Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Mar on October 27, 2009, 01:15:48 PM
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I need some help. First, keep in mind that compared to what I find here, I have less than basic knowledge of computers.
What I need at the very least is a computer that can play AH at max settings for under $500. If at all possible it would be even better if this computer could play DCS: Black Shark at minimal settings. I cannot build one myself unless someone can come over and teach me how.
All I need is the box, I have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
If the above cannot be found, disregard this as a lost cause.
<<S>>
Mar
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Under $500 is going to be real tough to get something that can run max settings. (start Mission Impossible theme music now)
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Forgot to mention, refurbished is an option.
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Check how much a Phenom II X3 or Athlon II X4 with a ATI Video card 4XXX series would cost. 2GB RAM, low end Antec case, low end hard drive...
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It's not hard to build one, just a little harder than putting legos together.
Under $500 will be tough...My new quad system was $616 overall but that was with the help of a couple people. I'd say you would need around 600...or 650. Though I don't truly know the specs to run AH full bore.
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I need some help. First, keep in mind that compared to what I find here, I have less than basic knowledge of computers.
What I need at the very least is a computer that can play AH at max settings for under $500. If at all possible it would be even better if this computer could play DCS: Black Shark at minimal settings. I cannot build one myself unless someone can come over and teach me how.
All I need is the box, I have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
If the above cannot be found, disregard this as a lost cause.
<<S>>
Mar
If you can live without shadows in the cockpit, and max the rest, you shouldn't need a very expensive system.
But, and I'm not sure why, the cockpit shadows truly destroys performance.
I use a dual core Phenom II 550 -the 6MB cache sure helps- and a second hand 8800 GTS 512MB (faster then other GTS -beware!). Mobo cost me £20 (needed a Phenom II compatible one). 2GB DDR2, around £18. Probably cheaper in $$$-land since the $ seems to have dipped.
Quad is overkill, and uses more power. My X2 never goes above 50% when playing AH. Also, the cores of the X2 are individually higher clocked, which helps when the program is not optimised for quads.
Let's say £200 for all of the above. Then add case and PSU, and a cheap 22 inch TN monitor. Get a smaller hard disk, that's practically given away.
Anyone can build a computer..
Unfortunately the MS tax ruins the equation when building from scratch. Do you own an operating system license you can use?
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airhog is right...
It's probably possible to build a system that can run AH well, but your idea of "maxed out" might not work.
And that windows license... An OEM license for win7 home premium will run you $130ish, more than 25% of your budget. WinXP may be cheaper but you'll upgrade eventually, so you might want to get the upgrade up front.
Woot.com, overstock, and other online closeout sellers often have fairly basic refurb systems on sale for around $500. The biggest problem you will get with those systems is that the video card might suck, and it's not always easy to determine if the vid card can be upgraded in the future.
You can build a nice AH system for $500 including the operating system, but I think running AH "maxed out" is a bit beyond $500. Not too far above $500, but I'd guesstimate $700 would do the trick if you got a really cheap hard drive, case, only 2gb ram, etc. You can't skimp too bad on the cpu, motherboard, and vid card if you want to max out the game settings.
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If you can live without shadows in the cockpit, and max the rest, you shouldn't need a very expensive system.
But, and I'm not sure why, the cockpit shadows truly destroys performance.
I use a dual core Phenom II 550 -the 6MB cache sure helps- and a second hand 8800 GTS 512MB (faster then other GTS -beware!). Mobo cost me £20 (needed a Phenom II compatible one). 2GB DDR2, around £18. Probably cheaper in $$$-land since the $ seems to have dipped.
Quad is overkill, and uses more power. My X2 never goes above 50% when playing AH. Also, the cores of the X2 are individually higher clocked, which helps when the program is not optimised for quads.
Let's say £200 for all of the above. Then add case and PSU, and a cheap 22 inch TN monitor. Get a smaller hard disk, that's practically given away.
Anyone can build a computer..
Unfortunately the MS tax ruins the equation when building from scratch. Do you own an operating system license you can use?
Would you say the vid card is your bottleneck?
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If you are willing to build it, someone can show you how (Heck I learned with no help at all!). The 500$ budget is tricky if you need an OS and HDD, but aside from that, its easy.
I run the following:
Aerocool M40 case
Biostar AM2+/AM3
OCZ 750W PSU
AMD Athlon X2 4850e
2GB RAM
320GB IDE HDD
GTX 260
That totals about: 575$
This runs the game at highest settings (aside from Shadows running at 4K not 8K and AA at the 3rd tick not 4th) with 45+ FR.
