Another Boring Check My Spec Thread

GingerNinja1989

GingerNinja1989

GingerNinja1989

Associate
Joined
6 Dec 2007
Posts
2,103
Hey all, just been asked to build a base unit for my auntie, she doesn't wasnt much, and this spec seems as good as any, just want to make sure I've not missed anything. Here goes:

Logitech Deluxe Keyboard (Black) - OEM

GeIL 4GB (4x1GB) PC2-5300C4 667MHz Value DDR2 Dual Channel Kit

Intel Core 2 Duo E2180 "LGA775 Conroe" 2.00GHz (800FSB) - Retail

MSI P31 Neo2-FR Intel P31 (Socket 775) PCI-Express DDR2 MotherboardMSI P31 Neo2-FR Intel P31 (Socket 775) PCI-Express DDR2 Motherboard

OcUK GeForce 8400 GS 256MB DDR2 HDTV/DVI (PCI-Express) - Retail

Gigabyte SUPERB 460w PSU

Coolermaster Centurion 534 - Black (No PSU)

Pioneer DVR-215DBK 20x DVD±RW SATA Dual Layer ReWriter (Black) - OEM

Hitachi Deskstar T7K500 320GB SATA-II 16MB Cache - OEM (0A33435)

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2c - OEM (N09-02215)

Total cost for base unit and keyboard inc. deliverance via City Link is a little over £370. Is everything here? Can I do better for the money?

Thanks all!
 
That includes everything you need although I'd change the motherboard to a Gigabyte P31 and the case to an Antec NSK 4480B which has a bundled 380w PSU so should be cheaper overall, in fact it costs about the same as the case on its own.

4gb Ram might also be rather overkill here but it doesn't cost a huge amount extra.
 
Thanks both, forgot to factor in the 32/64 bit question.

Edit: Would I have any problems if I used OCZ memory with the Gigabyte P31? I heard that RAM didn't like Gigabyte motherboards.
 
Last edited:
GingerNinja1989 said:
Thanks both, forgot to factor in the 32/64 bit question.

Edit: Would I have any problems if I used OCZ memory with the Gigabyte P31? I heard that RAM didn't like Gigabyte motherboards.
Click to expand...

Few changes:

Bump up the E2180 to an E2200. Doesn't cost much more and is a little faster.

Try one of the Antec power supply/case combos. They are very good for the price.

Of course, only go for 2GB of memory rather than 4.
 
Right, my auntie knows a little bit about computers, she just can't build them, and she said the E2180 would do her fine. Gone for a silver Antec NSK combo thingy, and have taken semi-pro's advice on the Giga mobo. Have the big brother of that board myself, so should prob stick with what I know. Also gone for 2GB of the faster 800MHz Geil as opposed to 4GB of the slower stuff, since XP home can't use it anyways.

Thanks for the input all!
 
Haven't had any experience with mATX, so didn't want to start messing around with someone else's computer! Also, I figured that the 8400GS would give better performance over onboard GFX for not a lot of extra cash.

EDIT: I did consider SFF or mATX, as you can see from my post in the SFF section of this very forum, but decided to stick with what I know! :-P
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom