GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-US2H / no gfx card, use integrated HD 3200 = $475
5.) AMD Phenom X3 8650 / GIGABYTE GA-MA78GM-US2H / Integrated HD 3200 = $490
Would like any advice you have. There is a little room to move either way on the dollar signs, but not too much.