Sub-$550 build.... advice greatly appreciated!!!

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03-04-2009, 11:27 AM
iMpathetic

Sub-$550 build.... advice greatly appreciated!!!

Hey everyone.

I haven't been online in nearly a year. I used to have a Q6600 rig that I sold for a mountain bike, and kind of got out of computers. However, I don't think hiding from my true passion because it's socially unacceptable is a good idea anymore. :p:

I am mainly a Mac guy. I love the Mac OS but honestly, I can't afford any more Mac crap. My iBook just died on me and I need a new computer, so I am going to build a PC and stick OS X on it. My goals are for the computer to look trick, perform well under both OS X and Windows, and cost under $550.

I am about to order the parts, and came back to XS to see if any of you gurus had advice for me.

One thing I would like to point out before I give the specs is that I am buying a GTX 260 for a friend (NetBurstXE on here) and he is giving me an E4600, an 8600GTS, and some cash in return, so switching CPUs is pretty much not an option.

Anyway... specs as of now...

ABS Aplus Monolith case
Corsair 400W PSU
Gigabyte GA-G31M-ES2L motherboard
4GB Corsair PC-6400 memory
WD 320GB HDD
EVGA 8600GTS
Sony DVD-RW

That's about it, what do you guys think?

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!! :):)
03-04-2009, 11:53 AM
EniGmA1987

Did you look on the OSx86 wiki to make sure the motherboard is compatible with OSX? I would look on there and choose my motherboard based off of a known fully working board with the latest version of OSX (10.5.6?)
03-04-2009, 12:51 PM
Ket

I would get at least a 600w PSU, and if you plan to be a REAL maan, get a P45 mobo not that crummy G31 rubbish :p: You can also pick up 4GB PC8500 for not too much price difference to PC6400 too, which naturally, is better.
03-04-2009, 01:27 PM
iMpathetic

Quote:

Originally Posted by EniGmA1987

Did you look on the OSx86 wiki to make sure the motherboard is compatible with OSX? I would look on there and choose my motherboard based off of a known fully working board with the latest version of OSX (10.5.6?)

It works, I checked.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ket

I would get at least a 600w PSU, and if you plan to be a REAL maan, get a P45 mobo not that crummy G31 rubbish :p: You can also pick up 4GB PC8500 for not too much price difference to PC6400 too, which naturally, is better.

Again, my budget is $550 and I'm about $530 shipped after rebates with this.

That said, any part swaps I could/should do?
03-04-2009, 01:35 PM
Tonucci

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

Hey everyone.

I haven't been online in nearly a year. I used to have a Q6600 rig that I sold for a mountain bike, and kind of got out of computers. However, I don't think hiding from my true passion because it's socially unacceptable is a good idea anymore. :p:

I am mainly a Mac guy. I love the Mac OS but honestly, I can't afford any more Mac crap. My iBook just died on me and I need a new computer, so I am going to build a PC and stick OS X on it. My goals are for the computer to look trick, perform well under both OS X and Windows, and cost under $550.

I am about to order the parts, and came back to XS to see if any of you gurus had advice for me.

One thing I would like to point out before I give the specs is that I am buying a GTX 260 for a friend (NetBurstXE on here) and he is giving me an E4600, an 8600GTS, and some cash in return, so switching CPUs is pretty much not an option.

Anyway... specs as of now...

ABS Aplus Monolith case
Corsair 400W PSU
Gigabyte GA-G31M-ES2L motherboard
4GB Corsair PC-6400 memory
WD 320GB HDD
EVGA 8600GTS
Sony DVD-RW

That's about it, what do you guys think?

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!! :):)

Good value overall :)

Other than the CPU it ressembles my M-ATX rig. Same mobo, hd, 450w corsair, 8600gt.... Well balanced for its price :up:

ps: My board does around 400Mhz FSB, very nice mobo choice for its price.
03-04-2009, 01:36 PM
iMpathetic

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tonucci

Good value overall :)

Other than the CPU it ressembles my M-ATX rig. Same mobo, hd, 450w corsair, 8600gt.... Well balanced for its price :up:

Glad to hear it.... :up:

Looks like Micro Center has the E7400 for $90, but I don't want to renege on anything.... :D
03-04-2009, 04:38 PM
Tonucci

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

Glad to hear it.... :up:

Looks like Micro Center has the E7400 for $90, but I don't want to renege on anything.... :D

well, I almost got an lower end cpu like the e4600 but ended up getting an e7300. I dont regret one bit, coz it OC like crazy, 3.8Ghz w/ low vcore on this mobo. With an e4600 Id not expect more than ~3.3Ghz with volts (I'd surely hope tho :p:).

If you arent an OC'er I wouldnt pay 90$ for the e7400 and just stick with the e4600.
03-04-2009, 04:43 PM
Ket

$530 shipped? DAmn.. Sorry man I just don't think thats good value for money there...
03-04-2009, 04:44 PM
iMpathetic

Netburst (my friend) said that with a good cooler, I'd be able to hit 3.4 or so.