One way to get this down a little, but help in Fr some would be:
CPU upgrade to Phenom II X3 (adds 60$) and downgrade to a 9800GTX (subtracts about 75$) and change the case to something cheaper (mine is 85$ and not great for a first time builder), so maybe a 55$ case. CPU could be changed with something less expensive and save more, but I've not checked anything lower then Phenoms lately.
That bring total to around: 530$ But to add an OS: 660$
A bit over budget, but if you have a Hard Drive with an OS that cuts a big chunk out.
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I don't think I made myself clear when I said less than basic knowledge of computer hardware, from this point on act like I'm a caveman. Even apart from that, I honestly do not have the time to go whizzing all over the place buying each part separately.
So it looks like max settings are out. In this case I would like your opinion on what kind of performance I can get from this one: http://www.compusa.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5203124&CatId=114
As for an operating system, I don't see why I'd need Win7 when XP worked just fine for me...
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What you could get with parts if you built it yourself. However, you said you were green in that area. Not sure how adventurous you would want to be.
1 AMD Athlon II X2 245 Regor 2.9GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADX245OCGQBOX
AMD Athlon II X2 245 Regor 2.9GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADX245OCGQBOX - Retail
Model #:ADX245OCGQBOX
Item #:N82E16819103687
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$66.00 $66.00
1 Foxconn A76ML-K AM3 Ready / AM2+ / AM2 AMD 760G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
Foxconn A76ML-K AM3 Ready / AM2+ / AM2 AMD 760G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Model #:A76ML-K
Item #:N82E16813186166
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$59.99 -$5.00 Instant $54.99
1 G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ - Retail
Model #:F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ
Item #:N82E16820231098
Return Policy:Memory Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$44.99 $44.99
1 HEC 6C28BB8S Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
HEC 6C28BB8S Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Model #:6C28BB8S
Item #:N82E16811121001
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$46.99 -$12.00 Instant $34.99
1 OCZ StealthXStream OCZ500SXS 500W ATX12V / EPS12V Active PFC Power Supply
OCZ StealthXStream OCZ500SXS 500W ATX12V / EPS12V Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
Model #:OCZ500SXS
Item #:N82E16817341012
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Mail in Rebate Card17-341-012
$79.99 -$20.00 Instant $59.99
1 Western Digital Caviar Blue WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5
Western Digital Caviar Blue WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Model #:WD1600AAJS
Item #:N82E16822136075
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$39.49 $39.49
1 SAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223C
SAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223C - OEM
Model #:SH-S223C
Item #:N82E16827151192
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$25.99 $25.99
1 POWERCOLOR AX3650 512MD2-V2 Radeon HD 3650 512MB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
POWERCOLOR AX3650 512MD2-V2 Radeon HD 3650 512MB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Retail
Model #:AX3650 512MD2-V2
Item #:N82E16814131168
Return Policy:VGA Standard Return Policy
In Stock
$44.99 -$5.00 Instant $39.99
1 Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit 1-Pack for System Builders
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
Model #:GFC-00564
Item #:N82E16832116752
Return Policy:Software Return Policy
In Stock
$109.99 $109.99
Subtotal: $476.42
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I don't think I made myself clear when I said less than basic knowledge of computer hardware, from this point on act like I'm a caveman. Even apart from that, I honestly do not have the time to go whizzing all over the place buying each part separately.
So it looks like max settings are out. In this case I would like your opinion on what kind of performance I can get from this one: http://www.compusa.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5203124&CatId=114
As for an operating system, I don't see why I'd need Win7 when XP worked just fine for me...
They call it a "gaming" computer... It's nothing even close to a gaming computer.... :rofl
Doesn't say what kind of motherboard.. Given the fact that every other component in this computer is budget minded, the motherboard is most likely junk.. On that fact alone, I wouldn't touch this with a 10 foot pole.. The video card is junk and will get you nowhere near where you want to be.. The processor is bottom of the barrel as far as the Athlon2 series.. My best advice would be to put some effort into understanding computers(while putting away some more money to get something that surpasses this entry level budget paper weight) and build your own.. It's not difficult at all.. It's extremely simple.. As someone said, only a tad bit harder that putting Legos together.. You get a few pieces, put them together(properly), and that's it.. After that, any one of us can talk you through installing your operating system(what ever flavor of Windows), drivers, software, etc. If all you really want to do is play Aces High, you really don't need Windows7 for quite a while.. Hopefully you have a Windows XP CD or else you'll have to buy one..
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Fulmar has a pretty nice build right there. The only change I would make that I can see would be to invest that last 25$ in a slightly better GPU like the HD 4670, which runs around 75$.
