Spec Check (Budget Build)

Imran_T

Imran_T

Imran_T

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Joined
23 May 2009
Posts
10
Hey guys,

My friends built their systems about two years ago using Overclockers and they recommended I post my build on the forums because you guys are a lot more experienced then all three of us.

Onto the build, I've basically budgeted myself to £500 (give or take £20) the build I'm buying from Overclockers doesn't include the graphics card which I bought about a month ago and I'm using on my current system. Here it is Now I know it isn't very good but for its price and compared to what I used to have it is awesome. Plus my game's are slightly outdated and don't require as much GPU power, I am planning on upgrading the GPU say around December time.

mostviableamdbuild-1.jpg


There's the build. I was planning on using the Intel C2D 2.6ghz processor but changed the build today when the I saw AMD X2 250. It's a lot more powerful then the 2.6 but for the same price....I am right there right? There are no hidden faults/something stupidly obvious that I've missed?

So for what I'm spending is the build any good? Have I missed anything out? Do I need a much better GPU for TF2, Left 4 Dead and EVE-Online?

I may overclock my card (to see how much power I can squeeze out of it) I don't think there are any aftermarket coolers for it so will one of these do the job?

Thanks in advance

Imran
 
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your gpu link appears to be broken, can you just post what type it is?

your motherboard should come with a sata cable so you don't need to buy one

If you want aero you need to get home premium but I'd suggest getiing window 7 RC for now and then getting windows 7 when it is released

psu should be adaquate so long as the gpu is not a 295

for an extra £8 you can get a 500GB hdd
 
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I'd get the AMD phenom II 550, faster clock for clock than the Athlons, easier to overclock and got more cache. For £12 more. Don't get the vista now when windows 7 are coming out in Q3 '09, get the W7 RC and use the money saved for a bigger screen/better cpu or a new gcard (or another one of yours in crossfire).
 
I would stump up the extra for Vista Home Premium or use Windows 7 untill you can buy it. Also if you're gonna game online i would try to run a cable to your router etc. as it's better than wi-fi.

EDIT Slow :(
 
I've fixed the GPU link.

I was trying to save money on the OS (I was considering installing Ubuntu :P) How would I go about installing Windows 7 onto my newly built system? and is it reliable? I imagine I'll have to burn it onto a disc or something?

I'll be definately getting the 500gb HDD, I was planning on buying small and upgrading later.

I didn't know the Mobo came with a Sata cable. Thanks for that.

The 550 being a whole lot faster is a revelation to me, I'll be getting that as well. Thanks for the feedback.
 
Ah, haven't got any old cable's so I'll have to buy new ones then. Oh well, this windows 7 OS is a lot better then I thought it was. If I can save more money there then I can spend a little extra else where, although I'm still trying to keep it as cheap as possible but still decent and upgradeable.

Here's the new build with everyone's feedback, I'm buying a cheap ass monitor because I already have a decent one, I'll just switch the two.

newbuild.jpg


I'll be connecting it directly to the router as well. I've changed the CPU and motherboard for the Phenom X2 and a compatible mobo. Is the PSU enough for upgrading? Will it be able to handle the new ATI 4770 and overclocking the CPU?
 
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that graphics card is not going to play left4dead very well at all. infact thats not even a half decent one sorry to say.

you just need to access the internet, download window7 1yr trial with cdkey, burn the image to dvd, install with serial, install chipset, gfx and sound drivers etc. Job done, cost 1 dvd.

id still get the 22" and upgrade that graphics card to something half decent as soon as possible eg 4870.
 
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the 9600GT is a decent card, especially if you can get one 2nd hand. The 4850 however is only £10 more expensive and a lot faser
 
Wow, thanks for the input guys. My friends weren't wrong when they recommended you guys.

Is there any point in waiting for the release of the ATI HD 4770? When is it coming out anyway? It looks like the best card for me as its cheapish but has GDDR5 memory.

EDIT: User1453 will I not need any SATA connectors? I thought the OEM stuff like the Optical drive and HDD don't come with any connectors just the drive and the CD for drivers? or does the Motherboard come with 2?
 
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