System Summaries
The two systems that we have put together cover quite a range in options. Even if you have little interest in gaming, there are still several upgrades from the gaming system that might interest you. There really is no "perfect" computer configuration, especially when it comes to such things as the case, hard drive and optical drives. From the parts and advice listed in this article, you should have a reasonable selection of components and information that will help you put together a good budget system.
Here are the final configurations as listed in this Guide. Remember that you will still need to purchase the Operating System, keyboard, and mouse. We have included shipping costs in all of the prices; other than tax (and the aforementioned components), this is the maximum price that you should have to pay. You can also see the impact on price of some further options below the base configurations.
Budget Office Summary
| Hardware |
Component |
Price |
| CPU & Cooling |
AMD Sempron 2400+ (Socket A) - retail |
$65 |
| Motherboard |
Shuttle AN35N-Ultra |
$58 |
| Memory |
1x256 MB Corsair Value Select CL2.5 |
$43 |
| Video Card |
Celestica Radeon 9200SE 64MB |
$35 |
| Hard Drive |
Seagate 80 GB 7200 RPM 8MB PATA |
$67 |
| Optical Drive |
Lite-On 52x32x52x CD-RW |
$28 |
| Computer Case & Power Supply |
Antec SLK1650B w/350W |
$73 |
| Display |
Samsung 793DF-T/T 17" |
$139 |
| Speakers |
Altec Lansing 220 |
$16 |
| Bottom Line |
$524 |
Budget Gaming Summary
| Hardware |
Component |
Price |
| CPU & Cooling |
AMD Sempron 3100+ (Socket 754) - retail |
$120 |
| Motherboard |
Chaintech VNF-250 |
$77 |
| Memory |
1x512 MB Corsair Value Select CL2.5 |
$70 |
| Video Card |
Connect3D ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB, 256-bit |
$195 |
| Hard Drive |
Seagate 160 GB 7200 RPM 8MB SATA |
$108 |
| Optical Drive |
Lite-On CD-RW/DVD Combo |
$45 |
| Computer Case & Power Supply |
Antec SLK1650B w/350W |
$73 |
| Display |
NEC FE770 17" |
$149 |
| Speakers |
Logitech Z-640 5.1 Speakers |
$56 |
| Bottom Line |
$899 |
Additional Alternatives
| Hardware |
Component |
Price |
| Office Memory Upgrade (Dual-channel) |
1x256 MB Corsair Value Select CL2.5 |
+$43 |
| Gaming Memory Upgrade |
1x512 MB Corsair Value Select CL2.5 |
+$70 |
| Gaming Hard Drive Downgrade |
Seagate 80 GB 7200 RPM 8MB SATA |
-$37 |
| Gaming Hard Drive Downgrade |
Seagate 120 GB 7200 RPM 8MB SATA |
-$24 |
| Office Hard Drive Upgrade |
Seagate 120 GB 7200 RPM 8MB PATA |
+$23 |
| Office Hard Drive Upgrade |
Seagate 160 GB 7200 RPM 8MB PATA |
+$33 |
| Power Supply Upgrade |
Antec True430 430W |
+$70 |
| Display |
NEC FE991SB 19" |
+$115 |
If you feel that we really missed a great recommendation, sound off in the comments section. Remember, though, that this is simply our opinion on what we would build given the budget constraints, if we were to go out and purchase a new system right now. The prices which we list were found either in our
RealTime Pricing Engine, or via
PriceWatch. Just remember that if you use PriceWatch, you may want to do a little background checking on the reseller before ordering - spending your money on a new computer only to wait two or more weeks for the parts to arrive is not very fun. For some parts like the graphics card and motherboard, you might want to wait and see what happens in the next month or two. If you cannot wait, though, you will not be disappointed with either of these systems. We think that both provide a lot of power for their targeted market at a tremendous value.
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kmmatney - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
We are going completely small form factor at my office, using either the ASUS Terminator or, lately, ASUS T2-P with Celeron-D. They've all worked great, and no problems using on-board graphics.The ASUS Terminator + Duron is simply an incredible value. The ASUS T2-R is also nice, with ATI Radeon 9100 graophics.
kherman - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
kherman - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
Left kinda confused. I see alot of areas I simply didn't like. In particular, for a true Office rig, where data intergretty is VERY important, I'd suggest 2 hard drives and a software RAID solution. Same total cost for hard drives, but it's justfied in terms of budget. Spend the same amount. for gaming, go for fast loading. For office, go for redundancy. The Office rig would actually have more alloted to the hard drive, but isn't that the critical component in an office rig?I say this every time I see a write up. You really need to start mentioning it, even if it's simpyl an alternative office solution that costs more. Most people using a PC for home office use, don't have a server running RAID 5 available and it almost seems as though it's an assumption.
Other than this, I loved that article. Also, for home office, I can't see recomending 17" monitors. You need to generally run higher resolution and see more of the screen to be efficient in a home office.
To be honest, I have to say that "a "budget rig" for office shouldn't be much cheaper than he gaming rig. Monitors and redundancy are important factors here where gaming rigs need a killer video card.
Please consider this in the future.
boomerang - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
Very happy with the more in-depth explanations and choices given in the guide. I very much depend on these guides when building systems.You are to be commended for a job well done!
iversonyin - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
since we in the entry level budget, why not get a generic case+ PS. generic case usually got for ~$35i would not run XP with 256 MB RAM even its only for office use. IMO
PrinceGaz - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
On the last page in the Additional Alternatives table, the Power Supply Upgrade has the wrong item name.Iger - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
Thanks for the nice guide, I love explanations too :)About monitors - there actually are Samsung 795 DF ones, which handle 1280x1024@75 for a few more $ :)
Gholam - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
$14, Bayfield is just way too expensive - why not use a D865GVHZ if you're determined to go Intel?Gholam - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
$14, Bayfield is just way too expensive - why not use a D865GVHZ if you're determined to go Intel?Scarceas - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
I've had seen at least one business app that didn't run right on an nForce motherboard. It was wierd.Anyway, I never seem to have any trouble with stability or configuration when using an Intel-branded motherboard with an Intel CPU.
It does cost a bit more, but the in the total cost of ownership equation, the hardware itself is definitely not the largest factor, especially on a budget near this one.
The previously mentioned application is a good case in point: the money saved in hardware was easily ate up in service/support to troubleshoot the program.
I like the Intel D865GBFL motherboard, and if you're going budget, a Celeron D 320 will fit nicely ($165 shipped from Newegg).
In an office environment, the performance delta is not so critical, and I don't mind spending $35 more if it reduces support issues.
Just something to conside...