[odie072]

Hi, new to posting, but been a-lurkin for a while. Great site btw. Wed nite my computer gave up the ghost (p4-3.0) pretty sure the psu went out. Since it is older, I'm going to attempt another build instead of upgrading and would like some suggestions from you knowlegable peoples.

The new build will be used for general computing and gaming. I'm not really a "high end" gamer, but want a good solid machine on a budget.

What I have found so far:
CPU- AMD 64x2 5200+ 2.6
MB-ECS KA3 MVP AM2 580X crossfire ATX or Biostar T-Force 550 Nvidia N force 550 MCP
Case-Antec Nine Hundred mid tower
PSU- Hiper HPU-4K580 ATX12v 580W
RAM-G.Skill 2GB (2x1GB) 240 pin DDR2 800 (volts 1.8-2.0) or same except for (volts 2.0-2.1)
Video Card-EVGA GeForce 7600GT 256MB 128 bit GDDR3 PCI-e x16
HDD-Seagate Barracuda 7200.10 320GB 7200 16MB cache 3.0GB/s
Monitor-Hanns 19" 5ms DVI widescreen LCD 300 cd/m2 700:1
Sorry about all the typing, but wasn't sure how to post links.

If I added right it comes to a little over $900 from newegg.

Any input will be appreciated. I would like to get the best MB/CPU I can afford right now and worry about upgrading the other parts later.

Thanks
odie072

[b1gapl]

Hey odie072,
Welcome to T.F.!!

Heres a list, I have for a mid-range AM2 build;
Case - Antec 900 or Cooler Master Centurion 5 or Your choice...
Motherboard - EVGA 122-M2-NF59-TR 590 SLI
CPU - AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ w/ 2 x 1MB L2 Cache
RAM - Crucial Ballistix 2 x 1GB DDR2-800 CAS4
Graphics - EVGA 8800GTS 320MB
Power Supply - Rosewill RP550 550w
Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda 320GB 7200.10 16MB Cache
Optical Drive - Sony NEC Optiarc DVD Burner
Optional Aftermarket HSF - Arctic Cooling Freezer Pro 64

Total comes to around $1000 more or less, depending on which options you take.

Notes:


-The Antec 900 is only $90 at Fry's.

[vernong1992]

Originally Posted by b1gapl

Hey odie072,
Welcome to T.F.!!

Heres a list, I have for a mid-range AM2 build;
Case - Antec 900 or Cooler Master Centurion 5 or Your choice...
Motherboard - EVGA 122-M2-NF59-TR 590 SLI
CPU - AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ w/ 2 x 1MB L2 Cache
RAM - Crucial Ballistix 2 x 1GB DDR2-800 CAS4
Graphics - EVGA 8800GTS 320MB
Power Supply - Rosewill RP550 550w
Hard Drive - Seagate Barracuda 320GB 7200.10 16MB Cache
Optical Drive - Sony NEC Optiarc DVD Burner
Optional Aftermarket HSF - Arctic Cooling Freezer Pro 64

Total comes to around $1000 more or less, depending on which options you take.

Notes:

-The Antec 900 is only $90 at Fry's.

i like that build, b1gapl is the best builder (along with sora)

oh no... the crucial rebate is expired no!!!!!!!!!!

[odie072]

Wow, that was quick! Thanks b1gapl. Haven't seen Fry's yet, but will definetly check them out. I forgot to mention I'll be running XP.

Thanks again
odie072

[b1gapl]

I see you're including a monitor as well. Well you can drop the 8800GTS 320mb, and go for the Sapphire X1950XT 256MB, with the Centurion 5 case, and fit in the Hanns-G 19" 5ms, as well. This will come to about $1000.

[odie072]

b1gapl, what is the performance difference between the two video cards you suggested? I may still be able to swing it if the performance is worth it.

Thanks

[b1gapl]

It would be worth getting the 8800GTS, if you plan on DX10 gaming....but you said you'll be running XP, so no DX10 gaming there.

[odie072]

Ok, I take it that DX10 is a Vista thing. If it is I'm going to wait a while before I upgrade to vista. Wait till the bugs get worked out, then I may upgade both. What do you think about the monitor (Hanns-G 19"). Is it ok or would something a little bigger be better??

Thanks
odie072

[b1gapl]

That depends on how much you're wanting to spend on the monitor...but the Hanns-G 19" is a great value monitor. It will fit in well, with the X1950XT or 8800GTS 320mb.

[odie072]

Sorry, but I'm just full of questions today. The Hanns-G 19" is around $170, what would be good if I added up to $100 more($270)??

Thanks