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I have the exact same thing going on with me, so I'm not going to bother making a new topic. I'm also on a budget, but I'm trying to make it into a SLI compatible system. (For future expansion.) Also, I'm not going to try to OC or anything, so I don't need top-notch parts. Here's my list of parts, and please tell me if there are any problems. (Such as compatibility, quality, opinion, performance, etc.)
Is this a gaming rig? Anything else it will be used for? I would change the case to something a bit cheaper. Maybe ~$50 to save some money. I would definitely get a different PSU. The PSU is the most important and most overlooked component in a PC. Don't skimp on it. There are much better supplies for cheaper. You shouldn't buy an SLI motherboard for future-proofing. With such a limited budget you shouldn't even be considering SLI. I'd try to go a little cheaper on other not so important components in order to get more RAM. I would suggest 1GB. If this is a gaming rig you definitely will want a much better video card. It may even be wise to drop down to a Socket 754 system and get a Sempron if it allows you to get a much better video card.
Also, any particular reason why you are not going to overclock?
I would definetly drop to a socket 754 Sempron and get 1GB of memory and a better video card.
I just built a 754 Sempron two weeks ago and it was blazing fast with a gig of memory. It was a 3000+and I was satisfied with it.
I would think 600 watts would be enough power, but this is coming from a guy who doesn't have a PSU over 550W *shrug* they do well enough for me. I'd say if you're going to go with an SLI based system, then yeah, you'd need more power.
I agree with Chris about going with a socket 754 system if it allows you to get a much better video card and at least another 512MB of RAM.
Quote:
I would think 600 watts would be enough power, but this is coming from a guy who doesn't have a PSU over 550W *shrug* they do well enough for me. I'd say if you're going to go with an SLI based system, then yeah, you'd need more power.
It's not about wattage; It's about quality.
The power supply is that one component that powers everything in your machine, and could potentially screw up everything in your machine. This is why it is very important to get a quality power supply. You don't want one that dies or, even worse, takes some of your components along with it when it dies. Even if it doesn't die, a supply with fluctuating rails could cause lock ups, crashes, etc.
You should definitely stick to quality brands and Aspire is far from a quality brand.
I would just completely forget about SLI. It's simply not worth it and should not be used for future-proofing. The PSU Predator posted is an awesome supply and I highly recommend it, but you are dealing with a pretty tight budget. So, I would suggest going with something like a Fortron AX450-PN.
Just answer the questions I asked above and any other information you wish to add and I could put something together for you.
Drew, point taken about PSUs. I never really bothered with brand names and I've had a few PSUs die on me. I guess I'll have to take a better look the next time I build a system.
This last rig I built I just used the PSU that came with the Antec case. Seemed decent to me.
This last rig I built I just used the PSU that came with the Antec case. Seemed decent to me.
Antec makes good PSU's. Not on the same level as Seasonic, Fortron, PC P&C, Zippy, etc., but one of the very few that I would trust that come with a case. You don't have anything to worry about when using it.
Ok, to address the points: 1) Well, I thought that I might as well go ahead with the SLI setup because first, I need to save up for these parts, and I don't much see the point of buying a new Mobo soon after creating a new computer. Also, I've never built a computer before, I only have that one December PC Gaming mag to go on, (Feel free to call me naive or anything else. :P ) so I'm trying not to stray to far off the path. I see the Mobo that you suggested is neat and labeled, which is good, but it doesn't have X2 support, which I'm considering. One last question: Does anything even use PCI x1? I have not seen one thing that does. 2) As for the PSU, thank for the suggestion. Though, do you think that I should go modular? 3) Yeah, the video card that I picked sucks. I even knew it when I was picking it out, too. I just thought that maybe I could suffice with that for the time, and then later on, buy some video cards that weren't as crappy. I needed (but not immediately) something to play a game that requires Pixel Shaders 1.0 support. 4) I picked out the Asus drive because it looked like it had more bang for its buck, but, do LiteOns tend to be better quality and quieter that Asus? 5) I thought about Sempron, but I hear so many good things the Athlon series, they're 64-bit compatible, plus they're getting cheaper on newegg. I heard that Vista is going to be 64-bit. Is that true? (Though I can't say it's from a reliable source.) 6) Yeah, the RAM thing has been lingering in the back of my mind ever I since I compiled the list. I'm most likely going to make it 1GB. Although, should I get just one stick, two of the 512 bundled, two of 512 separately?
The reason why I'm not going to OC is because I just don't feel the need or risk. (I'm a complete noob, if you can't already tell.) I'm actually perfectly happy with playing my games and other stuff. And as for the budget thing, I'm not Scrooge when it comes to money; I will gladly dish out the few extra dollars for better quality. I just would like to keep the price low. (As anybody else would.) Lastly, thank you VERY much for the feedback so far, guys.
In regards to overclocking: Unless you really push it, there's no risk to worry about. Usually, you can get another 200-300 MHz out of a proc no problem, with no voltage increases (which means basically no heat increases).
My suggestion is still not to even bother with SLI. You are almost always better off with a faster single card. The only time SLI even makes sense is if you are buying two of the highest-end video cards (7900GT or 7900GTX). Any other time you would be able to get better performance for cheaper by going with a single video card. SLI as a future-proofing option is not a good idea either. So basically, unless you're made of money, don't bother with SLI.
What exactly do you use your computer for? A dual-core may be a good choice, but if this is a gaming PC it may be better to get a singl e core CPU to save some money, since you won't benefit too much with current games.
As for the PSU, no, I wouldn't get a modular PSU. I'll quote Pc Power & Cooling:
Quote:
Due to their look, convenience, and cost savings for manufacturers, modular plugs have become a popular power supply feature. Unfortunately, there has been little or no discussion of the impact of this feature on overall performance and reliability. The fact is, modular plugs limit power by adding to electrical resistance. The voltage drop can be as much as would occur in 2 feet of standard wire. Worse yet, modular plugs utilize delicate pins that can easily loosen, corrode, and burn, creating the potential for a major system failure. That's why pros specify uninterrupted wire!
Also, there are not many modular PSU's that I would actually recommend. I find myself recommending Fortron PSU's a lot mainly because they offer great supplys for cheap.
Also, there are 64-bit Semprons. I have one. About the RAM, 2x512MB would be slightly faster because you will be able to run dual-channel. However, if you plan on upgrading to 2GB soon after it may be a better idea to get a single 1GB stick. From the sounds of it, it would probably be best if you just bought 2x512MB. Whether they are in a \"dual-channel\" pack or seperate doesn't really matter. Just buy whatever would be cheaper.
Okay, no modular then. Yeah, as for the computer, I'm probably just going to use it mainly for gaming and school stuff. As for the video cards, I agree that it would be cheaper and more powerful. One final question on the SLI. (Sorry, I know I'm being stubborn!) Wouldn't it be good to have a extra x16 slot around, even if not using a SLI setup? (i.e. use two different cards for games.) And, if I were to get a single card, which series would you recommend between the 6200s and the 7900s? Lastly, would this be a good PSU?
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