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newegg amd bundle
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.278844&cm_sp=InfoCenter-_-AMDAthlonIIBundle-_-na
if the link will work,
1. Raidmax ATX-238WRP: $59.99 ( comes with power supply)
2. AMD ADX240OCK23GQ: $59.99
3. G.SKILL F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ: $44.99
4. GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H: $79.99
Combo Discount: -$45.01
Combo Price: $199.95
$10.00 Mail-In Rebate
Price After Mail-In Rebate(s): $189.95
optical drive 30 video card 100 HDD 60 round off 200+200 400 add OS over 500 or so..or go linux for free
Cattb
this woul
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you could not run the game full out with everything on with above system, it will run this game, turn couple the extras, a person would be in business.
put a 9800 or comparable ATI card..i have read the 4770 is a good card. i don't know how raidmax isfor a case but for 500 your not going to get a antec 1200 anyhows.
good luck
cattb
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{sigh}...
Ok, I'll go with Fulmer's idea and AirFlyer's GPU. I'll fit them together eventualy.
So, where do I get the stuff?
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Fulmar's list includes "Item Numbers" from Newegg.com. Go there, copy and paste each Item Number and add to cart.
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:headscratch:
Ok, thinking...
I bought this PSU a while ago, would it be similar to the one Fulmer listed?
http://www.xpcgear.com/cw500p4.html
Also, could I substitute that case with one from an HP Pavilion a1110n? Sorry, I can't find the model number.
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I don't think I made myself clear when I said less than basic knowledge of computer hardware, from this point on act like I'm a caveman.
Building... So easy even a caveman can do it. :D
Even apart from that, I honestly do not have the time to go whizzing all over the place buying each part separately.
Don't. Buy everything online from newegg and all the parts will arrive together in about three days.
So it looks like max settings are out. In this case I would like your opinion on what kind of performance I can get from this one: http://www.compusa.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5203124&CatId=114
The video card isn't up to gaming. You'd need at least a 9500GT and better yet a 9800GT or GTX. You could probably get a 9500 for $50-70 and put it in but to go to a 9800 you'd have to spend around $100 and another $60-100 to upgrade the power supply which is probably very low-end. At that point you might as well just buy something better to start with as you'll be left with other sub-par components which will limit future upgrade options.
As for an operating system, I don't see why I'd need Win7 when XP worked just fine for me...
Do you have a Windows license you can use?
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Technically speaking you could use that PSU yes, but around here your going to be hard pressed to find supporters for PSU brands outside of OCZ, PC Power & Cooling, or Sea Sonic just due to quality.
As for the case, again, technically yes it seems since it supports Micro-ATX. As with all pre-fabricated computers(HP, Compaq, Dell, etc) it's difficult to say if everything will fit. That aside cooling could also be an issue with that case so it may be best to use the one Fulmar provided.
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:headscratch:
Ok, so, the PSU I have will work, it's just not built as adiment as those other brands. It's never been a problem for this computer, so I'm sticking with it.
As for the case, you are right, overheating has always been a problem for me, so it's going to be the new case.
I think I got everything right, right?
:headscratch:
Err no, I don't have a windows license. I wasn't even there when the OS was installed, so I wouldn't have a clue.
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newegg has promo deals
http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemail/Oct-0-2009/Top10/index-landing.html?nm_mc=EMC-
wd hdd 500 black for 59.00 5 year warranty vs 3 with the other 160HDD promo ends 11-02 ( yah i know its 20 more dollars)
http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemail/Oct-0-2009/Top10/images/LB_11.jpg nzxt case 59.00
with 550 watt power supply ( gonna buy a case , buy 1 with a power supply : free shipping)
( i know ,no doubt not a ozc high quality PSU, a cheaper PSU) you could use your other PSU and if it quits u have another ;o)
cattb
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If you wern't willing to build I put this together at CyberPowerPC. It's marginal but far better than what you posted earlier:
•*PRICE: [+509]
•CD: 16X DVD ROM (BLACK COLOR)
•CAS: Azza Orion Gaming Mid-Tower Case with See-Thru Side Panel (Silver with Blue Lightning)
•CS_FAN: Default case fans
•CPU: (Sckt775)Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E7500 CPU @ 2.93GHz 1066FSB 3MB L2 Cache 64-bit
•FAN: INTEL LGA775 CERTIFIED CPU FAN & HEATSINK
•HDD: Single Hard Drive (250GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 8MB Cache 7200RPM HDD)
•MULTIVIEW: Non-SLI/Non-CrossFireX Mode Supports Multiple Monitors
•MOTHERBOARD: MSI G31M3-L Intel G31 Chipset LGA775 FSB1333 DDR2 Mainboard
•MEMORY: 2GB (1GBx2) PC6400 DDR2/800 Dual Channel Memory (Corsair or Major Brand)
•NETWORK: Onboard Gigabit LAN Network
•OS: Microsoft® Windows® 7 Home Premium (64-bit Edition)
•POWERSUPPLY: 420 Watts Standard Case Power Supply
•RUSH: NO; READY TO SHIP IN 5~10 BUSINESS DAYS
•SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
•SOUND: 3D WAVE ON-BOARD 5.1 SOUND CARD
•USB: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
•VIDEO: NVIDIA GeForce 9500 GT 512MB 16X PCI Express (Major Brand Powered by NVIDIA)
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http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016&nm_mc=EMC-
heres the ocz 500 watt PSU 34.99 after 25.00 rebate
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Price Rebate Shipping
AMD Phenom X3 8750 Black Edition Toliman 2.4GHz 3 x 512KB L2 Cache 2MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 95W Triple-Core Processor - OEM CPU 75.99 Free
GIGABYTE GA-MA770-UD3 AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail MB 74.99 10.00 No
POWERCOLOR PCS AX4670 1GBK3-P Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video VC 74.99 20.00 No
Western Digital Caviar Green WD6400AACS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive HD 49.99 Free
SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Burner - OEM OD 30.99 No
Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model Ram 54.99 Free
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7 - Retail PSU 59.99 25.00 Free
RAIDMAX Hurricane ATX-248WB Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail Case 39.99 free
461.92 55.00
Net 406.92
Here's what I came up with. Should run AH full bore. You still need an OS.
Im not familiar with this case. I trust the other components though. You will need to go to the Optical drives website and download the drivers.
Mar, you need to jump in there a build one. Many on this board are more than willing to help. It's just like legos, only get to turn it on when you're done.
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:headscratch:
Ok, thinking...
I bought this PSU a while ago, would it be similar to the one Fulmer listed?
http://www.xpcgear.com/cw500p4.html
Also, could I substitute that case with one from an HP Pavilion a1110n? Sorry, I can't find the model number.
This PSU will NOT work with a powered video card. It doe not have the connections for them. Even if it did it does not have the power requirements. Your PSU is the single most important component of any build, do not skimp on the PSU.
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This PSU will NOT work with a powered video card. It doe not have the connections for them. Even if it did it does not have the power requirements. Your PSU is the single most important component of any build, do not skimp on the PSU.
Keeping you in mind, I went with the OCZ in my suggestion. hehe
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Worst case scenario, don't sweat the OS. Win 7 beta is free till spring. By then you can put together some money to get your self a license for Win7.
Also if you know anyone in college, often they can get software dirt cheap, including upgrade and full retail OS for drastically less.
Worst case scenario, if you go looking you can find a torrent of Win XP Pro "Corporate" download, burn the iso to a cd, and viola.
Don't know how, educate yourself. Google is your friend.
Time is not as fleeting as you think, not till your over 50.
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Would you say the vid card is your bottleneck?
Not really, it sits at 60Hz all the time. I don't know what's up with the slow cockpit shadows. I suspect it's poorly optimised in AH.
I can play AH with a 9600 GT too, at 60Hz with AA on. A higher end card will give less problems with gigantic furballs and flying over lots of trees, and such.
Added: I just tested AH without vsync and the 8800 GTS 512 sits at between 130 and 170 fps @ 1680x1050 (dual monitor, other monitor just displaying task manager)
This is with Windows 7, which, btw, gave me a massive improvement in Flightsim X compared to when using XP! Flightsim X is now actually nice, at 60 fps! (not maxed in any way of course.)
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Will this really run AH full out? If so I can go with this and Win7 beta, and have everything I need for $100 less.
Roger TilDeath, throwing out the PSU. And as stated before I did have many overheating problems with my old case, so not skimping on that either.
[edit] Ok, mixing and matching Fulmer's setup with Getback's.
I hear that dual core processors are sufficient, so Getback's triple core will not be necessary.
Most likely won't need a very advanced disk drive or a very big hard drive, so Fulmer's cheaper ones will work.
It's the same video card.
The case is different, but Fulmer's is cheaper so I'll go with that.
The motherboard is different, Getback's is more expensive, so I'm guessing Getback's is the one that will help AH run at max.
The memory is different, again, Getback's is more expensive, however all I know is they're both 2 1GB DDR2 sticks, so going with Fulmer's.
Don't know the difference betwee
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I think the Phenom II with 6MB cache is a very good CPU.
AMD had been playing catch-up with Intel for a while, and I believe that is mainly due to the earlier under-sized caches.