I would love to OC, because the E4600 is the same CPU that is in my mom's Vostro minitower, and, as you can probably imagine, that's a MASSIVE blow to my ego.

Who knows, maybe I will buy a better CPU, but I don't want to piss him off.

Argh.

Any opinions on the case, BTW? It looks friggin' awesome and gets good reviews but there are no "real world" shots or reviews to be found.
03-04-2009, 04:45 PM
iMpathetic

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ket

$530 shipped? DAmn.. Sorry man I just don't think thats good value for money there...

What would you recommend I change?

See, I am trading a GTX 260 for the E4600, like $40, and the 8600GTS.

Good deal?

Netburst is my friend though and I want him to be happy too....
03-04-2009, 04:50 PM
Tonucci

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ket

$530 shipped? DAmn.. Sorry man I just don't think thats good value for money there...

These parts have very good value for an budget rig where I live, maybe not so much in the states (or where he is buying) ? :shrug:
03-04-2009, 05:03 PM
iMpathetic

States, yeah. Where are you?

Fark, look at this case!! :D

http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggIma...215-009-31.jpg
http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggIma...215-009-26.jpg

I swear, I might have to buy that case even to stick a Pentium 4 rig in. DAYUM, that's fine.
03-04-2009, 06:34 PM
Odyssey96

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

What would you recommend I change?

See, I am trading a GTX 260 for the E4600, like $40, and the 8600GTS.

Good deal?

Netburst is my friend though and I want him to be happy too....

Not a good deal. Sell the GTX260 for $$$. You don't want a 8600GTS OR an E4600.

This is what I'd do (all priced through newegg):
Antec 300 (best case sub $100) $60
Samsung 640gb HD $60
Sapphire 4850 (destroys an 8600GTS) $150
Corsair CX400 PSU $50
4GB G.Skill DDR2 800 $45
Asus P5QL PRO P43 MOBO (OPEN BOX, save mucho $$$) $60
Intel E7400 C2D $120
Samsung 22x SATA Disc Drive $20

Total: $565
If you add the GTX260 money, you could afford an after market cpu fan (Xigmatek S1283) a NIB mobo, etc.
03-04-2009, 06:41 PM
B.E.E.F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

What would you recommend I change?

See, I am trading a GTX 260 for the E4600, like $40, and the 8600GTS.

Good deal?

Netburst is my friend though and I want him to be happy too....

That's not a good deal. Keep the GTX260 and put it in your system or eBay the thing for more money.

You can build a good system for $530 shipped since you already have a GPU. Newegg has great prices.
03-04-2009, 06:58 PM
B.E.E.F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Odyssey96

Not a good deal. Sell the GTX260 for $$$. You don't want a 8600GTS OR an E4600.

This is what I'd do (all priced through newegg):
Antec 300 (best case sub $100) $60
Samsung 640gb HD $60
Sapphire 4850 (destroys an 8600GTS) $150
Corsair CX400 PSU $50
4GB G.Skill DDR2 800 $45
Asus P5QL PRO P43 MOBO (OPEN BOX, save mucho $$$) $60
Intel E7400 C2D $120
Samsung 22x SATA Disc Drive $20

Total: $565
If you add the GTX260 money, you could afford an after market cpu fan (Xigmatek S1283) a NIB mobo, etc.

You must mean Western Digital 640GB HD. Better performer. The P5QL is crap. At least P5Q-E for a system like that.

My build:

1. PhenomII X4 810 $175
2. GTX260 $0
3. WD6400AAKS $70
4. Antec 300 Case $60
5. Seasonic 400W 80plus PSU $54 (you need a bigger one if you OC or crossfire)
6. Jetway 790GX JHA07 $110
7. 4GB DDR2-800 Geil Black Dragon $39
8. DVD Burner $20

Total: $528

I would go PhenomII over Core2Duo. The Duo is a dead platform. Its being replaced now by i7. No more CPUs coming down the pipe! The PhenomII system is also faster than a Intel E7xxx build for most applications.
03-04-2009, 07:14 PM
vengance_01

I agree with the above poster. Just get a board that supports CF. 790GX is a great chipset.
03-05-2009, 04:34 AM
iMpathetic

Everyone, I don't want to make a super-long multi-quote post, so here's what I basically have to do.

I have to go with the E4600. I know the trade with my friend may not seem like a good deal, but it's kind of a mutually beneficial thing. His parents will NEVER let him spend more money on a graphics card, and my parents don't give a sh*t, but I do need parts.

I kind of wish there was a way to make my build better and keep him happy. He did say he has an E6550 I could use instead, would that be any better?

P.S. I don't actually HAVE the GTZ260, I have to buy it and then he will trade me.

P.P.S. I don't really want to go AMD..... will be running OS X on this system quite a bit and it will be easier than Intel.

