http://m.ebay.com/itm/181292774157?nav=SEARCH&sbk=1 Link posted. Anoher thanks to everyone who is helping.
http://www.dell.com/uk/p/alienware-x51-r2/pd.aspx This is probably not your preference, however, it has a nice, cheap price if you choose the cheapest and best things. I know everyone probably doesn't like Alienware but you can actually build a decent one
I would rather not get an Alienware. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2406888&csid=_61 or... http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1124769&CatId=7212 This is the motherboard I was going to get if I successfully snipe the processor on Ebay. If you disagree with this motherboard pick please post what you would suggest. I am going to go talk to a local shop about parts tomorrow.
OK first off, there are a couple important questions. 1) do you have any hardware you can salvage to reduce cost? IE do you already have a hard drive, case, power supply, DVD drive/burner, etc? This saves money if you can salvage. You indicated you had windows 7 already. 32bit or 64 bit? This will affect the amount of ram you SHOULD put into the machine, which affects bottom $. Be sure to look at keyboard, mouse, etc... as well. 2) If you are indeed on a 'limited' budget, then what you need to do, is to pick the best mobo/cpu combo you can and get all else on the cheap. Ram is not too badly priced. Power supply is a contender for $ also. All else is relatively 'cheap'. If you choose free shipping, total on parts below is $595.57 And this would be assuming that you can build your own computer. Really is not tough at all, except for using the thermal grease properly. Youtube it if you do not know how. Yes it should be simple, follow my advice if you will build. specs: AMD Quad core 4.1GHZ FM2, 8GB PC1600 RAM, Asus HD7750 pciex16 video card, 630 Watt power supply, ASUS A88XM-A FM2+ / FM2 AMD A88X Motherboard, 500GB WD caviar blue <--reliable HDD, Asus DVD/Cd Burner. Others, please feel free to comment. If you want to wait a week or two to order, I will let you know how easy it is to build, and also how fast or if any issues. I just got 4 of these coming in the mail. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147182 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132045 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182200 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104339 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113331 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121633 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136769 few SATA cables One below is out of stock, but a couple bucks each. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812119381
Thanks highlancer, but I think I'm going to go the path of Intel, most likely find cheap prices for great parts on Ebay. Right now I just suggestions for a rather cheap build using the i5 2500K and Z68 motherboard. (Which allows for overclocking and uses built in graphics) I would like to use the Z77 if that's possible with the processor. From there I'm clueless on what to get next.
Sure, Intel makes a great chip too. Yes, i5 is indeed a great chip, but I do not consider the intel chips 'budget'. I would still say to look at performance per $ if you want to keep in your price range. Be careful if you are building as sometimes if you get anything defective it is way easier to deal with one company as compared to different ebay sellers. That z86 motherboard should rock. I have had great luck with most ASUS motherboards. Only one thus far has been buggy, and probably should have been returned. Intel is indeed reliable. I am running three i7's and two AMD's, and really cannot tell any difference between the two thus far. Anyhow, its your $ and your choice. Good luck man, and if you run into anything let me know. I will let you guess as what I get paid to do as part of my job. Lol and on a sidenote, I hope that Aikar weighs in on this conversation!
Thanks, is there any upgraded model that is compatible with the i5? Also, about the $ to performance ratio, I'm going to attempt to steal one for $65 off of Ebay. I've seen reviews on Amazon and a few say this is more than 'a bang for your buck'. I also hope that Aikar and/or Hatjor get in on this conversation.
I would stick with more known reliable models, than trying to get another 5% performance of any upgraded first gen boards. I will look around though and see. Maybe there are some later ones out there, but certainly look at the native RAM and bus speeds of any board. Good luck getting the parts. Would be fantastic if you save a bundle of $ on parts. Ya overall, AMD VS Intel, It always comes down to how much you want to spend on your parts. Performance is so similar it is almost moot point, except for some very specific exceptions. And then if you spend a premium, in 6 months to a year, its obsolete anyway. (yes typically I go the inexpensive route) Lol ya, I wonder which likes what brand better. I would be very curious.
Well, for me, I first really loved AMD, because my awesome (in my opinion, lol) pc, had an old (2007) AMD processor. But now, I got a 'new' (it's old, from 2006 but whatever) pc, with an Intel processor, and I really love it! So, AMD or Intel? Can't choose Can you please give a answer to these questions above Kman? That'd probably help alot.
Unfortunately I do not have any extra parts lying around. I do however have a local store that can sell me some parts very cheaply. The Windows is 64bit. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Asus-P8Z68-...d=100033&prg=1011&rk=2&rkt=4&sd=151200870457& This is the motherboard I will buy as soon as I win this auction for the processor in two days.
Bump! Here are my two case options that I've been looking at: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=11-147-184 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153 If you have a different case that will support the motherboard I listed above please post! Or... If you have a completely different z68 motherboard that will support the i5 2500K processor, feel free to link that too.
Rosewill makes good cases, and I have had good experiences with the Challenger in the past. I have personally used three different cases from them, and all have given me no issues. It comes down to your personal preference on looks and space requirements now. Do you have a graphics card in mind? I easily mounted a 9" AMD 7950 in the challenger, but I have no experience with the other one.
Since my birthday is coming up next month i'm building a new computer and this is what I have come up with, http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2PAI0 Any thoughts or improvements on it would be greatly appreciated.
Another bump to this thread, this time with an update! I have purchased this case from a local seller for $50. http://www.ebay.com/itm/11-Bay-ATX-...7466?pt=US_Computer_Cases&hash=item257b83398a I feel that I might of made the wrong move by buying this, tell me if I should sell it for profit/ return it and get a case better suited for gaming. http://www.ebay.com/itm/251425627975?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649 I have also won this RAM. Seemed very nice, people on Newegg say it has served them well. My build is almost complete! I just need a nice but cheap GPU to holp up until I can get something top notch, and a hard drive. Also just to show that if you know where to buy, you can get parts cheaper than expected... Total Cost so far: Around $380
