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Thread: Computer Time!

  1. #1
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    Computer Time!

    Hi everybody!</dr.nick>

    Okay, so it's time to upgrade my gaming PC. The current specs are:

    • AMD AthlonXP 2500+ (1.7Ghz)
    • 512mb RAM
    • 80GB Harddrive
    • Geforce FX 5200 Videocard 128mb
    • A motherboard that can only support 4x


    Can anyone help me piece together a computer that is around $500USD, but really good?

    I've tried Newegg, but I think I'm piecing together too many "goodies."

  2. #2
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    Add 512mb or a gig of ram. Maybe look for a 3200+-ish processor.
    --

  3. #3
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    Here's what I came up with:

    Case
    Optical drive
    Memory
    Motherboard
    Processor
    Video card

    I'm not quite sure if the mobo + memory combo will work, since that DFI motherboard has had problems with the Corsair Value Series. Then again, depening on the speed of the memory, you might be able to get away with using the stick you have now.
    - Matt

  4. #4
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    I started putting it together, but I stopped once I hit $521, but here is what I'd get:

    http://rr.cx/newegg.png

    This doesn't include the case or floppy drive (which you can use from your old machine).

    The price isn't bad, I may even finish it and get a case and order one myself!

  5. #5
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    Originally posted by Blankwire
    Here's what I came up with:

    Case
    Optical drive
    Memory
    Motherboard
    Processor
    Video card

    I'm not quite sure if the mobo + memory combo will work, since that DFI motherboard has had problems with the Corsair Value Series. Then again, depening on the speed of the memory, you might be able to get away with using the stick you have now.
    Thanks. I guess I'm not going to get away with flat out buying a new computer in one day. I'm just going to start saving half of my next 3 paychecks...which are a little more than $450.

    Also, does anyone know if I can just flatout buy a premade computer that is good for less or equal to $500?

  6. #6
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    Blankwire..

    Case looks ugly..

    the rest is pretty good.
    So for $460 + tax + s/h

    get the mobo/processor/vid card blankwire suggested....

    Use your own case/drive/ram unless they are bad.
    Also.. check to see the speed of your ram.
    A 512mb stick will be crap if it is like pc2100
    but.. pc3200 [ddr400] will be great.

  7. #7
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    Originally posted by Blankwire
    Here's what I came up with:

    Case
    Optical drive
    Memory
    Motherboard
    Processor
    Video card

    I'm not quite sure if the mobo + memory combo will work, since that DFI motherboard has had problems with the Corsair Value Series. Then again, depening on the speed of the memory, you might be able to get away with using the stick you have now.
    Just FYI, the above configuration costs $616.97 -- not bad, and it's pretty decent.

  8. #8
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    Originally posted by cjhostingnet
    Thanks. I guess I'm not going to get away with flat out buying a new computer in one day. I'm just going to start saving half of my next 3 paychecks...which are a little more than $450.

    Also, does anyone know if I can just flatout buy a premade computer that is good for less or equal to $500?
    Costco had a nice deal going.
    I think it was around $500
    Dont remember vid card..
    but it had dvd/cd burner.. amd 3200+ [64]
    and 512mb ram if I recall..

    But if you have most of the things.. [cd/monitor/keyboard/mouse/ram] use them!

  9. #9
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    Originally posted by cjhostingnet
    Thanks. I guess I'm not going to get away with flat out buying a new computer in one day. I'm just going to start saving half of my next 3 paychecks...which are a little more than $450.

    Also, does anyone know if I can just flatout buy a premade computer that is good for less or equal to $500?
    Actually, I would go with what Rob83 suggested, taking out the hard drive and upping the video card. That would bring the price around $540 minus tax and shiping.

    And ilyash, I'm with you on the case. It just looked pretty cheap.
    - Matt

  10. #10
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    The compy at costo was [I think]
    http://www.emachines.com/products/pr...Machines_T6212

    I have it, it's an excellent machine. Take your ram and put it into the emachine. Problem is the video card is PCI express, so you can't use your AGP Card.
    --

  11. #11
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    Originally posted by MStar
    The compy at costo was [I think]
    http://www.emachines.com/products/pr...Machines_T6212

    I have it, it's an excellent machine. Take your ram and put it into the emachine. Problem is the video card is PCI express, so you can't use your AGP Card.
    Would that graphic card handle CS on High Graphics?

    Also, could I take everything out and put it in my own case?

  12. #12
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    If I Had CS I'd tell you.
    --

  13. #13
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    I would add another 512 of ram, should do the trick

  14. #14
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    Originally posted by MStar
    The compy at costo was [I think]
    http://www.emachines.com/products/pr...Machines_T6212

    I have it, it's an excellent machine. Take your ram and put it into the emachine. Problem is the video card is PCI express, so you can't use your AGP Card.
    This is just my opinion, but I would strongly advise you to stay away from eMachines.

    I bought a system from them a few years back (what I'm actually using to type this post), and the hard drive broke down a few weeks before the warrantee was about to expire. When I called for a replacement, the staff there said that it was something wrong with my restore CDs, and they insisted on sending me another set. After a few more calls, I got them to send me the drive.

    Also, for some reason, my machine wouldn't accept ATI video cards. My guess is that it's something wrong with the motherboard. When I contacted eMachines, they said that sending me a new one would be like sending me a new computer (which has some truth to it, but I should be reimbursed), so it wasn't happening.

    EDIT: But on the bright side, they screwed up and gave me an 80GB drive instead of a 60GB.
    Last edited by Blankwire; 06-28-2005 at 06:50 PM.
    - Matt

  15. #15
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    I've had two eMachines, they've been nothing but good to me. They've got brand loyalty from me now.
    --

  16. #16
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    Yes.. that is the computer..
    My costco was selling it for exactly $500.00 though..
    and it had a 200gb drive.. but everything else was the same.

    I think it comes with a 17" crt.. so ebay that...
    It is a very good computer for the price.

  17. #17
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    Can I still upgrade? I've noticed a lot of computers are "intregrated" meaning you can't replace certain thigns.

  18. #18
    The ATI xpress 200 is roughly equivilent to an Radeon x300

    I'd personally save up about $750, and you can get a nice gaming system, that'll run perfectly. You could also consider upgrading your current computer.

    (if you could tell me the Motherboard and such, I'd be more then happy to help you out)

  19. #19
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    Is the x300 good or bad?
    --

  20. #20
    If you just want to upgrade your current computer, and not start over, I'd do this...

    These are new egg's model numbers, just put them in and you should get the part.

    128-A8-N350 - Evga AGP 6600 GT - $164
    VS1GBKIT400 - Corsair Value Select (512x2) - $79.99
    AXDA3000DKV4E - AMD XP 3000+ Barton - $119.99

    Total: $363.98

    For a little more graphics power, go with this:
    128-A8-N343-AX - Evga AGP 6800 - $189.00

    The x300 is the very lower end of ATI's current generation of video cards.

  21. #21
    I'd go mini and do a small barebone pc. Here's a cool case. Doesn't cost too much and you can get yourself an xstacy graphics card. oh, and here's that link http://www.directron.com/ss56gv3.html
    ~.::If zicks are wicks and wicks are nicks then this iq test is definitely stupid::.~

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