Super budget system build?

[osk.ocelot]

I am looking to build a budget pc to basically play COD 4, surf the web, and just any other day to day activities. I already have a psu, ram, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Trying to stay around 300 if possible. Thanks

 

[engiNURD]

1. What size monitor?
2. What resolution do you play COD4 at?
3. What detail settings?
4. Do you have a Fry's near you?
5. Are you willing to get used parts?
6. What PSU do you have? (brand, model, wattage, amperage on the +12V rails?)
7. What RAM do you have? (speed, brand, model)
8. Is tax and shipping included in that budget?
9. Do you have an OS license to use?

 

[Dangman]

Please answer Enginud's questions completely or we cannot/will not help you.

 

[tiraides]

$300? You may be better off upgrading your current rig. (Do you have a rig to upgrade?)

 

[osk.ocelot]

1.22"
2.1280x768
3.forgot
4.Yes I have a Frys
5.Used is fine
6.Xclio 500 Watt, not sure about the rails
7.1gb OCZ Gold PC3200 DDR
8.no
9.Yes

 

[Dangman]

You won't be able to reuse that RAM. So you will have to buy new RAM. Also, which 500W XClio PSU do you have? Greatpower, Stablepower or Goodpower?

Also, what are the specs of your current system? Oh and are you sure that you don't have a spare case or at least reuse your current case?

 

[engiNURD]

10. Is there a microcenter near you?
11. Do you have a case you could re-use?

You won't be able to reuse that RAM. So you will have to buy new RAM. ...

Unless he gets my AsRock 775Dual-VSTA thats listed in my FS thread.

/edit:
So... you can get a Dell for $240... www.gotapex.com...

$239: Inspiron 530 mini desktop with 2.0Ghz Dual-Core E2180, 1GB DDR2 SDRAM, 250GB HD, 16x DVD+/-RW, and Ubuntu Linux 7.1, expiring 11/19/08. Just remove the monitor to drop $200 from the initial price ($439). DELL INSPIRON 530N DESKTOP DEAL

Then pickup a 9600GT used, hopefully within your budget, and you'll be all set.

/edit2:
to build it yourself, you'll need to find a cheap ass case (like... free, lol).

$105 - 9600GT
$80 - E2200 + ECS 945GC from Fry's Combo Deal
$37 - 2GB DDR2-800
$42 - 160GB HDD
$25 - SH-S223F
$8 - ATX case from Geeks.com
=======
$297 + tax and shipping

 

[osk.ocelot]

sorry guys I have an hdd already also. If I need new ram then what is the best I can do with a cpu, mobo, ram, and gpu? I can push my budget to 400, because Im about to sell a couple things on craigslist. Ill get that combo at frys for 80 bucks for sure. So what gpu and ram should I buy?

 

[HardwareGuru]

If you can go up to $400, a PNY 8800GT video card for $120 on NewEgg will do nicely for your 22" LCD. As far as RAM, the Kingstons 2x1gig DDR2 800 RAM for $37 on NewEgg is good enough.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133232

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134488

 

[Dangman]

I concur with HardwareGuru's recommendations.

And you still haven't answered my question: Which XClio 500W PSU do you have? There's three different version of that 500W PSU. Do you have the Good, Great or Stable power?

 

[HardwareGuru]

Answering this question on the PS will pretty much finalize your build. Whether to use that Xclio PSU for this build, or put it aside for another PSU. An Antec Earthwatts 380 watt for $30 will do it.

Which XClio 500W PSU do you have? There's three different version of that 500W PSU. Do you have the Good, Great or Stable power?

 

[tiraides]

A quick rebuttal (in the interest of saving even more money)....

If you can go up to $400, a PNY 8800GT video card for $120 on NewEgg will do nicely for your 22" LCD. As far as RAM, the Kingstons 2x1gig DDR2 800 RAM for $37 on NewEgg is good enough.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133232

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134488

You could find the same PNY 8800GT found in NewEgg at Buy.com for around $110 shipped. Likewise, the additional shipping charges make the Kingston ValueRAM a poor choice. There are two 2x1GB kits available for $40 shipped; they are from A-DATA and PNY.

While it may seem like nitpicking, and it is (sorry HG; it's not intentional), with your limited budget, it's best to save money wherever you can. (But without being able to find a cheap case, like under $40 shipped, you will have to cut corners everywhere else.)