Hence AMD Athlon II X2 245 @ $66
seems less of a good deal to me than any lower end Phenom II X2 with 6MB cache (such as the AMD Phenom II X2 545 Callisto 3.0GHz @ $90)
However, the cheaper Athlon may do the job! (CPU is not the bottleneck normally when running AH)
Whatever you do, do make sure the mobo can take a Phenom II later on! (AM3 compatible)
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[PS3 character limit ran out]
n PSUs, so going with Fulmer's.
I think that's everything, what do you think?
Also, how do I get Win7 beta? Can't find it with google other than a torrent, and how would I run BitTorrent without an OS?
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no more beta, i thought it was taken off, just if you have the RC or beta was still good thru next march or somethingt like that.
acedemic :old:windoze 7 upgrade download 29.00
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Building a System that will perform is not based on ok for this and not ok for that. You have to match all the components used to get a stable, reliable system that will perform well. Does not matter if it is a $600.00 system or a $6,000.00 system. The components all need to compliment each other.
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Building a System that will perform is not based on ok for this and not ok for that. You have to match all the components used to get a stable, reliable system that will perform well. Does not matter if it is a $600.00 system or a $6,000.00 system. The components all need to compliment each other.
Yeah, you wouldn't want an Intel processor with an AM3 mobo..
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Mar, Gigabyte boards are pretty good and so is OCZ memory and Power supplies from what I understand. I run an ATI 3850 on my gaming system and have heard the 4000 series is pretty good. As far as the tri core goes, It's not necessary.
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hmmm check out woot.com for the HP... It's refurb and comes with integrated graphics, but it's under $400 so you can add a decent vid card afterwards.
Not sure how the mobo and cpu compare but the overall system specs seem reasonable except for the lack of discrete vid card.
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Building a System that will perform is not based on ok for this and not ok for that. You have to match all the components used to get a stable, reliable system that will perform well. Does not matter if it is a $600.00 system or a $6,000.00 system. The components all need to compliment each other.
Sorry, should have stated more clearly that that was what I was asking.
Is the setup I described alright or does it require additional modification?
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Sorry, should have stated more clearly that that was what I was asking.
Is the setup I described alright or does it require additional modification?
If the components are compatible, and of good performance, then the system will perform.
Each interface is tightly specified.
It's not voodoo, even if some might want you to think so.
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If the components are compatible, and of good performance, then the system will perform.
Each interface is tightly specified.
It's not voodoo, even if some might want you to think so.
And the interfaces would be...?
Voodoo or not, a code is no good without the code book.
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And the interfaces would be...?
Voodoo or not, a code is no good without the code book.
Always look for the following:
Case: ATX or Micro-ATX or E-ATX
Motherboard: ATX or Micro-ATX or E-ATX
Micro-ATX works in Most ATX cases. ATX will not work in a Micro-ATX case. E-ATX I don't know anything about.
Motherboard Socket: AM2 or AM2+ or AM2/AM2+ or AM3 or AM2/AM2+/AM3 or LGA 775
CPU Socket: AM2 or AM2+ or AM2/AM2+ or AM3 or AM2/AM2+/AM3 or LGA 775
AM2 works in AM2+. AM3 works in most AM2+ boards. LGA 775 Will Not Work in any AM# Slot, as AM# is AMD and LGA is Intel.
Motherboard PCI: PCI or PCI-E x1 or PCI-E x16 or PCI-E x16 2.0
Video card PCI: PCI or PCI-E x1 or PCI-E x16 or PCI-E x16 2.0
Must match, although I know of no PCI-E x1 Cards. This go in order of least performance to highest. The only "must match" exception is PCI-E x16 and PCI-E x16 2.0, they are compatible with each other, but a PCI-E x16 2.0 in a PCI-E x16 will not work as well.
Those are the most important to match up, and easiest to mix up.
With Power Supplies make sure you see:
500Watt (or greater) with: 20+4 Pin/24Pin - 6 Pin and 6+2 Pin - 4/8 Pin - and a good brand name such as PC Power and Cooling, OCZ or SeaSonic.
Then you get in to things that are less serious if mixed up:
Hard Drive: IDE or SATA (motherboards support both)
DVD: IDE or SATA (Same)
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Now THAT was a lot of help, thank you 1701E!
Checking things now...
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And the interfaces would be...?
Voodoo or not, a code is no good without the code book.
Anything you plug in, plugs into an interface. PCI-express, CPU-socket, RAM sockets, etc.
My point was that the "matching" voodoo is mostly just voodoo.
If you look closely on equipment reviews comparing mobos etc you'll see that most are within 5% of each other, hardly justifying massive expense for "the best". Just an example.