Thanks for all your help, everybody! (Assuming I get the E4600 or E6550, what can I change on my build? I am gonna order parts this afternoon. Some of them, anyway.)
03-05-2009, 07:18 AM
Tonucci

IIRC the e6550 has only 7x multi, with an low end board it wont OC much ok. You would need way above 400FSB (would yield only 2.8Ghz....) to get decent clocks out of it.
03-05-2009, 07:29 AM
B.E.E.F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

P.P.S. I don't really want to go AMD..... will be running OS X on this system quite a bit and it will be easier than Intel.

Thanks for all your help, everybody! (Assuming I get the E4600 or E6550, what can I change on my build? I am gonna order parts this afternoon. Some of them, anyway.)

Wow. These are all terrible decisions. Whatever works for you. Good luck.

Just out of curiosity, did you go to the OSX86 forums and see what hardware is most compatible? Or do you plan on luck that everything works with OSX.
03-05-2009, 11:28 AM
iMpathetic

You know, I don't really know if you woke up on the wrong side of the bed or something, but I still don't see why you have to berate me for being a noob at all this.

Yes, I checked if stuff will be compatible. I know that it's easier to run OS X on Intel procs than AMD. While I am new to this, I'm not collossaly retarded.

Honestly, just because you're very knowledgeable at this does not mean you're any better than me, not even on these boards.

Treat me like a person, not a misbehaving puppy, OK? :)
03-05-2009, 11:56 AM
EniGmA1987

If you can wait a little while before building (and if a 4850 is OSX compatible) you can get an ATI 4850 for around $120 or so. There are price cuts coming soon for the 4870 and 4850 cards. Save some money and get a much better card that way...
03-05-2009, 03:03 PM
iMpathetic

All right, I will look into that for sure. I don't really do the whole gaming thing.... but a better card is always nice to have. :)

Looks like I may be selling my bike in addition to the money I have now, in which case I'd end up with about $1300. Configured a very nice system for that price... anyone have any input for that end of the price spectrum?

@B.E.E.F: I'm sorry for ripping into you in that post. I know you were just trying to help. I thought I was being talked down to, and being a kid, I really hate that.

No hard feelings? :)
03-05-2009, 04:34 PM
B.E.E.F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

@B.E.E.F: I'm sorry for ripping into you in that post. I know you were just trying to help. I thought I was being talked down to, and being a kid, I really hate that.

No hard feelings? :)

No, not really. I'm trying to help you out not talking down to you. Before you make your decision check out the OSX86 forum.

Check each and every component for 100% compatibility otherwise you are going to spend SO much time troubleshooting. Being a hacked OSX, there's little hope for you to fix the problems.

So now you have $1300. Are you still going for an OSX86 compatible machine?
03-05-2009, 04:48 PM
iMpathetic

I still am, yes. I am not, however, prepared to compromise as far as hardware goes. If it looks like my ideal build is not going to work, I'll change stuff around, but if the build would be crappy, I'm not going to bother. I have some older laptops I can mess around on too...

I am going to look at that thread with all the different builds and see what there is to see. I am not going to put huge emphasis on graphics, though, I don't really play games that much.
03-05-2009, 04:53 PM
B.E.E.F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

I am going to look at that thread with all the different builds and see what there is to see. I am not going to put huge emphasis on graphics, though, I don't really play games that much.

So what is it you want for $1300?

Quiet, pretty, reliable, overclockable, performance (different kinds available)...
03-05-2009, 04:56 PM
iMpathetic

Well, perhaps it would be better to say that nice graphics would be GOOD but I'm not going to spend more than the GTX 260 price range.

I want it to be fast, pretty, and quiet within reason. As long as it doesn't sound like a tornado, that's great.

Would it be a good idea to go for the i7 instead of a Core 2 Quad or similar?

Also, would water cooling be a good idea? I plan to OC (with the help of people I know who know about that stuff, of course :P)

Thanks!
03-05-2009, 05:29 PM
B.E.E.F.

Water cooling is a great idea but pricy. Either get a good reliable kit, which you know is not supposed to leak or forget about it.

Core i7 is expensive. If you want a Core i7 system you'll need to be shaving money elsewhere. Cheaper case, no water cooling... etc. A cheaper alternative is PhenomII with DDR2. Performs close to Core i7 but alot cheaper and you can still upgrade.

If I were you, I would get some really good air cooling. The fans make the most difference so pick wisely. Nexus, Noctua, and Yate Loon are the quiet choices.
03-05-2009, 05:49 PM
iMpathetic

All right, thanks a lot! I'll look into all those.

What would you suggest as far as cases go? I want it to have lights and a side window, but not look like a toy.... kind of walking a fine line here...

The Antec Twelve Hundred looks very good... nice and big. Even though I don't need a giant case I prefer them.... my last build was in a big ol' Ultra case and I loved it.

