New build core parts for under $200!

[Panama Red]

I just put together a new pc to connect to my 46" Samsung lcd tv. It'll be mainly used for HTPC purposes. I tend to pickup spare parts when I see a good deal and either use them for customer repairs or in something for myself - like this build. Just thot I'd share the parts list.

Mobo: Asus P5KPL-AM/PS - $50 free frt

CPU: Intel Celeron E1200 $50 free frt

RAM: Crucial 2Gb kit DDR2 667 $23 free frt

HDD: WD 250Gb SATA $48 free frt

That's $171 for core components. I added an Asus EAH3450 PCI-e vid card (fanless, vga/dvi/hdmi) for $26 including frt (after a rebate).

My case is an Antec NSK6580 that includes a 430w Earthwatts psu. I picked it up last year for $70, frt included.
I added a Trendnet wireless N card for $20 and a Logitech wireless desktop 1500 that I have $26 invested. Throw in a used DVD rom salvaged from a customer machine, Vista Ultimate 64 bit that I had for free and I have myself a nice little machine.

The E1200 Celeron is an 800fsb rated cpu with decent overclocking capability. The multipliers are unlocked (sort of) allowing 8, 7 or 6 multipliers. 8 is the factory setting. So far I have the fsb at 250 with the cpu temp at 30°C running Prime95 right now. Not sure how far I'll push it as it seems pretty "snappy" as it is.

Just wanted to share a real budget build with great quality parts. Hope it helps someone else looking to build a cheapie!

[Masaki 7-11]

Nice build, you can get a complete AMD system for about $200 (with a dual core, 160GB hard drive and 350W antec PSU; however no overclocking). Does the P5KPL-AM have any options for changing the CPU voltage? You can get the E1200 to 266FSB without modifiying the voltage. I've gotten my Celeron to a stable FSB of 400 with an increase of the voltage to 1.325V. At that voltage I got it up to a FSB of 425 (didn't try any higher since I had to overclock the ram) and used it for a bit without any problems, but brought it down to 400 FSB since I didn't want my ram to be overclocked.

[Panama Red]

Yup, this mobo has voltage adjustments for both cpu and ram. Don't know if/when I'll mess with them though. Just felt like playing a bit before I move it from the test area to the TV room. This is my first experience with a 64 bit OS so I wanted to try a few things before I park it in it's new home.

[Rev_pizzaguy]

Not bad at all! I think the Intel E1400 is $49.99 right now, which would be the same speed non-oc'd as you have yours oc'd.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116069

Very nice budget build!

[Panama Red]

Originally Posted by Rev_pizzaguy Not bad at all! I think the Intel E1400 is $49.99 right now, which would be the same speed non-oc'd as you have yours oc'd. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116069 Very nice budget build!

Problem is,I don't think the E1400 isn't listed on the CPU compatibility chart.

[Rev_pizzaguy]

That's pretty strange, the E1200 and E1400 have the same CPUID String and Core Stepping. Maybe Asus just forgot to put it on the list! Ah, well. No biggie!

[Panama Red]

Masaki, you may be right on with the 266 fsb number. I tried 270 and got the dreaded bsod. 265 seems to be running solid now with Prime95.

[shadowpr]

Nice build.

What software do you plan on using?

[jdeb]

i ordered the same except for the laptop memory... nice build, perfect timing, I owe you lunch ,send me a message and I will put gift card on tab for you. put where you want, location, zip ... be nice now.... no 5 star deals

[Panama Red]

Originally Posted by jdeb i ordered the same except for the laptop memory... nice build, perfect timing, I owe you lunch ,send me a message and I will put gift card on tab for you. put where you want, location, zip ... be nice now.... no 5 star deals

Laptop memory?! Holy crap! I linked the wrong memory. LOL

I edited the original post so I look less of an idiot. Thanks, jdeb.

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by Panama Red Laptop memory?! Holy crap! I linked the wrong memory. LOL I edited the original post so I look less of an idiot. Thanks, jdeb.

still waiting for the free lunch link

[Panama Red]

Originally Posted by jdeb still waiting for the free lunch link

Tell ya what - next time you plan to be in the Grand Rapids area and have time for lunch, give me a call and we can meet up. I might even let you buy!

[jdeb]

Originally Posted by Panama Red Tell ya what - next time you plan to be in the Grand Rapids area and have time for lunch, give me a call and we can meet up. I might even let you buy!

i'll let you know... could be doing an install there shortly... nice