Pick you system and run them by someone who knows how to read the specs before you purchase, and you will be fine.
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Mar, how are you posting? How'd you get here?
google utorrent
google win 7 beta
When in doubt, stop, engage brain, think.
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1) Pick a power supply
2) Choose a CPU
3) Choose a few motherboards and read reviews on each, find one that give the best performance within your budget
4) Choose memory that is within your budget with the lowest CAS and fastest speed to match or exceed MB specs
5) Choose a Graphics platform (Nvidia or ATI) read reviews again and see how the platform tested on matches your MB choices.
6) Prefer SATA II over IDE since this is a much faster transfer of information.
A few here said get this and this, or think some are leading you astray. Being in the business for over 27 years, a world ranked overclocker for over 5 years, currently hold the world record for a Overclocked (air) GTX 295. You need to have the components compliment each other as stated before or else you may as well by a system at Best Buy, WalMart and not go through the trouble of building it yourself.
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may i add if you get a ddr2 memory board get ddr2 ddr2 and ddr3 will not work in the same slots.
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Mar, how are you posting? How'd you get here?
google utorrent
google win 7 beta
When in doubt, stop, engage brain, think.
Using the internet browser of my PlayStation 3.
Using the above guide I pieced this together, unfortunatly the text thing on the PS3 doesn't allow me to make large posts, so I'm going to have to split the following up:
GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - RetailModel #:GA-MA785GM-US2HItem #:N82E16813128394Return Policy:Standard Return PolicyIn StockNote (Add)$84.99 -$5.00 Instant$79.99UpdateOCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC ... - RetailModel #:OCZ500MXSPItem #:N82E16817341016Return Policy:Standard Return PolicyIn StockMail in Rebate CardNote (Add)$89.99 -$30.00 Instant$59.99UpdateHEC 6C28BB8S Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - RetailModel #:6C28BB8SItem #:N82E
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Item #:N82E16811121001Return Policy:Standard Return PolicyIn StockNote (Add)$46.99 -$12.00 Instant$34.99UpdatePOWERCOLOR SCS3 AX4670 1GBK3-S3H Radeon HD 4670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video ... - RetailModel #:SCS3 AX4670 1GBK3-S3Item #:N82E16814131171Return Policy:VGA Standard Return PolicyIn StockMail in RebateNote (Add)$79.99 $79.99UpdateAMD Athlon II X2 245 Regor 2.9GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADX245OCGQBOX - RetailModel #:ADX245OCGQBOXItem #:N82E16819103687Return Policy:Standard Return PolicyIn StockNote (Add)$66.00 $66.00UpdateG.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ - RetailModel #:F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQItem #:N82E16820231098Return Policy:Memory Standard Return PolicyIn StockNote (Add)$44.99 $44.99UpdateWestern Digital Caviar Blue WD1600AAJS 160GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare DriveModel #:WD1600AAJSItem #:N82E16822136075Return Policy:Standard Retur
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Return Policy:Standard Return PolicyIn StockNote (Add)$39.49 $39.49UpdateSAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223C - OEMModel #:SH-S223CItem #:N82E16827151192Return Policy:Standard Return PolicyIn StockNote (Add)$25.99 $25.99Subtotal:$431.43
Sorry for that massive run-on sentence. :lol
Now the question: did I do it right?
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Looks good to me.
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1) Pick a power supply
2) Choose a CPU
3) Choose a few motherboards and read reviews on each, find one that give the best performance within your budget
4) Choose memory that is within your budget with the lowest CAS and fastest speed to match or exceed MB specs
5) Choose a Graphics platform (Nvidia or ATI) read reviews again and see how the platform tested on matches your MB choices.
6) Prefer SATA II over IDE since this is a much faster transfer of information.
A few here said get this and this, or think some are leading you astray. Being in the business for over 27 years, a world ranked overclocker for over 5 years, currently hold the world record for a Overclocked (air) GTX 295. You need to have the components compliment each other as stated before or else you may as well by a system at Best Buy, WalMart and not go through the trouble of building it yourself.
Please enlighten me and other's what sort of synergy you are talking about?
Assuming overclocking is not really what we are into here, as he is not even looking at speccing a very high end system.
Or even better, point to the best stuff for the given budget, instead of just saying all other's are leading him astray...
I certainly don't buy your comment about buying from Best Buy etc, as they could well sell totally unbalanced systems with cut-price components in crucial places.
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Please enlighten me and other's what sort of synergy you are talking about?
Assuming overclocking is not really what we are into here, as he is not even looking at speccing a very high end system.
I believe here he is saying he knows what he's talking about
Or even better, point to the best stuff for the given budget, instead of just saying all other's are leading him astray...