I am prepared to drop quite a bit on a case, possibly $250 or so.
03-05-2009, 06:23 PM
B.E.E.F.

Errr...

I like solid cases with little bling myself. Its distracting. I like the Antec 300. Solid, nice quality feel and great price. If you want lights you can always put in some fans with LEDs. It would look like the black case you posted before.

Antec 300
http://www.maximumpc.com/files/u2269...300-beauty.jpg
03-05-2009, 06:24 PM
iMpathetic

Yeah, my friend has one... but it's pretty small...
03-05-2009, 06:28 PM
B.E.E.F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

Yeah, my friend has one... but it's pretty small...

For what? It fits an ATX motherboard, 6 hard drives and 3 5.25" drives.

BTW. The system in your sig, whats wrong with it? Why you bothering for another?
03-05-2009, 06:46 PM
Odyssey96

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

Yeah, my friend has one... but it's pretty small...

I'm confused, has your budget/needs changed?
03-06-2009, 04:37 AM
iMpathetic

Quote:

Originally Posted by Odyssey96

I'm confused, has your budget/needs changed?

Well, I think I'm going to sell my bike. In that case, I would have more money than $550, probably around $1300.

B.E.E.F : I know it's plenty big. I just seem to love giant cases, for some reason. I agree, it's a lovely case, but it's still kinda small on the outside.

The rig in my sig is what I actually sold to pay for my bike... I should edit that out.

It seems like I'm very odd when it comes to this sort of thing.... I must look like a real idiot.... :D
03-06-2009, 07:39 AM
Tonucci

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

It seems like I'm very odd when it comes to this sort of thing.... I must look like a real idiot.... :D

Let me control your properties please, you wont regret ! :D

Good luck on your build man...But i kinda dont get why you plan to change your gtx260 and is planning on getting another nice card ?

Pppl here is more familiar with US prices, so ill let to them....Ill just say that with your new budget you can get a very nice gaming rig :)
03-06-2009, 07:53 AM
B.E.E.F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

B.E.E.F : I know it's plenty big. I just seem to love giant cases, for some reason. I agree, it's a lovely case, but it's still kinda small on the outside.

Yeah, and on the inside.

Antec 900
https://mxmachines.com/shop/images/antec900.jpg

Antec 1200 (monster size)
http://www.game-boyz.com/content/fil...t_q_lights.jpg

Myself, I could care less. I buy a case for the size of the system. Bigger cases tend to be harder to cool or noisier because they have more fans. I like to keep the noise to a minimum. Quiet fans, and as few of them as possible.

The computer case to me has to be solid and well designed. I don't care for bling. That's what I have my backlit keyboard and mouse for. :D

One more thing:

Stop talking down to yourself! No one here thinks you're an idiot. We're just discussing your build, and we have different opinions.
03-06-2009, 09:19 AM
iMpathetic

I was probably going to go for the Twelve Hundred or something like that. I loved my Ultra Aluminus, wish I could get my hands on another one.

I think I may go for a Core i7 with a GTX 260. It comes in at about $1200 which is a pretty good deal!

Another option would be to spend $900 on the computer and $300 or so on a good LCD... is there any merit to that?

Thanks!
03-06-2009, 09:46 AM
B.E.E.F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

I was probably going to go for the Twelve Hundred or something like that. I loved my Ultra Aluminus, wish I could get my hands on another one.

I think I may go for a Core i7 with a GTX 260. It comes in at about $1200 which is a pretty good deal!

+fans
+heatsinks
+keyboard
+mouse
+case

= way more than $1300.

core i7 isn't cheap.

forget about the GTX260. You can get an HD4870 1GB that's faster and cheaper!

Quote:

Another option would be to spend $900 on the computer and $300 or so on a good LCD... is there any merit to that?

Yup. Get yourself a nice LED backlit LCD screen. Great colors and contrast.
03-06-2009, 11:11 AM
iMpathetic

Quote:

Originally Posted by B.E.E.F.

+fans
+heatsinks
+keyboard
+mouse
+case

= way more than $1300.

core i7 isn't cheap.

forget about the GTX260. You can get an HD4870 1GB that's faster and cheaper!

The one I configured was $1247 with a case and everything. While I'm a PC noob, I still have a ton of miscellaneous keyboards and mice lying around the house.

I think I'm gonna go C2D or C2Q. Thanks for the tip on the 4870, I'd be throwing money away without these forums! :D

What about a Q9550? Good CPU?
03-06-2009, 11:45 AM
Tonucci

Agree about the 4870 1Gb, but do you still have your gtx260 ?

If yes, I'd keep it.
03-06-2009, 01:16 PM
iMpathetic

I never had one. The plan was for me to purchase a new 260 and then my friend would give me his used 4600 and 8600GTS.
03-06-2009, 01:50 PM
slpdLoad

Considering the new Mac Pros are on i7 and either Nvidia 120s or 4870s, there should be some nice support coming for a hackintosh. :shrug:
03-07-2009, 05:35 AM
iMpathetic

That's a very good point... with 10.5.7 I'm sure they would have to support it.

