Computer rebuild

[Dragon]

I'm working on updating a friends comp and looking for a bit of advice.  He doesn't do any gaming but does tinker with video editing.  Budget is as close to $300 as possible.  Eide hard drive in machine(250G) is new, 2 external HD's (500 and 750 G) are new, CD and DVD are 6 months old.  Looking to replace motherboard, processor and ram only.  XP Pro

Looking at:
 I don't normally do AMD, but the price is right on this combo.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4362097&CatId=2417

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2604150&sku=T925-1168

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3079597&CatId=2368

It's a Dell box and we are hoping the power supply will be OK, but if an upgrade is needed, it can be added.

Any thoughts, concerns, comments?

[Getback]

I doubt if the PS will be okay. Dell builds their machines to the minimum. However, post the PS specs and I'm sure some folks will give you some solid advice.

[Dragon]

Just checked, 250 W. 

[Getback]

Just checked, 250 W. 

Look at your components and see what they require.

[Getback]

I honestly don't think you are going to build this for $300. BTW you can drop the heatsink and fan. Have you looked at Newegg and Mwave.com.

I'm curious about the case too. I wonder if that Dell case is proprietary.

[Wobbly]

I'd make sure the mobo fits a Dell case, Dell is not always standard.

I read that Dell psus are actually quite good - they quote constant watts rather than peak.

[BaldEagl]

Try this:

   
Update   GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3L LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Model #:GA-EP45-UD3L
Item #:N82E16813128372
Return Policy:30 Day Return Policy
In Stock
  $98.99   $98.99
   
Update   Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8400 - Retail
Model #:BX80570E8400
Item #:N82E16819115037
Return Policy:Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
In Stock
  $164.99   $164.99
   
Update   Kingston HyperX NVIDIA SLI-Ready 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KHX8500D2K2/2GN - Retail
Model #:KHX8500D2K2/2GN
Item #:N82E16820104008
Return Policy:Limited Non-Refundable 30-Day Return Policy
In Stock
  $34.99   $34.99
Subtotal: $298.97

[Denholm]

Wow, nice find Bald.

[Dragon]

I honestly don't think you are going to build this for $300. BTW you can drop the heatsink and fan. Have you looked at Newegg and Mwave.com.

I'm curious about the case too. I wonder if that Dell case is proprietary.

Can't drop the heat sink and fan, combo DOES NOT come with one.  Just looked at Newegg and Mwave.  Changed the order a bit:

RAIDMAX SMILODON Extreme Black ATX-612WEBP 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case With 500W Power Supply - Retail 59.99

OCZ Platinum Revision-2 2048MB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz Dual Channel Memory (2 x 1024MB)  29.99

Thermaltake TR2-R1 / AMD Socket AM2/939/754 / Aluminum / 92mm Fan / CPU Cooler  19.99

EVGA nForce 730a Motherboard CPU Bundle - AMD Phenom X4 9550 Quad Core Processor 2.20GHz OEM  199.99

Total $310 and the customer is 

Bald, the AMD 9550 tests quite a bit better than the E8400 according to Toms hardware in the areas that this system will be used for.

[Getback]

Can't drop the heat sink and fan, combo DOES NOT come with one.  Just looked at Newegg and Mwave.  Changed the order a bit:

RAIDMAX SMILODON Extreme Black ATX-612WEBP 1.0mm SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Foldout MB Computer Case With 500W Power Supply - Retail 59.99

OCZ Platinum Revision-2 2048MB PC6400 DDR2 800MHz Dual Channel Memory (2 x 1024MB)  29.99

Thermaltake TR2-R1 / AMD Socket AM2/939/754 / Aluminum / 92mm Fan / CPU Cooler  19.99

EVGA nForce 730a Motherboard CPU Bundle - AMD Phenom X4 9550 Quad Core Processor 2.20GHz OEM  199.99

Total $310 and the customer is 

Bald, the AMD 9550 tests quite a bit better than the E8400 according to Toms hardware in the areas that this system will be used for.

Ah rgr, I just automatically assumed that all CPUs come with heatsinks. That's been my experience. Guess they cut it out on the combo.

[Dragon]

I thought so too, but when I bought my parts for my build, I got the Intel 6750 OEM, came with no heatsink or fan, had to delay the build till my monster heatsink/fan showed up.  30 bucks more, but worth it.

[1701E]

Ah rgr, I just automatically assumed that all CPUs come with heatsinks. That's been my experience. Guess they cut it out on the combo.

Combo deals normally ship items OEM, thus eliminating some cost and important parts.  Like with the GPU I have, OEM, thus nothing is the box but the card.
One of the reasons I always try to buy Retail over OEM.

[Fulmar]

Yeah, any OEM CPUs will be just the chips.  OEM HD's will be just the drive in anti-static packaging.  OEM Optical Drives are shipped the same way.  I've bought OEM and Retail CPU's before, never had any problems.  But you won't get a heatsink.  They can be cheaper, but it depends on the CPU.  Say an E8400, I can't find an OEM for less than $160, when retail they're $165.

[Getback]

Yeah, any OEM CPUs will be just the chips.  OEM HD's will be just the drive in anti-static packaging.  OEM Optical Drives are shipped the same way.  I've bought OEM and Retail CPU's before, never had any problems.  But you won't get a heatsink.  They can be cheaper, but it depends on the CPU.  Say an E8400, I can't find an OEM for less than $160, when retail they're $165.

If you have a lightscribe dvd rom and order it OEM it doesn't come with the related software right? Or does it need the software or will programs like itunes have that built in?

Sorry for the mild hijacking.

[Dragon]

If you have a lightscribe dvd rom and order it OEM it doesn't come with the related software right? Or does it need the software or will programs like itunes have that built in?

Sorry for the mild hijacking.

Can you repeat the question, I'm confused.  A lightscribe dvd rom will come with a driver/software disc.  is ther such thing as an OEM dvd drive?