Perhaps, but he could just be forcing me to learn so I don't have to rely on him to decide on the right parts.
I certainly don't buy your comment about buying from Best Buy etc, as they could well sell totally unbalanced systems with cut-price components in crucial places.
Here he's saying that if I'm going to build them like bestbuy does, might as well buy from bestbuy.
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Yeah.. If only it wasn't all a big secret.. :rolleyes:
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Yeah.. If only it wasn't all a big secret.. :rolleyes:
In TilDeath's defense I've seen too many in this forum overspend on RAM when it won't provide any benefit over a slower version. Similarly, many feel the highest end video card will solve all their problems when in fact, they are just going to be bottlenecked by the CPU. Sure you can put those components together and the system will run but decreasing the RAM and GPU to spend more on the CPU will improve the overall system performance and provide a much more satisfying experience with the finished unit.
This isn't even taking into consideration future upgrade paths, which can extend the life of the base purchase for several years.
I agree that building a balanced system isn't just slapping components together. It takes a lot of time and research or experience to get the most out of each component in a well balanced system. I spent three months researching each of the components that went into my system and I'm very happy with the results I obtained.
Of course we have some very experienced people in this forum that can recommend parts and be knowledgable enough to keep a system in balance drastically reducing the time commitment needed by the future builder. Then, there are others who aren't so adept.
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1 SAMSUNG CD/DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-S223C - OEM
Item #: N82E16827151192
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$25.99
1 RAIDMAX SMILODON ATX-612WB Black 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid
Tower Foldout MB Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811156063
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy -$30.00 Instant
$89.99
$59.99
1 Western Digital Caviar Blue WD2500AAJS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA
3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822136113
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$44.99
1 MSI 785GTM-E45 AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD
Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813130237
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$69.99
1 EVGA 01G-P3-N958-LR GeForce 9500 GT 1GB 128-bit DDR2 PCI
Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814130501
Return Policy: VGA Replacement Only Return Policy -$5.00
Instant
$59.99
$54.99
1 APEVIA ATX-JV650W 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire
Ready Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16817148041
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy -$20.00 Instant
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate17-148-041
$79.99
$59.99
1 AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor 2.8GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core
Processor Model ADX240OCGQBOX - Retail
Item #: N82E16819103688
Return Policy: CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
$60.00
1 Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit 1-Pack for System
Builders - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116752
Return Policy: Software Return Policy
$109.99
Subtotal: $485.93
Shipping: $7.56
Grand Total: $493.49
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Please continue making suggestions, the more I see the more I learn.
Note: Arangement for an OS has been made, no longer need.
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james, I think you forgot the RAM.
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reading what ur buying i am not going to tell you what to do, buy looks like you 160 gig western for 44.oo
newegg has promo deals
http://promotions.newegg.com/NEemail/Oct-0-2009/Top10/index-landing.html?nm_mc=EMC-
wd hdd 500 black for 59.00 5 year warranty vs 3 with the other 160HDD promo ends 11-02 ( yah i know its 15 more dollars)
for 59 you get 5 year warranty and 340 more gig
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Here is what I would get for your budget. The only thing missing is a DVD drive which you could add for @30.00. After rebates this system will be under your 500 mark
Case & PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146058&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL102709&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL102709-_-ComputerCases-_-L0I-_-11146058 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146058&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL102709&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL102709-_-ComputerCases-_-L0I-_-11146058)
Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL102709&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL102709-_-MotherboardsIntel-_-LC1A-_-13128358 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL102709&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL102709-_-MotherboardsIntel-_-LC1A-_-13128358)
CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115056 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115056)
Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145247 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145247)
Videocard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130523&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL102709&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL102709-_-VideoCards-_-LC2B-_-14130523
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130523&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL102709&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL102709-_-VideoCards-_-LC2B-_-14130523)
Harddrive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL102709&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL102709-_-HardDrives-_-LC4C-_-22136320 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL102709&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL102709-_-HardDrives-_-LC4C-_-22136320)
The total is 539.94 less rebates which will put you under the 500 mark. This should play AH at max everything or just shy. This also leaves you room for upgrades. I use this motherboard in lots of my builds. It is very stable, easily overclocked if you decide to do that.
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First I need to ask if that hard drive is nessessary, because I don't really need 500GB. My old one has 160GB and I never even managed to fill that halfway after 4 years of downloading junk and never formatting.
Second, that PSU only has one SATA connector, wouldn't that be a problem? You did recomend that I stick with SATA on hard drive and dvd drive right?
