* Need help putting together a system for around $300...

[Paratech]

Including my Christmas money, I have around $300 to spend on an upgrade.
I'd like to get something from Newegg.com, I'm thinking an AMD 2.5+ ghz dual core with 1-2 gyg memory, and motherboard.

I'd like to be able to run 3 ATA Devices, even if I have to buy an adapter.

Does anyone have suggestions?

I have a 64 bit Ubuntu 1.4 DVD-R to use along a 32 bit XP.

Thank you...

[emwearz]

You mean a complete system?
(PSU, Case, Mobo, Ram, CPU, GFX Card, CD ROM)?

[Paratech]

Not a complete system.

a Motherboard, CPU, and Memory,

I've listed the stuff I'd like the motherboard to support, the CPU, and how much memory.

I have a 430 watt power supply in mind. But I'm thinking around $300 for the motherboard, cup, and memory.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thank you.

[emwearz]

What I would suggest for $300, with a small overclock you have a fairly decent machine.

CPU = Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 Conroe 2.33GHz - $169.99
Mobo = GIGABYTE GA-G31MX-S2 LGA - $84.99
Ram = OCZ Gold 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 - $51.49
Total Price = $306.47 USD

And if these were the adapters you were after, 99cents
Newegg.com - Rosewill RCW-305 6" /Serial ATA I, II 5.25" Male to 15P Serial ATA Female Power Adapter Cable /Multi-Color - Retail

[PCXL-Fan]

Just keep in mind that if your old videocard has an AGP interface and the mobo suggested by emwearz has a pci-e expansion slot they won't be compatable.

If you already know this sorry if it offends you, but I have no idea how computer literate you are.

[Paratech]

Yeah, I know I'll be running a crappy onboard video for a while, but I'm thinking by my birthday in Feb, I'll be able to at least get a 8600 GeForce.

Thanks for reminding me anyways! I appreciate it!

[John Aiton]

Originally Posted by emwearz

What I would suggest for $300, with a small overclock you have a fairly decent machine.

CPU = Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 Conroe 2.33GHz - $169.99
Mobo = GIGABYTE GA-G31MX-S2 LGA - $84.99
Ram = OCZ Gold 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 - $51.49
Total Price = $306.47 USD

And if these were the adapters you were after, 99cents
Newegg.com - Rosewill RCW-305 6" /Serial ATA I, II 5.25" Male to 15P Serial ATA Female Power Adapter Cable /Multi-Color - Retail

may I suggest the e6600 instead?

I have the e6550 and it has a 1333Mhz bus,
since the multipliers are locked on core 2 duos you have to overclock by increasing the fsb

since the 6600 fsb is lower as standard you have more overclocking room


although the e6550 is just as good a chip
(and benches faster than the higher speed 6600)
you really need a great motherboard for overclocking it with fsb
(i have the asus p5n-e sli)

[emwearz]

With a E6600 it goes $65 dollars over his $300 he has to spend.
(Which is essentially going 21% over his budget)

I would still suggest the E6550 over the E6600, its a better chip and the mobo will do fine with it .
(I have a friend using the same mobo on a rig I built him and his running at 2.8ghz on stock cooling).