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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Gholam - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
Why not use an nForce2 IGP or KM400 based board and dump the discrete graphics card? Also, $73 case for an office system is waaaaay too expensive - an HEC 6CS3 with a 300W PSU will run you $30-35.Scarceas - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
Ozenmacher - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
I think for a budget office system, someone staring at a monitor all day may appreciate an LCD since they generally have better text and do not flicker. In that case, you can find 15 in LCD's online close to 200 dollars with integrated speakers. While integrated speakers suck, they would suffice for the office user and would reduce clutter. In that case, maybe another recommendation would be to subtract the 16 dollar speakers and add a little money towards an LCD for a slightly higher price. If they are really hurting for money, they definitely could subtract the video card as well.ceefka - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
I second that #8. I like this new style too. Thank you Jarred for going the extra mile.Zebo - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
#7 the best kept secret in ram is the crucial 8T, which Mwave sells also in thier bundles. This stuff can and will clock to 250 Mhz FSB and low timings. 3-3-3 1T. I've talked about it in various threads before and pointed here: http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=328636to show it's outstanding charachteristics.
Zebo - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
Excellent work Jarred.I really like the idea of and your explinations of "alternative" goods. Like the monitor, 512 ram and 9800 pro. It gives users who may value of aspect or another, while considering thier intended use, some good clues.
DrMrLordX - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
Interesting guide. I may follow some, if not all of these recommendations soon, if I can actually bear to part with money for a new system anytime soon.I was wondering if you've noticed mwave.com's deals on the Chaintech board you recommended, paired with Athlon 64s and Kingston memory(I think they have a few other brands available). The price on the three components together is very cheap, and could serve as an excellent base for a budget gamer(or overclocker) system.
You can get the above-mentioned combo(the RAM is 1x512 megs Kingston PC3200) for $292 + shipping. You get a free Farcry thrown in as well, and you get a better CPU than the Sempron 3100+.
Also, AMD is reportedly going to be dropping prices across the board on Oct 15. Best to wait 'til then if you're going to buy an AMD system.
ilancas - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
JarredWalton - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
Calin, certain flash USB devices can apparently be configured to function in place of a floppy drive. At least, that's what I've heard - I have never actually used one personally. Like I said in the article, it's worth the $10 for me. :DCalin - Wednesday, October 6, 2004 - link
"and installing hard drive controllers for XP are a couple of examples that often benefit from the presence of a floppy drive"Hello, there is no other way to install a driver for an unusual controller - even in Windows 2003. If you don't have a floppy, you're out of luck
Calin