Birthday Computer

[Enker]

For my birthday present, I am getting my very own computer in hopes of extracting me from our main access to Freecell. I have a budget of $500, and would like a computer that can, at the very minimum, play AH with the fancyshmancy stuff off. Unfortunately, I have next to no understanding of what is and what isn't lower-middle of the line in computers nowadays, and was hoping you guys would be able to help me out. I plan on putting it all together, as I know that much. I was thinking about getting a cheapo case and PSU from the local computer surplus store, but I would like to get some newer stuff for the rest. Any suggestions as to what I should use? 

[batch]

first question is what if any components do you already have that you can reuse........ are you starting from scratch? do you need an operating system?

and dont buy a cheapo PSU thats the single most important item when it comes to quality

[Enker]

I am starting entirely from scratch, and I had no idea what I was going to do with an OS. I planned to get Windows 7 with Christmas money. Just the case will come from computer surplus then.

[Spikes]

500 is rough.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358 -mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115037 -cpu
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341017 -psu
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820178219 -ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125295 - gpu
Oops almost forgot HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136075
You'd need a little over 500 but you can get it to just under 500 with rebates. Also this does not include CD rom or case.

For a case I do suggest the BETA or BETA EVO by NZXT. Both are 39.99. I got the Beta EVO today and it rocks, stays quiet even with 6 fans installed.

[gyrene81]

I'll give this a try:

Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128380

CPU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116091

RAM x2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134793

Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150449

Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153038

Hard Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136291
or
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=A3135992&cs=04&c=us&l=en&dgc=BF&cid=7421&lid=197378&acd=10549103-3087823-

CD/DVD drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827129049

Monitor
http://www.ascendtech.us/itemdesc.asp?ic=MACEP221WDLCD22

Approximate cost - $600 including shipping.




You beat me to it Spikes but I'll put my hardware choices against yours...and you forgot the monitor  

[Spikes]

Was not sure of his monitor or CD Rom situation, and your ram is DDR3 while your mobo is DDR2 Each of our specs have stronger points where the other has weaker.

[gyrene81]

Was not sure of his monitor or CD Rom situation, and your ram is DDR3 while your mobo is DDR2 Each of our specs have stronger points where the other has weaker.

Rats...I forgot to change the RAM to match the mobo...had a different one chosen. Ok my mobo, your memory...good choice too.  

I just assumed "entirely scratch" meant he had zippo, zilch, nada, non, nothing.

[Spikes]

Rats...I forgot to change the RAM to match the mobo...had a different one chosen. Ok my mobo, your memory...good choice too. 

I just assumed "entirely scratch" meant he had zippo, zilch, nada, non, nothing.

Rgr that I understand. Any of the EP45-UD3"X" mobo's I can settle for, just picked the P only because I have it myself.

He might be able to pick up a monitor at a local PC store but that monitor seems great for the price@

[Enker]

I've got 80 dollars saved up in the kitty, so I am covered in terms of monitor and CD-ROM, and until I get a monitor, I've got a 20"~ CRT I can use from the Mac OS days. Or, I might get that little projector on my list for Christmas. Thanks you guys, I think I've got a list for when we go shopping.

[Spikes]

Good luck Enker! Hope you find the parts, I take it you aren't ordering online?

[Enker]

Good luck Enker! Hope you find the parts, I take it you aren't ordering online?

I will only order online if I can convince the budget-ers to do so. Otherwise, we will be putt-putting to Microcenter and Best Buy.

[gyrene81]

I will only order online if I can convince the budget-ers to do so. Otherwise, we will be putt-putting to Microcenter and Best Buy.

Holy poop...uh...add somewhere near $80 to that final price if you're going retail store.

Not to mention the fact that some of those parts are not available at the retail level unless you find a corner computer shop that can get them for you...then add 20% handling charge.

PNY 2GB memory kit DDR2 800Mhz

Bestbuy
PNY 2GB DDR2 memory kit

Newegg
PNY 2GB DDR2 memory kit

That is just an example...beg, plead, sell pencils if you have to...retail is only good for accessories and emergencies.

[DREDIOCK]

I will only order online if I can convince the budget-ers to do so. Otherwise, we will be putt-putting to Microcenter and Best Buy.

Bad idea.
Go Newegg over worsttbuy

Just show em the price difference. That should convince the buget-ers

I only use Bestbuy as a Convienience store. When I absolutely want/need something RIGHT NOW.

If I'm willing to wait a day or two. I get it somewhere else.

[guncrasher]

If the have same item best buy will price match to most online retailers.  saves shipping charges.


Semp

[gyrene81]

If the have same item best buy will price match to most online retailers.  saves shipping charges.

Semp

Shop carefully online and there is no shipping and no sales tax...