cheap PC BUILD, is it worth it or not?

[ibuild]

I am trying to build a really cheap PC without purchasing one that is already built from ground up, so I hope this is really worth the extra time. Here is the list:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811153054
Foxconn 3GTLM454-4CA400N Beige Steel MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case 300W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817182006
Rosewill RV350 ATX 1.3 350W Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827151141R
Open Box: SAMSUNG Black 18X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 18X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner With LightScribe Technology - OEM

I wondered if someone can help recommend me a Motherboard, CPU, RAM and fan/heatsink (?) that is compatible without going over the price range of $200, if possible. Thank you!

***I have a spare monitor so I don't need one.

[Cricket]

You really can't build a decent computer with bargain basement parts. You'd be better off buying a low budget DELL.

:) Cricket

[LeftyAce]

I agree with Cricket....building can be tricky enough when you know the parts are good....if you know they're questionable to start with, it doesn't make much sense.

Dells are good, they just aren't gamers. Since it's not a gamer you're after, a Dell would be fine.

[doubledragon5]

For one that psu is garbage and can ruin any pc you build expensive or cheap.. If 200 is your budget than you out of luck...

[ibuild]

I appreciate the advices, thank you!

DELL it is.

[The_YongGrand]

Well it's quite difficult to have a decent one with just $200...

If you are not much into gaming you can squeeze a Celeron D or a Sempron inside, with a simple MSI/Asus board and a 512MB DDR2... :)

[ibuild]

OK, I will dwell into this a little more before I decide, perhaps I am going to have to spend at least $500 or more for a decent one.

[The_YongGrand]

Yes - that'll be at least better. A decent one can go up to at least $800-1000. Make sure you have better parts around. For Intel builds, avoid the VIA chipset boards at all costs. For AMD builds, the 6100 chipset will be a good idea. VIA is fine on this too, but make sure don't skimp too much on the motherboard. Get an Asus, Biostar, MSI or Gigabyte for a start. :)

[LeftyAce]

Here's a similar thread: http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=177825

$300, and apparently performs nicely. Uses good quality parts too.

What do you want this computer to do? If you're after a gamer, you'll be disappointed. If you're just wanting to build a general use PC, and have the experience of doing it yourself, something like the link above would work well for you.

[ibuild]

Thank you Lefty, I might as well just go with that build, it seems to be a good build with a good amount of RAM for switching to different users (not that I am really sure if that takes up ram or not).

The other thing I am not quite sure is the difference between Intel Celeron and Pentium 4; i hate to ask, but what is the difference?

***WIKI really does the job!

[whubbard]

switching to different users (not that I am really sure if that takes up ram or not).


Yes, it does...
if programs are running it like having 2 users use the RAM.

[jer888]

I wouldnt try it myself but heres a link to Toms Hardware for a guide to make a 300$ pc.

http://channel.tomshardware.com/2007/06/21/300_dollar_pc_with_vista/

Hey, why spend 300 when you can spend 72?

http://www.popsci.com/popsci/how20/157a2ea4fc033110vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html

lol

[ibuild]

jer888, thanks for the link, that is one rad PC build!

regards,

[Cricket]

The other thing I am not quite sure is the difference between Intel Celeron and Pentium 4; i hate to ask, but what is the difference?Well, the Celeron is a budget processor where the Pentium 4 is a premium processor. The Celeron has way less L2 cache and runs on a slower FSB speed than the P4. With more L2 cache and higher FSB speed the P4 can handle more demanding chores like multimedia work and hard core gaming with ease where the Celeron would struggle. It's basically about power...the Celeron is like a sub-compact with a 4 cylinder engine where the Pentium 4 is the muscle car with the big V8. They both can take you where you want to go, but one will just take longer.

:) Cricket

[Freakitchen]

I'd build a system like based around the components in the thread LeftyAce linked to before I'd build the one Tom's hardware specced out - they recommend some lower quality parts, in particular, the Coolmax power supply which I'd certainly avoid.

Don't forget you'd need to figure an operating system into the cost. If that's windows, then the benefits of a DELL financially start to show; at this budget you'd be almost certainly getting more for your money with a pre-built from the right company.