YEsterday I got an idea.... what if I were to do a small, quiet computer with my friend's E4600 to replace my dead laptop for under $300... and then do my Q9550 build to keep at my dad's house, where all my tech stuff is?

EDIT: Specs for the wee build:

-- Antec Three Hundred
-- Gigabyte G31 mATX motherboard
-- E4600 CPU
-- Rosewill Stallion 450W PSU
-- G.Skill 2GB stick
-- WD Caviar 250GB HDD
-- G31 integrated gfx

Specs for the large build:

-- Antec Twelve Hundred
-- Corsair 650W PSU
-- GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P motherboard
-- Q9550 CPU
-- Xigmatec S1263 cooler
-- OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB memory
-- WD Caviar 500GB HDD
-- Sapphire Radeon 4870 1GB

Thoughts?
03-07-2009, 07:19 AM
B.E.E.F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

That's a very good point... with 10.5.7 I'm sure they would have to support it.

YEsterday I got an idea.... what if I were to do a small, quiet computer with my friend's E4600 to replace my dead laptop for under $300... and then do my Q9550 build to keep at my dad's house, where all my tech stuff is?

EDIT: Specs for the wee build:

-- Antec Three Hundred
-- Gigabyte G31 mATX motherboard
-- E4600 CPU
-- Rosewill Stallion 450W PSU
-- G.Skill 2GB stick
-- WD Caviar 250GB HDD
-- G31 integrated gfx

Specs for the large build:

-- Antec Twelve Hundred
-- Corsair 650W PSU
-- GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P motherboard
-- Q9550 CPU
-- Xigmatec S1263 cooler
-- OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB memory
-- WD Caviar 500GB HDD
-- Sapphire Radeon 4870 1GB

Thoughts?

Ewww the G31. :sick:

A better choice is like:

1. E6600 (you said your friend has one)
2. P43 chipset or P35 or P33, best to worst in that order.
3. 4GB DDR2-800. Cheap kit.
4. 300W 80plus PSU. FSP (fortron based) brand at least.
5. WD3200AAKS. Very fast drive. Cheap too!
6. Cheap videocard. HD43xx or HD34xx series. Even an 8600GT is ok.

Second PC choice:
Looks good. Good choice on the CPU. This is what I'm buying for my rig. Replace the hard drive though. You want the WD6400AAKS. Fast, cheap, fantastic value.

The ximatek cooler is good. Do you want the quietest cooler or do you want bang for buck?

I would also go with the Antec 900. Less fans, quieter PC.
03-07-2009, 08:12 AM
iMpathetic

Quote:

Originally Posted by B.E.E.F.

Ewww the G31. :sick:

A better choice is like:

1. E6600 (you said your friend has one)
2. P43 chipset or P35 or P33, best to worst in that order.
3. 4GB DDR2-800. Cheap kit.
4. 300W 80plus PSU. FSP (fortron based) brand at least.
5. WD3200AAKS. Very fast drive. Cheap too!
6. Cheap videocard. HD43xx or HD34xx series. Even an 8600GT is ok.

Second PC choice:
Looks good. Good choice on the CPU. This is what I'm buying for my rig. Replace the hard drive though. You want the WD6400AAKS. Fast, cheap, fantastic value.

The ximatek cooler is good. Do you want the quietest cooler or do you want bang for buck?

I would also go with the Antec 900. Less fans, quieter PC.

I know, the G31 isn't a great board, but it's very OS X friendly :D

Is the CPU I say is an E4600 an E6600? Have I been saying it wrong the whole time? :ROTF:

What total are we looking at for your revised build for the cheap one?

As for the cooler, I was looking for bang for buck. It'd go in a Twelve Hundred anyway, it's not like it has any chance of being quiet. I want to be able to OC as far as I can on air without breaking the bank.
03-07-2009, 09:33 AM
B.E.E.F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

I know, the G31 isn't a great board, but it's very OS X friendly :D

Is the CPU I say is an E4600 an E6600? Have I been saying it wrong the whole time? :ROTF:

What total are we looking at for your revised build for the cheap one?

As for the cooler, I was looking for bang for buck. It'd go in a Twelve Hundred anyway, it's not like it has any chance of being quiet. I want to be able to OC as far as I can on air without breaking the bank.

You said your buddy has another option instead of the E4600. Riiight :confused:

I see. So you want a machine that has great value and is decently quiet and overclocks well.

The G31 is not an oveclocker friendly chipset or any good to begin with. What other choices do you have that are also mac compatible?

BTW yes, you can get a PC that runs cool and is very silent and powerful. The system in my signature is barely audible. You can hear a faint hum when its on.

