computer upgrade

[vaboz]

One of my friends is scrapping his old computer and wants to get a decent gaming rig on a tight budget; his budget is around $400-500. He already has a 450 watt power supply, hard drives, 1 gig DDR1 Ram, monitor, mouse, keyboard and the case. I have an extra AMD 64 3700+ (Socket 939) processor I can give him if he goes the 939 route. But then with Conroe out and flourishing I don’t know if going 939 even on a tight budget is an ok idea or not. What would you advise? He wants to order from newegg.com

I gave him the advise to go 939 right now because he wants his computer ASAP (not have to save up any more because he has been saving up for a while now).

I was thinking the following setup:
$73 - Motherboard: Asus A8N5X http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131569

Free - AMD 64 3700+ (free, I can give it to him)

$90 - Microsoft XP home http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116169

$200-220 video card??? Suggestions on best gaming card in this price range, he has a preference for ATI, but whatever I can get him to buy whatever is the better deal

In the future as he gets more money he can buy a 2 gig matched pair of ram and upgrade the processor if he wants.

Thanks in advance for the feedback!

[Alaron]

I'd stick with the 939 route for this budget. The A8N5X is an excellent choice. As for the video card, The 7900GS fits in around $180, and the 7900GT can be around $220 after rebates. The Radeon X1900GT is also in that range, since you mentioned the ATI preference.

[Mr.Ferrari]

X1950PRO is a good choice as well..will beat the 7900gs, x1900gt and usually 7900gt. Its in the sub <200 price range.

[vaboz]

Great, thanks for the feedback! I have heard some rumors that socket 939 processors are starting to get harder to get because they are getting phased out(because of AM2). So what do you think the outlook for updrading the processor to a dual core in like 6 months or so? Will there be an adequte sellection of socket 939 x2's? What do you guys think?


(I realize i am just asked for a guess because its hard to guess the future)

Thanks again for the help! I have learned so much from these forums and have been able to use that knowlege to help several friends with computer builds!!

[freakitchen]

939 *is* being phased out - AM2 is their current socket with AM3 in the pipeline. This is why it's a great option for building on a budget, not so great for upgrades. The general rule at the moment is, put the most amount of RAM and the most powerful processor you can afford in right away - upgrades in 6 months will be hard to find and expensive.

That said, I'd still recommend a 939 system over AM2. The newer socket just hasn't demonstrated the same level of stability.

Keep in mind that your friend will need a quality ATX2 power supply for this system, and not just any old 450w unit.

FK

[vaboz]

Ok thats the information I needed. I had heard about the same thing but i just wanted to double check because I would like to give my friend the most complete/accruate informaiton I can even though he will probabbly take my suggestion anyway. I like to give all the pros and cons i can think of.

Thanks again! (oh yea his powersupply is an antec 450 watt, that should be just fine right?

[fleeingpepper]

Yes, Antec PSU's are usually some of the most recommended ones here.

[flanzig1]

The PSU should be an ATX 2.0 dual rail/ 24 pin main plus another 4pin to the mobo.