New build

[SlingAir]

Well Im sitting on 500 dollars maybe 575, and looking to build a new system, I don't need the best, or latest stuff. I know just enough about computers to really screw things up so bear with me. Here's my possible build, Im looking into compatability issues (if any). What do you think of my budget rig? Would you A) save the money and wait for AM3? or B)just keep the current 32bit 2400+ system Im using .... OR... C) drop 500-600 dollars for a new system. All opinions are welcomed.

Atrix Case 480W PS
ECS nforce 4 AM2 v1.1 Motherboard
AMD Athlon64 3200+ Orleans AM2 processor
OCZ Gold 2gb (1gb X 2) DDR2 800 RAM
Sapphire X850XT 256mb Video card
Benq 16x DVD drive

(free parts from current pc)
160gig HD
80gig HD
3.5 floppy
8x DVD ROM
21" ViewSonic LCD

Any suggestions or ideas on this budget build would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

[Cricket]

So, you're actually upgrading your current PC?

I wouldn't use a ECS motherboard, they're very low quality.

And I wouldn't use the power supply in the Atrix case, it's probably a cheap low quality piece of junk.

Cricket

[786ARS]

if you are building from scratch. rememer the OS

[SlingAir]

Thanks I've heard ECS is bottom of the line... and yeah the power supply probably isnt anything to write home about.... I have my XP disk and key code... that came with my computer. I've read through these forums, it seems a lot of people use the 939 chipset and can get a good overclock out of it. I might go that way instead of the AM2..

[glc]

Why are you buying with overclocking in mind? If you are, you need premium parts - motherboard, power supply, ram, etc. You aren't saving any money.

[SlingAir]

GLC... very true.... see I needed to be talked out of doing it. Want something I cannot have, I'm close, but not all there. Maybe I should wait.

[glc]

If you are thinking AM2, waiting would be a very good idea till we see how the memory fussiness issue plays out. If you have to build now, go Intel or 939.

[jayb1234]

I have my XP disk and key code... that came with my computer

That copy of XP is probably only licensed for the original machine, and with that many hardware changes, you will probably have to get a new one.

[blue60007]

What do you want to do with the PC? Building a (quality) gaming PC for $500-$600 is going to be tricky (even with recycling parts). Now, if you don't want to game, then it gets a bit easier.

[SlingAir]

I like to game, Counter Strike Source..... a few others. I'm stuck between building a new machine or upgrading my current. If I upgrade my current setup its cheap, another gig of ram and maybe a faster video card. Spending 250 dollars. Im thankful for all the feedback, it helps to get some outside perspective on things.

[glc]

Spend the $250 and milk the old one for another year or 2, start saving up for a complete new build at that time. $500 won't do much for you now in respect to improving your gaming.