Need to replace a very old system for the wife.

[crashem]

I am going to build or buy a new system for the misses. she loves to surf the web and on occasion she messes with autocad. Now she usually has norton and music not to mention windows XP pro running all at once while she surfs the net doing research( not uncommon for her to have multiple windows open at once. I need to build a budget system. I would like to stay in the 300 - 400 range. is this possable? remember her computer is very old and is slow as Christmas. She will keep her old hard drive, monitor, speakers, mouse, keyboard, and case (ATX - a big one). I am sure anything u guys suggest will double her system capabilites. She will use onboard graphics unless there is something u guy thinks is just to good to pass up.

 

[kurt454]

For that price range, you could just buy a basic Dell. Not as much fun as a DIY build, but very cost effective.

 

[crashem]

good call. which one?

 

[Trey22]

B110 is Dell's basic computing desktop PC.

Just head to Dell's site and pretty much just pick a price range and customize (if even necessary) from there. Prebuilt, cheap, and has some support... can't beat that.

 

[Fishy007]

I misread the headline. For a moment I thought you were trying to replace a very old wife.

 

[stevf]

since your wife has a few things running at once get at least 512MB memory. I would suggest 1GB. Their basic systems probably start with either 128 or 256 and she wont be happy with either of those amounts

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Dell X2 3800+ system $399 free shipping

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

I know everyone is saying Dell, but I really think you could get something better if you just built your own. Hang on and let me see if I can come up with a configuration...

Also, do you need a copy of WinXP, or have you got one already? What about peripherals?

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
I know everyone is saying Dell, but I really think you could get something better if you just built your own. Hang on and let me see if I can come up with a configuration...

Also, do you need a copy of WinXP, or have you got one already? What about peripherals?

Good luck

It's virtually impossible to beat Dells prices in the sub $500 range.

Check out the system I linked above for $399 shipped and try and beat that with a DIY build, not going to happen

 

[Fishy007]

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
I know everyone is saying Dell, but I really think you could get something better if you just built your own. Hang on and let me see if I can come up with a configuration...

Also, do you need a copy of WinXP, or have you got one already? What about peripherals?

It's possible....but do you REALLY want to go through the hassle? Dell's systems aren't completely bad and the hassle of buying the parts/building the system/troubleshooting probably isn't worth the cost difference or the better parts.
And if any part dies in your self-built system, you'll have to deal with the manufacturer/warranty on your own. Whereas in the Dell system you'll just have to call them and waste a bit of time talking to 'Elvis' in Delhi.

Go with the cheap Dell and add on another year of warranty. Done.

 

[So]

If it runs XP, it's not 'Very Old'

whne you said 'very old' I thought you meant like...P2 at the newest.

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
I know everyone is saying Dell, but I really think you could get something better if you just built your own. Hang on and let me see if I can come up with a configuration...

Also, do you need a copy of WinXP, or have you got one already? What about peripherals?

Good luck

It's virtually impossible to beat Dells prices in the sub $500 range.

Check out the system I linked above for $399 shipped and try and beat that with a DIY build, not going to happen

Sure it can.

Okay, let's start with the OP. The guy already has a case, hard disk, peripherals and presumably a copy on Windows XP. With that in mind, you can get the following from NewEgg for $399.03 shipped:


AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Windsor 2.0GHz Socket AM2 Dual Core Processor Model ADA3800CUBOX - Retail ***this is the same CPU as the E521***
ASRock AM2NF4G-SATA2 Socket AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail ***this should be able to overclock at least 20% or so, unlike the Dell***
A-DATA Vitesta 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit System Memory Model ELJPE1908K - Retail ***the E521 only has 512MB DDR2-533***
SAMSUNG 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write, LightScribe Technology Black IDE Model SH-S182M/BEBN - OEM ***the E521 only has a DVD-ROM***
FSP Group (Fortron Source) ATX350-PA, version 2.0, SATA, 350W Power Supply - OEM ***I'm sure this is a heck of a lot more reliable than Dell's PSU***

Now, let's say the guy needs WinXP, too. Can it still be done? Sure. This time we have to get a little creative, but it nonetheless comes out to $399.16 shipped from Newegg:

Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2B 1 Pack - OEM ***we'll make room in our budget for this***
Intel Pentium D 805 Smithfield 2.66GHz LGA 775 Dual Core,EM64T Processor Model BX80551PE2666FN - Retail ***slower than the X2 head-to-head, but faster all-around with 1GB RAM***
ASUS P5RD1-VM Socket T (LGA 775) ATI Radeon XPRESS 200 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail ***another good overclocking board, this time from ATI***
two (1GB total) AMPO 512MB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) System Memory Model 3AXD2533-512M1S-R - Retail ***we had to go a little slower to make room in the budget, but this may overclock to 667 or even 800 if you're lucky; the E521 runs on DDR2-533, too***
SAMSUNG 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write, LightScribe Technology Black IDE Model SH-S182M/BEBN - OEM ***again we have a lightscribe DVDR instead of just a reader***
LOGISYS Computer PS480D ATX12V 480W Power Supply - Retail ***no great promise reliability here, but it's got overvoltage support to protect your expensive parts, which is more than the E521 likely has***

There you have it. We've beaten Dell, and that's assuming you don't live in a state where they charge sales tax, bringing the final total to ~$430 for an E521.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou

Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
I know everyone is saying Dell, but I really think you could get something better if you just built your own. Hang on and let me see if I can come up with a configuration...

Also, do you need a copy of WinXP, or have you got one already? What about peripherals?

Good luck

It's virtually impossible to beat Dells prices in the sub $500 range.

Check out the system I linked above for $399 shipped and try and beat that with a DIY build, not going to happen

Sure it can.

Okay, let's start with the OP. The guy already has a case, hard disk, peripherals and presumably a copy on Windows XP. With that in mind, you can get the following from NewEgg for $399.03 shipped:


AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Windsor 2.0GHz Socket AM2 Dual Core Processor Model ADA3800CUBOX - Retail ***this is the same CPU as the E521***
ASRock AM2NF4G-SATA2 Socket AM2 NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail ***this should be able to overclock at least 20% or so, unlike the Dell***
A-DATA Vitesta 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit System Memory Model ELJPE1908K - Retail ***the E521 only has 512MB DDR2-533***
SAMSUNG 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write, LightScribe Technology Black IDE Model SH-S182M/BEBN - OEM ***the E521 only has a DVD-ROM***
FSP Group (Fortron Source) ATX350-PA, version 2.0, SATA, 350W Power Supply - OEM ***I'm sure this is a heck of a lot more reliable than Dell's PSU***

Now, let's say the guy needs WinXP, too. Can it still be done? Sure. This time we have to get a little creative, but it nonetheless comes out to $399.16 shipped from Newegg:

Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2B 1 Pack - OEM ***we'll make room in our budget for this***
Intel Pentium D 805 Smithfield 2.66GHz LGA 775 Dual Core,EM64T Processor Model BX80551PE2666FN - Retail ***slower than the X2 head-to-head, but faster all-around with 1GB RAM***
ASUS P5RD1-VM Socket T (LGA 775) ATI Radeon XPRESS 200 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail ***another good overclocking board, this time from ATI***
two (1GB total) AMPO 512MB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) System Memory Model 3AXD2533-512M1S-R - Retail ***we had to go a little slower to make room in the budget, but this may overclock to 667 or even 800 if you're lucky; the E521 runs on DDR2-533, too***
SAMSUNG 18X DVD±R DVD Burner With 12X DVD-RAM Write, LightScribe Technology Black IDE Model SH-S182M/BEBN - OEM ***again we have a lightscribe DVDR instead of just a reader***
LOGISYS Computer PS480D ATX12V 480W Power Supply - Retail ***no great promise reliability here, but it's got overvoltage support to protect your expensive parts, which is more than the E521 likely has***

There you have it. We've beaten Dell, and that's assuming you don't live in a state where they charge sales tax, bringing the final total to ~$430 for an E521.

Sure, if you reuse old parts, don't need an OS, or downgrade to a PD805 you can beat the price.

Build a complete system with case,ps, and OS and a 3800+ for under $400 and I'll be impressed but it still won't have a warranty.

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy

Sure, if you reuse old parts,

Nobody lives in a vacuum. There's no sense in spending more for the same parts if you already have them.

don't need an OS,

I showed above you can still beat Dell and buy a new copy of Windows.

or downgrade to a PD805 you can beat the price.

It's not a downgrade. An overclocked 805 is probably about on par with a stock 3800+. Moreover, you're forgetting the custom system would have 1GB memory as opposed to 512MB. If you prefer, swap out the extra memory for a better processor. I wouldn't recommend it, though.

Build a complete system with case,ps, and OS and a 3800+ for under $400 and I'll be impressed but it still won't have a warranty.

There's no need to do that. Besides, I can't think of a single person in my family who would want that E521 the way it's configured. If you had to build yourself a new computer for $400 or less, would you be satisfied with only 512MB RAM and no DVD or even CD burner? Myself, I'd need a floppy drive, too, and a TV-out port.