[ibuild]

I'd build a system like based around the components in the thread LeftyAce linked to before I'd build the one Tom's hardware specced out - they recommend some lower quality parts, in particular, the Coolmax power supply which I'd certainly avoid.

Don't forget you'd need to figure an operating system into the cost. If that's windows, then the benefits of a DELL financially start to show; at this budget you'd be almost certainly getting more for your money with a pre-built from the right company.

I see... Well, I have a spare windows OS since I will be switching to Novell for my office computer.
I was thinking about going with the build LeftAce linked to, and purchase a Pentium D or C2D (6600)--Does that sound good?

[Freakitchen]

Regarding the OS - confirm that the version of windows you mention did not come pre-installed on a brand name computer, as these aren't transferable to new builds.

If you want to build, I'd do something like this:

DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827106061

Foxconn Case & PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811153042

Seagate 160GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822148212

Corsair 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145568

ASUS P5L-MX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131041

Intel C2D 4300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819115013

Total = $346.95

This is a more up-to-date system than the one you mention - it uses newer DDR2 (which is half the price of DDR), and the motherboard supports Core 2 Duos. The processor is the most expensive component here - but keep in mind that the C2D E2xxx series should be just around the corner, and these are cheaper:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=701&catid=6&subid=793

(UK retailer, but use the price comparison as a guide)

[ibuild]

Regarding the OS - confirm that the version of windows you mention did not come pre-installed on a brand name computer, as these aren't transferable to new builds.

If you want to build, I'd do something like this:

DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827106061

Foxconn Case & PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811153042

Seagate 160GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822148212

Corsair 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145568

ASUS P5L-MX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131041

Intel C2D 4300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819115013

Total = $346.95

This is a more up-to-date system than the one you mention - it uses newer DDR2 (which is half the price of DDR), and the motherboard supports Core 2 Duos. The processor is the most expensive component here - but keep in mind that the C2D E2xxx series should be just around the corner, and these are cheaper:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=701&catid=6&subid=793

(UK retailer, but use the price comparison as a guide)

What do you guys think? Should I go with the E2xxx series or stick with the C2D 4300? thanks.

[ibuild]

Regarding the OS - confirm that the version of windows you mention did not come pre-installed on a brand name computer, as these aren't transferable to new builds.

If you want to build, I'd do something like this:

DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16827106061

Foxconn Case & PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16811153042

Seagate 160GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822148212

Corsair 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820145568

ASUS P5L-MX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16813131041

Intel C2D 4300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16819115013

Total = $346.95

OK, guys, this is what I have finally decided on, and I am ordering it once I get a few good heads up on it.

Should I go with the Foxconn case or IN WIN listed below?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811108024
Newegg.com - IN WIN IW-Z583T.J350BFU2AD Black Best Performed SECC Japanese Steel metal ATX Mini Tower Computer Case 350W Power Supply - Retail

1GB (2x512MB) or 2GB (2x1GB)?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145098
Newegg.com - CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory - Retail

[Jimmy0]

Get the Foxconn one Freakitchen posted, not that IN WIN one, the PSU in the IN WIN one will be no good.

You could get the 2GB if you want, it depends what your budget allows. Either one will be fine, obviously the 2GB would be better, but it depends if you can afford it or not.

[Cricket]

Should I go with the Foxconn case or IN WIN listed below?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811108024
Newegg.com - IN WIN IW-Z583T.J350BFU2AD Black Best Performed SECC Japanese Steel metal ATX Mini Tower Computer Case 350W Power Supply - RetailThe InWin case is a micro-ATX case and will not have much room to work with inside. I'd go with the Foxconn.1GB (2x512MB) or 2GB (2x1GB)?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145098
Newegg.com - CORSAIR ValueSelect 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory - RetailIf you can afford it, get 2GB of RAM.the PSU in the IN WIN one will be no good.PowerMan power supplies are actually good quality units...it's a Fortron Source OEM model so it's basically the same as the power supply in the Foxconn.

:) Cricket

[Jimmy0]

Ah right, well to be honest with you I just looked at the name IN WIN and automatically dismissed it without looking at the link because I was short on time when I posted that.

[ibuild]

OK. I finally ordered it and will receive it this Friday (assuming everything goes as plan), PST. And this is going to be the first PC I will ever put together since I usually have other do it for me, and again, thank you guys for putting your time into helping me.