Hi, I'm in the process of building a new system. Ideally I'd like each component to cost around $100, but not higher than $200 each. The theme is super budget OC, but the extra performance means nothing to me if it isn't stable. I would also prefer to get stuff with high resale value, just in case I don't like it or would like to upgrade in the future.

What I use a PC for
General internet/work
MEDIA - listening to music, ripping+encoding CDs, watching videos, PVR, etc.
Light gaming - I would like the capability to be there, but I don't need anything crazy.

Media is the most important.

What I have so far
Monitor/speakers/keyboard/mouse
Chaintech AV710 soundcard
Two 200 GB PATA hard drives

Case
I'm having a really tough time looking for cases. I've looked at most of what newegg and xoxide have to offer and unfortunately I think they're all pretty ugly. Here's what I did like:
Cooler Master Centurion 5 $55 + $15.99 + CA tax - I like the mesh front. But something about it is off to me, not sure what it is.
ThermalTake Tsunami $99.99 + $12.99 + CA tax - $10 MIR - It sits at the limit of my budget. The photos I've seen when searching make this case look sweet, but I didn't like it as much when I saw it in person. Not a big fan of the cases with doors either.
Lian Li PC-V1000 $205 - I really like the look of this case, but its just way too expensive.

I've always been a big fan of the look of the Shuttle XPC small form factor PC's but I'm looking for a mid tower. I'm mainly looking for something classy but with a little extra style -- I'd really like a side panel window. Of course, cooling is important. I also really hate cheap construction, so I'm looking for something with a solid build.

CPU
I'd like to hear some suggestions here. I'd like to get something AMD, but I'm not sure which would be best for super budget. 754 or 939? Sempron, A64, or Opteron?

Video card
I'm lost here. Would prefer Nvidia though. I don't want to spend too much money here.


Thanks for any suggestions.

Quote: Originally Posted by sandwiches99 Hi, I'm in the process of building a new system.

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I'll get you started here, the rest will fall in place from here depending on your budget.

DFI Infinty 85$ or DFI LP NF-4 115$ (The LP is worth the extra 30$ IMO)

Opteron 146 1.8GHZ 1MB cache retail (Comes with HSF and long warranty) 167$
Opteren 146 2.0GHZ 1MB is a better choice if you can swing it (212$)

Get 2GB of decent memory, it will be worth it in the long run.

Video cards, I would look at the 6800GS for around 200$ anything less will probably disapoint you with new games.

A 500 watt Power supply from a major name brand like Antec, Silverstone, OCZ and your ready to OC like a madman and have a good base for any upgrades

Check out Monarchs "Configurator" and see what you like and can afford.

http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merch...ricewatch&NR=1

Dont get the regular 3200+, it maybe tempting...but dont skimp here, it only has 512k cache and does not OC as well as the Opterons in general.

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

To Solid Necro - I've done some research beforehand and what you suggested look just about like what I had in mind.

As for the Opteron, is it better to save money and get OEM, since desktop Opteron's aren't supported anyway?

I'm not too sure about what kind of quality memory I would need. Can I get away with getting "basic" RAM? Its tempting, because of the price. I probably have to settle for 2x512 because of my budget and add in 2x1GB later on when they drop in price.
mushkin SP3200 1GB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM System Memory $78.99 - $10 MIR, 3-3-3-8
or what about Corsair ValueSelect? I've seen 2x1GB sell for $120 for after rebate from time to time.

PSU - Looking at
FORTRON AX450 450W RETAIL $49, seems like a good deal.

The Opteron 144 is a really great deal for some cheap performance.

For a case, the Thermaltake Tsunami that you are looking at is also a great choice...it's one of the best cases out there IMO. Make sure you get a beefy power supply to go with it. I've never had problems with anything from Antec.

GIgabyte makes some good cheap motherboards, but I would pony up the extra dough and get a DFI Lanparty mobo. The Ultra-D would be your best choice, although it's slightly over your $100 limit (it's $130 at Newegg).

Necro is 100% correct on the video card front. For current games, you'll want something with power...AT LEAST 12 pixel pipes. Since you said you aren't too worried about it, take a look at the X1600 Pro. It uses ATI's amazing new ring-bus memory controller (make sure you get one with the 256-bit memory interface, not the 128), has 12 pixel pipes, and GDDR2 memory. Newegg has one that fits these specs for only $145:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102653

I'm sure that with some more voltage, they'll easily hit XT speeds as well. (except for the RAM)

Quote: Originally Posted by sandwiches99 Thanks for the suggestions guys. To Solid Necro - I've done some research beforehand and what you suggested look just about like what I had in mind. As for the Opteron, is it better to save money and get OEM, since desktop Opteron's aren't supported anyway? I'm not too sure about what kind of quality memory I would need. Can I get away with getting "basic" RAM? Its tempting, because of the price. I probably have to settle for 2x512 because of my budget and add in 2x1GB later on when they drop in price. mushkin SP3200 1GB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM System Memory $78.99 - $10 MIR, 3-3-3-8 or what about Corsair ValueSelect? I've seen 2x1GB sell for $120 for after rebate from time to time. PSU - Looking at FORTRON AX450 450W RETAIL $49, seems like a good deal.

Getting OEM means you get a short warranty, no HSF and save 10-15$

Retail versions come with a HSF (Always good to have a spare and they don't do a bad job)

No 939 boards "Officialy" support Opterons, but they work fine in DFI and most other boards.

DO NOT cheap out on a power supply, my friend has a 450 watt "Mad Dog" on his rig and he gets reboots every hour or so since he added another 6800GT to his rig.

You can save a few bucks on memory as long as it's a good name brand like Corsair or OCZ or Mushkin.

One step up from the "Value" line is worth it though, they will be able to use better timings and have more OC headroom...you don't have to buy top of the line, but bottom of the barrel will get you just that.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145527 148$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820220079 159$

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820221133 159$ better timings, lesser known brand, but still good.

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Quote: Originally Posted by NeCrOmAnCeRoFsIn Sweet, I am working on a project Idea for my mother a new PC for her birthday!

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