Super Doll The Computer

[draw2much]

I'm trying to make a sub-600$ desktop for my friend. She plays games like City of Heroes, surfs the web, and likes photography (she has a huge photo gallery on her computer). This is the first time I've ever built a computer from scratch (I've only upgraded prior to this) and I REALLY REALLY want to get this right. I basically need help making sure I'm buying compatible components, not buying something my friend doesn't need, and not forgetting anything important.

 

Case: Rosewill R223 25.99$

Motherboard: ECS A78GM AM2+/AMD 74.99$

CPU: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400 Retail 64.99$

Hard Drive: Hitachi Desktar 320GB 7200RPM -changed to- Western Digital 400GB 69.99$

RAM: Super Talent 2GB 39.99$

GPU: GeForce 7300GT 256MB 128-bit* -changed to- Radeon HD 2600PRO 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 59.99$

Drive: SAMSUNG 20X DVD

Edited June 13, 2008 by draw2much

[radodrill]

I wouldn't say that 550W is too much power; especially if you want room for future upgrades. However, I am not a fan of Rosewill power supplies; you might want to consider the OCZ StealthXStream 600W, which after rebate is $64.99.

 

Also, in terms of the video card you might want to consider the HIS Radeon HD2600 Pro 512Mb for $44.99 after rebate.

[philbrown23]

dude! dont get that video card!, If you are really hard up. I have a 2600XT I'll sell you for 35.00 thats with the shipping included, and it has only been tested and still ahs all the acessories wrapped in bubble wrap and the original box. your friend will have a much nice looking internet for most sites and would have a decent gaming card. I've had those 7300GT's and they are no good.

[damian]

You would be better off buying the Antec Earthwatts 380w psu instead

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817371005

 

I wouldn't bother with a graphics card if the only game she plays is that of City of Heroes, AMD did a great job in the IGP department this year with the 3*** chip series. But if she does play other games then i guess you should buy the card that Phil is selling.

[draw2much]

Concerning the PSU, I'm ok with buying from Rosewill. I know they don't have a stellar reputation, but they certainly aren't the worst out there either. I've bought from them before and it's turned out fine. Since they have the best Watt to Price ratio without being total junk, I'm going with them.

 

However, it occurs to me this machine doesn't actually NEED 500W PSU, so I went down to 430W. Apparently you only need 500W+ if you have multiple hard drives and regular drives and Sli and all sorts of things. Which she doesn't have. I can save money by getting the Rosewill 430W and put the difference towards a better card.

 

I didn't realize the GPU I was getting was that bad. Since she's not a hard core gamer I thought it'd be alright. How about a Radeon HD 2600PRO w/ 256MB 128-bit GDDR3? It's 59$. This card ought to be moderately "future proof", and by that I mean it ought to work well with Vista. (Cause even though I refuse to buy Vista for her now, at some point she'll have to upgrade.)

 

Also, I decided to get her a 400GB harddrive. Western Digital has one for the same price as Hitachi's 320GB harddrive. You can check it out here.

 

Other than the brand of PSU I'm getting, do you guys approve?

Edited May 29, 2008 by draw2much

[Great_Gig]

Regarding the PSU you are right not to need a 550W, especially if your friend is likely to use the PC at stock settings etc. I have been doing a bit of research into PSU's recently (following a failure) and can only agree with what others are recommending. This is an area often overlooked, but is an essential part of a stable system.

 

Getting the best PSU you can afford pays dividends in the long run. Running your quoted spec and adding a couple of 120mm fans has an estimated power draw of around 210-220w. If a lot of upgrading is not planned, then the Antec 380W would be a good option. But if you can afford it, then a $69.99 ($59.99 with rebate) Corsair VX450W would be an exceptionally good buy I reckon. I've just taken delivery of a Corsair TX650W and I am mightly impressed - the clincher for Corsair PSU's is the 5 year warranty and they are extremely quiet too (near silent in fact until over 400W load). You would also have a bit more headroom over the Antec.

 

Corsair PSU's come highly recommended, but don't take my word for it, read this review, which is one of many that rate them highly Silent PC Corsair VX450W review

 

Your other tweaks to your initial system look good, especially the HDD upgrade, which will assist with her storage of photo's. But the PSU could (IMHO) be considered a bit more?

 

GG

 

PS. If you want to check on how much estimated power you need, use this eXtreme Power Supply Calculator

Edited May 29, 2008 by Great Gig

[draw2much]

Oh alright alright! I decided to get the Antec Earthwatts 380W. They'll need the power savings when her husband gets out of the USAF and has to start paying for electricity again.

 

Hope ya'll are happy.

[radodrill]

I didn't realize the GPU I was getting was that bad. Since she's not a hard core gamer I thought it'd be alright. How about a Radeon HD 2600PRO w/ 256MB 128-bit GDDR3? It's 59$. This card ought to be moderately "future proof", and by that I mean it ought to work well with Vista. (Cause even though I refuse to buy Vista for her now, at some point she'll have to upgrade.)

 

You might want to check out the link I posted earlier; a better card for less (after rebate)

 

Also, in terms of the video card you might want to consider the HIS Radeon HD2600 Pro 512Mb for $44.99 after rebate.

[CanadaGUY]

With a decent PSU, 380W is more then enough for a system like that.

 

Most reviews show systems like mine in the sig, pulling something like 250-280 under full load, and OC'd.

[Great_Gig]

Oh alright alright! I decided to get the Antec Earthwatts 380W. They'll need the power savings when her husband gets out of the USAF and has to start paying for electricity again.

 

Hope ya'll are happy.

 

I reckon a very wise choice and you won't really ever know it was, but your system won't fall over because of the PSU

[Fight Game]

For a system like that, which isn't anything super, you should consider dell.com

 

Also, what about a moniter? Even if a moniter isn't needed, I'd bet you could get one included at dell, and all for less than $600

Edited May 29, 2008 by Fight Game

[draw2much]

radodrill, Thank you for the suggestion! I didn't see your post until after the order was put in though.... Also, I was under the impression that DDR3 was better than DDR2, even if it has less MB? Just something I heard some where...

 

I edited my original post to reflect the changes I made in the final order.

 

She also decided to get, for her husband, a Acer 19" LCD monitor. That ought to help him accept the fact that his wife's computer is gonna be, like, a bazillion times more awesome than his until he gets a new one too. ^_^

 

However, I was shocked at how expensive it was to ship the stuff. Maybe it was because we have to go through USPS, but just shipping cost almost 130$!! My guess is the case, monitor, and PSU are what put it so high but still....

 

Flight Game, She already owns a cheap-o Dell. It's about 3 years old and it's caused her nothing but grief. That's what I'm replacing. So, no, I would not get her another one just because it comes with a nice monitor. (And anyways, my build is better than any sub-600$ Inspirons!)

 

Now I was wondering if you guys could give me more advice!

 

She has two kids, a 5 and 2 year old. With her old Dell I want to make a sort of "Kid Computer". I could just keep XP on it, but I thought it might be safer to go with a flavor of Linux. I'm thinking Ubuntu, Edubuntu specifically. That way there's a much smaller risk of viruses and other nasties. Also, my understanding is the User Permissions can be modified to be much more strict than on Windows. I need that because that 5 yr old has a knack for getting into parts of an OS he's not suppose to be in and messing things up. I need it so he can only use certain programs and nothing else, essentially. (The 2 year old, obviously, is not a problem at this point... but probably will be when she gets old.. )

 

What do you guys think? Should I go with Linux or just stick to XP? What suggestions do you have for "kid proofing" adventurous little fingers?

Edited May 30, 2008 by draw2much