The secret? The best performing CPU heatsink and the quietest fans you can buy. The audible noise comes from my PSU.
03-07-2009, 11:19 AM
Odyssey96

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

That's a very good point... with 10.5.7 I'm sure they would have to support it.

YEsterday I got an idea.... what if I were to do a small, quiet computer with my friend's E4600 to replace my dead laptop for under $300... and then do my Q9550 build to keep at my dad's house, where all my tech stuff is?

EDIT: Specs for the wee build:

-- Antec Three Hundred
-- Gigabyte G31 mATX motherboard
-- E4600 CPU
-- Rosewill Stallion 450W PSU
-- G.Skill 2GB stick
-- WD Caviar 250GB HDD
-- G31 integrated gfx

Specs for the large build:

-- Antec Twelve Hundred
-- Corsair 650W PSU
-- GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P motherboard
-- Q9550 CPU
-- Xigmatec S1263 cooler
-- OCZ Reaper HPC Edition 4GB memory
-- WD Caviar 500GB HDD
-- Sapphire Radeon 4870 1GB

Thoughts?

Swap the Antec 1200 with the Cooler Master HAF932. I've used both EXTENSIVELY and prefer the HAF932 in nearly every category.
03-07-2009, 11:30 AM
iMpathetic

Quote:

Originally Posted by B.E.E.F.

You said your buddy has another option instead of the E4600. Riiight :confused:

I see. So you want a machine that has great value and is decently quiet and overclocks well.

The G31 is not an oveclocker friendly chipset or any good to begin with. What other choices do you have that are also mac compatible?

BTW yes, you can get a PC that runs cool and is very silent and powerful. The system in my signature is barely audible. You can hear a faint hum when its on.

The secret? The best performing CPU heatsink and the quietest fans you can buy. The audible noise comes from my PSU.

I honestly don't care too much about OS X now.... cause the iBook is working again!

I'm sorry, I am not too familiar with the processor's number code things. Would the E6600 be a better option, then?

I found a lot of open-box P43 boards for around $45. Any you'd suggest?

Thanks for all your continued help! :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Odyssey96

Swap the Antec 1200 with the Cooler Master HAF932. I've used both EXTENSIVELY and prefer the HAF932 in nearly every category.

I'll look into that, thank you!
03-07-2009, 01:48 PM
iMpathetic

Hey everyone.

Bump to let y'all know I just ordered the budget build.

-- E4600
-- Antec Three Hundred
-- 300W Rosewill PSU
-- ASROCK G41M-LE 775 motherboard
-- Kingstgon 2GB PC6400
-- WD Caviar 250GB HDD
-- XFX GeForce 9400GT

What do you guys think?
03-07-2009, 04:43 PM
B.E.E.F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

Hey everyone.

Bump to let y'all know I just ordered the budget build.

-- E4600
-- Antec Three Hundred
-- 300W Rosewill PSU
-- ASROCK G41M-LE 775 motherboard
-- Kingstgon 2GB PC6400
-- WD Caviar 250GB HDD
-- XFX GeForce 9400GT

What do you guys think?

Should have waited....

Yes the E6600 is much better. You should have gone with at least an FSP for the PSU. Better choice is Silverstone. The G41 is junk. Stick with P43 motherboard if possible. Better choice is an open box P45. The hard drive is not a good choice!!!! The Caviar WD3200AAKS is a much better performer.

$55 on newegg for WD3200AAKS (320GB)
$55 on newegg for the WD2500AAKS (250GB)

Seriously. It's faster AND you get more storage space!!!

The videocard, should have gone ATi. The HD4350 destroys the 9400GT and its only $35 compared to $45 for the nvidia (newegg). Cheaper AND faster!

Proof: http://forums.s3chromezone.com/phpBB...hp?f=36&p=2629

If I were you, I would cancel the order. You can get a better build for less money.

What OS are you running and how much is the memory you're buying?
03-07-2009, 06:41 PM
iMpathetic

The OS I'm running is this really cool version of Vista my dad got in Russia.

I am not going to cancel the order. Lives do not hang in the balance. I will not be gaming, just web browsing and typing stuff -- maybe listening to music.

I paid $40 for the HDD. It was OEM, I have some SATA cables laying around.

I will makes sure I do EVERYTHING right for the big build though. :)

Sorry if I sound rude... I just don't want to wait any longer and REALLY don't want to deal with any more than is needed. I might want to stress the fact that this computer replaces a 1.33GHz (single core, folks) iBook G4 that will not run YouTube and Word at the same time.

EDIT: The memory is $17.
03-07-2009, 06:43 PM
B.E.E.F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

I paid $40 for the HDD. It was OEM, I have some SATA cables laying around.

I will makes sure I do EVERYTHING right for the big build though. :)

Great price on the drive. Where did you buy it?

You shouldn't need SATA cables since they are to come with a motherboard.
03-07-2009, 06:59 PM
iMpathetic

Quote:

Originally Posted by B.E.E.F.

