BrodiemanTTR said:
Sub-400 would be ideal, absolute max of $400 (and I'd have to be convinced it was really worth it over less expensive parts, because that's my absolute MAX), for a CPU, mobo, GPU, RAM, HDD, and PSU. What problems do you have with my blueprint?
Just quickly, the motherboard you chose is Micro ATX which is for HTPC's, not desktops. The GPU is expensive considering you can get something better for cheaper or the same price. Rosewill PSU's are, in my opinion, unproven and I don't think you should get one. Poor quality PSU's are a massive landmine in the PC building world. I also think theres a better option CPU wise.
I'll put together what I think is a good build within your price range. Just quickly though, do you need a case or dvd drive? Does your case require a micro atx motherboard? I'm going to assume it doesn't as desktop cases rarely do. You left both out of your original build, so i'll just assume for now you don't need them.
CPU: Intel 5200 -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116072 - $66
RAM: 4 GB OCZ Gold DDR2 6400 -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227199 - $45
MOBO: GIGABYTE GA-EP43-UD3L -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128380 - $80
PSU: Antec Earthwatts 430W -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006 - $50
GPU: 4870 512MB -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131140 - $127
HDD: WD Caviar Blue 320GB -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822135106 - $36
Total: $404
Ok that was tough! :lol Now because I am cheating a bit you can replace the GPU with this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102824, a 4850 for $95 bringing the price down to $372
This build relies on very solid parts. The GPU, RAM and PSU are by highly regarded manufacturers of their respective parts. The motherboard is rock solid with good overclocking options, which is important because the 5200, while being slower out of the gate than a 6300, is a beastly overclocker that you can really juice up later on with a heat sink and fan. The HDD is pretty small and the performance isn't great, having a 16MB cache, but the price is right and you can add another one later.
The real sticking point is the GPU. A 4850 keeps you within budget and is plenty powerful to handle anything you throw at it. A 4870 has faster RAM making it a better performer, and keeps you kinda in budget! Now if you are willing to go over budget, you can get this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150394
It'll take you to about $440 overall, but its one of the best GPU's on the market really. Only 10% behind the 4890, and thats the GPU every builder recommends even for budgets twice your own! Its up to how much you want to spend but thats what I manager to put together, and with few compromises thats a very respectable gaming PC.
BrodiemanTTR said:
Are you sure about micro-ATX? I thought it could be used in desktops just fine. Oh well, shows what I know I guess.
I'm getting a 9800 GT but not at that price. My friend, who upgraded his PC not too long ago and kept some of the parts to sell, is selling me his 9800 GT for $60. Hows that for price vs. performance?
I've heard good things about Rosewill as a budget PSU brand, it's even recommended in the first post.
If you can find something better at CPU without too much of a price hike I'd be all ears.
And you're right, I don't need a case or dvd drive. Carrying those over from my last PC though I'll be replacing the DVD drive eventually.
At the end of the day i'm trying to be helpful, being snippy is pretty rude. You asked for advice, and i'm giving it. micro-ATX boards do work in standard cases, but I don't recommend using them as they are harder to work with, don't space parts out as well leading to cooling inefficiencies, and full motherboards aren't much more expensive.
A 9800GT is a good card. Whether or not you want to spend more for something better is up to you and what your gaming requirements are right now. Would I get a 4850 over a 9800GT? No. For $80 you get a significantly better card, the 4870 1GB but it takes you over budget. This comes down to your monitor resolution more than anything.
I'm still skeptical about PSU companies that make high wattage products at such low prices. Thats my own personal concern and will be represented in the builds I make. If you don't have that concern get this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182009
500W is all you'll ever need.