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Your sata drive normally connects to your motherboard...:huh
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i had a 320 hd before never managed to use more than 50, now i have a 1tb, why? because it was on sale for $50. most likely i will never use 10% of it but If i do then i dont have to worry about it. so get the recommended one, its a good buy :D
semp
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no you don't need to buy a drive you should be able to connect to the PATA on your motherboard with your old drive, ide ata, pata same thing, i only suggested the 500 gig drive for the extra warranty and space, but like you said you don't need it
should mention your drive is older, they do have limited life span, but that dosn't mean it will die in a month, might last another 4 years
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DOH! Idiot, data transfer to the PSU, yeah right...
Still though, it looks like a pretty cheap thing and the reviews aren't good.
The old hard drive is shot, I'd rather get a new one than try to fix it.
I can always buy a bigger one later if I need it.
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Mar, you can shave off things from that Intel system, such as the SLI capabillity, to invest in a better graphics card. A GT 220 is a pretty weak card.
It depends on your future plans (I personally would never bother with the power requirements and heat generation of an SLI setup).
Just goes to show how one mans perfect system can be someone elses unbalanced system!
AH is typically GPU-limited, so I don't think skimping on the GPU is the way to go. (For example, my Phenom II X2 only uses 60% CPU to crank out 170 fps, which means the graphics card limits performance. And that is a much faster card than the GT 220.)
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no you don't need to buy a drive you should be able to connect to the PATA on your motherboard with your old drive, ide ata, pata same thing, i only suggested the 500 gig drive for the extra warranty and space, but like you said you don't need it
should mention your drive is older, they do have limited life span, but that dosn't mean it will die in a month, might last another 4 years
He does not need one but again back to MATCHING COMPONENTS
PATA transfer rate 100/133mbps SATA II transfer rate is higher.... cables are smaller therefor allowing the case to breath better. Since you so in the know and bucking each post I have here. I challenge you to a build for this man... we each offer to build him a system at no additional cost to him other then shipping and warranty the system, are you willing to do that? I am with my build specs. I am completely sure my speced system with out benchmark the components you suggested stock no overclocking.
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DOH! Idiot, data transfer to the PSU, yeah right...
Still though, it looks like a pretty cheap thing and the reviews aren't good.
The old hard drive is shot, I'd rather get a new one than try to fix it.
I can always buy a bigger one later if I need it.
This is a Western Digital Black meaning the drive has a 32mb cache and 5 year warranty there was a 10 difference between the 160GB and the 500GB. I cant find the specs on the PSU included with the case. I would not use anything other then PC Power & Cooling or OCZ PSU's but tried to give you best bag for your buc. Reviews on newegg are not what you want to follow. Look up the part on sites that do hardware reviews like Toms Hardware or Benchmark Reviews. I prefer Benchmark Reviews to me they keep an equal playing field.
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1 i have never said anything against your systems,in fact i have gave made a compliment in the past
2 read his question
3read my reply
he ask if he can use his hard drive, yes sata is faster and saves cable space
matching components i mentioned it before to show the promo price in case he donst see the sale
where do you come from
( i read the post wrong thought you asked if you could use your old hard drive, thats my bad sorry)
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http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817170010
PSU specs are in the tab.
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http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817170010
PSU specs are in the tab.
The PSU will not work... again could not find the specs. You want at least a 500watt single rail PSU with 45+ amps on the rail. Look for PCI-e connectors at least 2 of them 6 pin plus a 6+2 pin.
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1 i have never said anything against your systems,in fact i have gave made a compliment in the past
2 read his question
3read my reply
he ask if he can use his hard drive, yes sata is faster and saves cable space
matching components i mentioned it before to show the promo price in case he donst see the sale
where do you come from
( i read the post wrong thought you asked if you could use your old hard drive, thats my bad sorry)
My bad. Having a bad evening and I took it out on you. :salute
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:salute
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Ok, forget under $500, doesn't seem to be cutting it, lets try $600, will just take a little longer.
Ok, let me know what you think about this:
Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811121001
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016
Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358
Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115056
Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145247
GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130523
Disk drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151192
Hard drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136075
For the total of $570.42
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just to make it interesting, i have a build thats got FOUR cores, faster DDR3 memory and a comparable videocard.
*EDIT: actually, the HD4770 is TWICE better than the GT220.
Source: http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gt-220-review-test/6 (http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gt-220-review-test/6)
dont forget, you have a $58 mail in rebate with the items below, so it ends up just under $500.
(http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv4/wuttzi/CCIMG509.png)
(http://i664.photobucket.com/albums/vv4/wuttzi/CCIMG510.png)
like i said, for the $100 processor price range, intel cant touch amd's offerings.
good luck with your build! :aok