Great price on the drive. Where did you buy it?

You shouldn't need SATA cables since they are to come with a motherboard.

Newegg.

The mobo was open-box which is how I got it for $40. :D

Bargain hunter strikes again!

But in all the wrong places!
03-07-2009, 07:12 PM
B.E.E.F.

LOL! Good bargains. :yepp:
03-08-2009, 04:48 AM
iMpathetic

Thanks. I can't wait to build it!

The question is.... do I go water or air for the next build?
03-08-2009, 10:53 AM
Odyssey96

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

Thanks. I can't wait to build it!

The question is.... do I go water or air for the next build?

with a $1300 budget, definitely air. I'd probably aim for a low-end i7 build.

Something like this would be a great setup:
SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S223Q - OEM

COOLER MASTER HAF 932 RC-932-KKN1-GP Black Steel ATX Full Tower Computer Case - Retail

Western Digital Caviar Black WD7501AALS 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail

G.SKILL 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9T-6GBNQ - Retail

ASUS P6T LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Intel Core i7 920 Nehalem 2.66GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80601920 - Retail
total:$1248
03-08-2009, 12:10 PM
iMpathetic

Budget is about $1000 since I just spent $300 on the wee build.
03-08-2009, 03:19 PM
Odyssey96

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

Budget is about $1000 since I just spent $300 on the wee build.

Save up $300, then go for the i7 build. In the long run, you'll save a lot of money from not having to upgrade from older architectures.
03-08-2009, 03:47 PM
iMpathetic

I know you XSers will frown upon this... but it looks like Cyberpower has i7 rigs at around $1000. Will I be smote if I do that?
03-08-2009, 04:21 PM
Odyssey96

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

I know you XSers will frown upon this... but it looks like Cyberpower has i7 rigs at around $1000. Will I be smote if I do that?

Their systems aren't terrible, just be sure to get a decent mobo, video card, and 6gb of ram.
03-08-2009, 04:36 PM
iMpathetic

Can you OC one of them?
03-08-2009, 05:04 PM
Odyssey96

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

Can you OC one of them?

The site says the build uses a P6T, so I see no reason why you wouldn't be able to. If they somehow disabled the settings, I bet a bios update would easily get around it. But you would need an after market fan, which is additional $.
03-08-2009, 05:14 PM
iMpathetic

Eh, I also have this option for $900 shipped, does it look good?

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=661999
03-08-2009, 06:32 PM
Odyssey96

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

Eh, I also have this option for $900 shipped, does it look good?

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=661999

I'm not a forum member. What are the specs?
03-08-2009, 07:08 PM
B.E.E.F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

Thanks. I can't wait to build it!

The question is.... do I go water or air for the next build?

Either is good. If you want to really OC then go water, otherwise I say air.

Air cooling won't leak, easy to replace if something does break and its cheaper. Spend some money on good quality air coolers and fans.

I would stay away from i7 unless you have more money. You can get a very fast AMD build that is cheaper than Core i7. Check couple of pages back.

Either that or you can go for a cheaper LGA775 system if you REALLY want Intel. Myself, I could care less. I go for fast hardware at great prices.

The Cyberpower is a good system. Its got a powerful processor with little RAM connected to a teeny videocard and a cheap hard drive. Let's not forget cooling. I wouldn't touch it. Uses OEM fans and I like my peace and quiet.
03-09-2009, 03:40 AM
iMpathetic

Cyberpower had looked a little sketchy but the prices seemed good.

Anyway, I don't really know what the hell to do. I may upgrade the build I just built and buy a new laptop, 'cause I need one.... or I'll just shove the laptop to the back of my mind and build ANOTHER rig, that would work too. :D

What sort of AMD system would be good?
03-09-2009, 05:11 AM
perkam

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

Cyberpower had looked a little sketchy but the prices seemed good.

Anyway, I don't really know what the hell to do. I may upgrade the build I just built and buy a new laptop, 'cause I need one.... or I'll just shove the laptop to the back of my mind and build ANOTHER rig, that would work too. :D

What sort of AMD system would be good?

*cough* Link *cough*

Perkam
03-09-2009, 06:28 AM
B.E.E.F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

What sort of AMD system would be good?

AM2/AM2+ motherboard
8GB DDR2-800
PhenomII X4
640GB WD SE16 (unless anyone knows something better)
300GB WD Raptor (optional)
HD4870 1GB card, or pretty much anything here
03-09-2009, 10:23 AM
iMpathetic

@oddessy96: Specs:

• Antec P182 Gun Metal Black cold rolled steel ATX Mid Tower Case

• 2.67GHz Intel Core i7 920 LGA 1366 Processor

• Intel DX58SO LGA 1366 X58 Motherboard

• 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-pin DDR3 1600 SDRAM

• EVGA nVidia GeForce 9500GT PCIE 2.0 512MB DDR3 Graphics Card

• HT Omega Claro 7.1 Channel PCI Sound Card

• Western Digital Caviar SE16 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0 Gb/s Hard Drive

• LG 6X Blu-ray / HD DVD-ROM & 16X DVD Burner

• ASUS Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM with LightScribe

• CORSAIR 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply

• Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit SP1 with genuine media

• Sony Vegas Pro 8.0 Editor Only (no DVD creation portion)

@B.E.E.F: Thank you, on Newegg now looking at all that.

