Budget build/upgrade

[Berethorn]

Hi guys,

Been a while since I've posted here, but I'm thinking of upgrading my current system, and I'm out of the loop.

I already have a good monitor, ATX case, optical drives, and hard drive. I have a 500w Ultra PSU - not sure if that'll be sufficient or not.

So for $450 or less, what are the best remaining components I can get (mobo, CPU, RAM, video)? I'm not a heavy gamer or audiophile, so I can survive with a cheap video card and integrated sound, at least for the time being. I won't overclock. I want something that I can run Vista on in the future (though from the reviews I've seen, probably not right away). I was thinking AMD 6400+, but I hear Intel has become cheaper, so I'm open to either brand. 4gb of RAM would be great, since it's so cheap.

Thanks. :)

[matt_21484]

I know that if you want to run 4GB of RAM you will Need 64 Bit Vista. With that in mind, some people have had driver/hardware issues w/ a 64Bit OS & some haven't. It really depends on your specs.

I am piecing together a E4500 Intel C2D and a Mobo for about 200 USD total, and I'm not much of a gamer either. I already have a decent video card though.
I'm not sure what your budget is, but to me thats not a bad deal.

[Berethorn]

Interesting, thanks. I didn't know one could have too much RAM. I can just get 2GB for starters I suppose, and read up about the difference between 32 an 64 bit.

Budget is el cheapo, since this isn't an essential upgrade; I'd set a max around $450, though less is good. Have to strike a balance between price and performance. I like to buy things to last a while, but that's not necessarily smart when it comes to computers. :p

[Devastator]

You don't want to keep that Ultra PSU, they aren't the best.

Here's a list for $425, $25 below what you said and really it's all pretty good :)

EVGA 8600GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130085

Corsair 2GB 667
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145098

Intel E6550
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115030

ASUS P5K SE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131189

[Khalil]

Check out the AMD AM2 6000 3.0 Ghz with the Asus M2N-E motherboard. You will get exceptional performance and save some money too.

[The_YongGrand]

Hi guys,

Been a while since I've posted here, but I'm thinking of upgrading my current system, and I'm out of the loop.

I already have a good monitor, ATX case, optical drives, and hard drive. I have a 500w Ultra PSU - not sure if that'll be sufficient or not.

So for $450 or less, what are the best remaining components I can get (mobo, CPU, RAM, video)? I'm not a heavy gamer or audiophile, so I can survive with a cheap video card and integrated sound, at least for the time being. I won't overclock. I want something that I can run Vista on in the future (though from the reviews I've seen, probably not right away). I was thinking AMD 6400+, but I hear Intel has become cheaper, so I'm open to either brand. 4gb of RAM would be great, since it's so cheap.

Thanks. :)

For the AMD, any Asus M2N will do, and with the AMD X2 6000+ help too.

If you want the Intel, the simplest configuration will be Asus P5KPL-VM and with the Core processor within the total price range.. :)

[Berethorn]

Hi again, and thank you! :)

I have since decided to go with Intel, and have ordered these parts:

Intel Q6600
Corsair XMS2 4GB DDR2-800 Memory Kit
Antec Truepower Trio 650w
Moneual Moncaso Dxt 301 case (was $25, regular 150+, so took a chance)

I've increased the budget a little. ;) I think I will get the P5K-E, which is so highly recommended. That means I need a graphics card. I don't need it for gaming, I just need a graphics card for DVD and photo editing on my 20" LCD. I might buy a better one later, but for now I want to keep it under $50. So, what's the best cheapest video card? Or is it stupid to go cheapo?

[Masaki 7-11]

This card should fit your system well:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102716

It's an ATI x1650 Pro with low profile and 64-bit memory. The memory is somewhat slow, but the 12 pixel pipelines beats all the other under 50 cards. This card also runs well on vista and offers good video decoding.

[Berethorn]

Thanks, I ordered that! Now I just have to wait for the parts to arrive, and hope I remember how to assemble...