Building a new comp... again

enseyn · 2010-01-02 13:50:17

Alright, I have come to you all for advice again.
I build a low energy system that has a nice atom processor and such, but I am needing to build something with a little more power for other tasks. (HD video editing and the like).

I am having a problem with picking which direction to go. I want something that I can start now and will be highly upgradable in the future. I only have about 300 US dollars to spend on a processor, motherboard and case. My main dilemma has been in choosing to go with intel or amd chip-sets. I used to always go with AMD back in my windows days, but intel has really seemed to improve. Any tips or hardware suggestions?

anonymous · 2010-01-02 15:24:45

I would go with AMD. Intel's Atom is not good for upgradability and neither is their old socket 775.

As for hardware, this should be good:

Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black ($54.95)
GIGABYTE GA-MA785GMT-UD2H ($89.99)
AMD Athlon II X2 245 ($62)
CORSAIR TW3X4G1333C9A G ($94.99)

And if you have a PCI-Express video card already, consider the GIGABYTE GA-MA770T-UD3P mobo instead (its $10 cheaper).

BTW all components/prices are from Newegg.com

iggykoopa · 2010-01-02 15:31:12

I would agree with the athlon X2..they've gotten really good reviews, the prices are cheap, and you can easily overclock them.

enseyn · 2010-01-02 15:43:11

yeah, the real problem I was seeing with the intel was the fact that a 775 chipset was the only way to keep the cost low, but wouldn't leave a lot of room for upgrading later on. I was just needing to keep it under 300 without the RAM included so your first suggestion is well under budget. That was actually the exact board i was looking at for a good AMD board, and I really love your suggestion for the case. That seems like an amazing price and the dimensions are perfect..

EDIT: The second board you suggested. I do already have a video card for it, along with 2 gigs of RAM for right now, I can wait to get more later.

Last edited by enseyn (2010-01-02 15:52:55)

enseyn · 2010-01-02 16:27:39

haha, that case even has a combo deal right now with the AMD Athlon II X2 250 that makes it cheaper than the 245, I was planning on waiting until next week, but I might end up buying it today.

Any suggestions on a reliable and quiet power supply?

Last edited by enseyn (2010-01-02 16:39:23)

anonymous · 2010-01-02 16:50:47

Take a look at the SeaSonic SS-400ES. And if you don't mind NOT buying it from newegg.com, consider the Corsair 400CX. For some reason it is currently more expensive there.

enseyn · 2010-01-02 16:55:22

Yeah, I prefer newegg, but amazon has the CMPSU-400CX for $50 with free shipping... so I might just get it there.

Edit: Hmmm.... the price seems to have jumped up by 5 dollars in the past 5 minutes...

Last edited by enseyn (2010-01-02 17:10:36)

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#1 2010-01-02 13:50:17

Building a new comp... again

#2 2010-01-02 15:24:45

Re: Building a new comp... again

#3 2010-01-02 15:31:12

Re: Building a new comp... again

#4 2010-01-02 15:43:11

Re: Building a new comp... again

#5 2010-01-02 16:27:39

Re: Building a new comp... again

#6 2010-01-02 16:50:47

Re: Building a new comp... again

#7 2010-01-02 16:55:22

Re: Building a new comp... again

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