Speaking of which, my order is in transit, but, for some reason, the email I was sent did not mention the open-box mobo at all, even when I ordered it, was paid for it, and it was on the little slip they make you print out.
03-09-2009, 10:40 AM
B.E.E.F.

If you ordered off newegg they send shipments in separate packages sometimes.

Also, why the junky videocard? I see you're going to do some videowork, that's what the i7 is good for.
03-09-2009, 12:33 PM
iMpathetic

It's not a new system, it's about a month old, for $900 shipped.
04-21-2009, 05:20 PM
[XC] Synthetickiller

So did you end up doing a hackintosh?

I recently did one for fun w/a an msi k9a2 platinum and it works flawlessly. Building an intel one for cheap. i thought this was frowned upon by XS? I guess not since its mac? :p:
04-21-2009, 05:58 PM
iMpathetic

Quote:

Originally Posted by [XC] Synthetickiller

So did you end up doing a hackintosh?

I recently did one for fun w/a an msi k9a2 platinum and it works flawlessly. Building an intel one for cheap. i thought this was frowned upon by XS? I guess not since its mac? :p:

Yup, it runs Leopard only, no Windoze crap.

Well, it's not crap, I guess, I just don't like it. Not very friendly IMHO:p:
04-21-2009, 06:54 PM
B.E.E.F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

Well, it's not crap, I guess, I just don't like it. Not very friendly IMHO:p:

LOL. OSX is the least user friendly system I have ever used. It's worse than Ubuntu, which is garbage.

Whatever works for you.
04-22-2009, 03:14 AM
iMpathetic

Well, don't wanna get into a flamewar here, but my position is that I love the OS, but HATE HATE HATE the elitist Mac culture. Who cares what OS other people use? I don't evangelize it or anything. Many of my machines run XP, two of them run OS X, and one runs Ubuntu.

B.E.E.F, I would like to know what you consider "user-friendly".
04-22-2009, 08:00 AM
B.E.E.F.

User friendly to me is: Having all the relevant content in an application be in the same window and not in those confusing floating panels. Also having the option to customize and easily tweak the system should I choose to. And right click. I know you can sort of do it on a Mac, but its retarded.
04-22-2009, 10:54 AM
[XC] Synthetickiller

I like windows b/c it works. Hackintosh is a challenge for me as well as just using the OS basically as iphone connectivity center so I can update everything (calendar, etc).

I hate the elitist mac culture myself. If windows is a problem for you, read. Education is key. Mac is a PITA b/c anything technical on it is not user friendly at all.

I should do a mod w/ a hackintosh where the icon on the case is a lemon. ;)
04-22-2009, 12:43 PM
iMpathetic

Quote:

Originally Posted by B.E.E.F.

User friendly to me is: Having all the relevant content in an application be in the same window and not in those confusing floating panels. Also having the option to customize and easily tweak the system should I choose to. And right click. I know you can sort of do it on a Mac, but its retarded.

You do know if you use a two-button mouse it works, right?
04-22-2009, 01:00 PM
B.E.E.F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

You do know if you use a two-button mouse it works, right?

Yes, but that costs extra on an already pricy computer. It makes no sense drooping all that cash then spending money replacing the bundled hardware that is junk.

This is what I don't like about Macs. All glitter, no substance. Sure it LOOKS nice, but when it comes down to actually using it its a headache.

Now if you'll excuse me. I'm going to boost my civic's horsepower by applying stickers to the body.
04-22-2009, 04:49 PM
iMpathetic

Well, we all replace stock Intel coolers, don't we? ;)

Whatever, I buy all my Macs used. Still a little more expensive.... but not nearly as bad. I am not the sort of person you would catch strolling into an Apple store to buy something :D

Typed from an iBook G4 I got for $400 two years ago.
04-22-2009, 05:51 PM
B.E.E.F.

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMpathetic

Well, we all replace stock Intel coolers, don't we? ;)

The cooler's worth like $0.89.

Quote:

Whatever, I buy all my Macs used. Still a little more expensive.... but not nearly as bad. I am not the sort of person you would catch strolling into an Apple store to buy something :D

Typed from an iBook G4 I got for $400 two years ago.

Now this I can agree with. From the bargain bin, where they belong. :up:
04-23-2009, 04:15 AM
iMpathetic

Yeah... they're really good if you can snag them for the right price.

Actually, I spec'd it out, and my Hackintosh is worth about $4000 in Mac Pro.

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