Hello all,

I've been away from both PCA (& PCs in general) for a long while ... so now when it comes to an upgrade/new build, I'm kind of stumped as to what is compatible with what ...

I've got a budget of around ?350 for a fairly entry-level PC (monitor, kb, mouse, leads & optical drives are all going to come out of the parts bin), here's what I'm looking at:


I need a pretty case for a start: AeroCool CoolView Silver Gaming case;

I know better than to skimp on the PSU: Hiper type M;

ASUS M2N mobo;

Athlon 5000+ AM2 cpu;

I'm going to stick with XP, thankyouverymuch;

A decent sized HD & 4gb RAM will add longevity, so I'm looking at a 250gb Maxtor SATA HD & some 1/2 decent OCZ RAM;

This doesn't leave much over for a GPU, so this is a bit lame ...



So, am I about to do something really boneheaded here?

TIA

Keep in mind, unless you get a 64 bit OS, windows can't see more than 3.something GB RAM. You might want to just get 2GB of RAM and save a couple of bucks.

E

Time to flex my bargain hunting muscles....



from www.overclockers.co.uk

What do you think of that? Not sure if you were aware but Intel is kicking AMD arse these days. My suggestion would be to buy that setup and overclock the E2180 to 3ghz on the stock cooler. They're probably the best budget chips ever made. At that speed, it would absolutely whomp the X2 5000+.

I stuck an 8600GT DDR2 in as well - not sure if you're much of a gamer, but it's a little better than that 7300!

Fred_G makes a good point about RAM. You really don't need more than 2GB unless you are running Vista or a workstation. If you went with 2GB, the whole setup would cost ?357 in total.

Quote: Originally Posted by Fred_G Keep in mind, unless you get a 64 bit OS, windows can't see more than 3.something GB RAM. You might want to just get 2GB of RAM and save a couple of bucks. E

Thanks Fred - I'm always up for saving a few, er, bucks

Quote: Originally Posted by reflux ...Not sure if you were aware but Intel is kicking AMD arse these days. ...

Prove it to me & I _still_ won't believe it

Seriously though, I pretty much plumped for the setup you listed, with 2gb instead of 4 * a different PSU, thanks

That case though ... yeuchh!! I had to go for the one from Overclock ... + one of these - I've got to do something with all my old kit ... I could call it a HTPC, but in reality it'll be a "playing battlefront II on a big TV" PC

Funny how budgets can stretch with the aid of a creit card ...

I'd help ya , but yer WAAAAAAAY over there . I have no clue about UK shopping .

Welcome back around JE , glad to see yer still kickin about

The infamous Jonny English. Nice to see you back on the forum, old chap.

Quote: Originally Posted by BigAkita The infamous Jonny English. Nice to see you back on the forum, old chap.

"Infamous" ... I like the sound of that

Good to be back

Wow Jonny English! Long time no see old friend! Good to see you again and good luck on building your new RIG!

Ahhhhh........The "Iconic Jonny English"........long time

Boy, it has been a long time!! Good to see ya again

I had a double take when I saw that name on the front page. Good to see you