Dell is great, and cheers for finding that deal. In this case, though, I don't think it would be best for the OP.

 

[secretanchitman]

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou

Originally posted by: GuitarDaddy

Sure, if you reuse old parts,

Nobody lives in a vacuum. There's no sense in spending more for the same parts if you already have them.

don't need an OS,

I showed above you can still beat Dell and buy a new copy of Windows.

or downgrade to a PD805 you can beat the price.

It's not a downgrade. An overclocked 805 is probably about on par with a stock 3800+. Moreover, you're forgetting the custom system would have 1GB memory as opposed to 512MB. If you prefer, swap out the extra memory for a better processor. I wouldn't recommend it, though.

why even overclock the 805? it runs too hot as it is...and the X2 is a much more efficient processor.

Build a complete system with case,ps, and OS and a 3800+ for under $400 and I'll be impressed but it still won't have a warranty.

There's no need to do that. Besides, I can't think of a single person in my family who would want that E521 the way it's configured. If you had to build yourself a new computer for $400 or less, would you be satisfied with only 512MB RAM and no DVD or even CD burner? Myself, I'd need a floppy drive, too, and a TV-out port.

you can put in an NEC 3550A dvd-rw drive for around 40 bucks if he wanted a dvd writer.

Dell is great, and cheers for finding that deal. In this case, though, I don't think it would be best for the OP.

dell would be the perfect thing for him, if he doesnt want to go through the hassle of DIY and warranty issues.

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Originally posted by: secretanchitman

why even overclock the 805? it runs too hot as it is...and the X2 is a much more efficient processor.

Sure, and it's almost $60 more. I'd rather have an 805 and 1GB RAM than a 3800+ and 512MB. Like I said, though, if you'd prefer the latter, go for it. The motherboards are about the same price whether it's AM2 or 775.

you can put in an NEC 3550A dvd-rw drive for around 40 bucks if he wanted a dvd writer.

dell would be the perfect thing for him, if he doesnt want to go through the hassle of DIY and warranty issues.

Sure, but by then you're over-budget. You could sell the extra hard disk to make up for it, but by then you've crossed over the line into that "hassle of DIY" you mentioned, and probably voided any warranty. I'd recommend skipping Dell altogether and just get some components you know will be individually reliable. And when it comes time to upgrade again, you can sell the old parts (and Windows) for what will likely be a higher price than if you'd chosen Dell.

Speaking of budget, remember that Dell charges tax in a lot of states, including mine. That "$399" system actually costs about $430, depending where you live. If the OP lives in a taxed state, the E521 is beyond his budget.

Like I said, Dell is great in some situations. I don't think it works here, though.

 

[Trey22]

Originally posted by: Trey22
B110 is Dell's basic computing desktop PC.

Just head to Dell's site and pretty much just pick a price range and customize (if even necessary) from there. Prebuilt, cheap, and has some support... can't beat that.

 

[stevty2889]

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
It's not a downgrade. An overclocked 805 is probably about on par with a stock 3800+. Moreover, you're forgetting the custom system would have 1GB memory as opposed to 512MB. If you prefer, swap out the extra memory for a better processor. I wouldn't recommend it, though.

You need to get the 805 to 3.3ghz to compare to the stock performance of the X2, good luck doing that on the crappy stock heatsink with a very generic power supply..

It would be much less of a hassle to buy the dell and add another 512mb of ram.

 

[xgsound]

If you go very new you will need the 4 pin 12V connector on the power supply with 350W or more and 18A on the 12V rail. Pick your favorite 450W if you need a new one and you should be fine.

I just had my Athlon 700 Mhz go out, and used my OLD stuff. I skipped right over DDR/skt A/754/939 and went with an AM2 X2 3800 and 1 Gb DDR2 on a MSI K9NMG2-fid for $337. A Semperon and 512 Mb Corsair value should be about $140 less with this Mobo. This AM2 board has NO overclock functions of any kind for mem (must be 1.8 or 1.9V) or CPU at this time. There is a huge thread on the K8NMG2-fid, the Skt 939 (has some overclock and mem function) version of this board, right here in the AT motherboard forums if your interested.

The K9NMG2-FID comes with Gb LAN, 6150 video, firewire, 4 USB2 on the backplane and 4 sata ports.

You don't say how old your system is, but the 6150 seems to be about the top onboard video avaliable. For the first time I feel no need for a seperate video card.

Of course, if you get the dell (Thier AMD has 6150) you'll have 2 computers, so one can be a spare.



Jim

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Originally posted by: stevty2889

Originally posted by: hurtstotalktoyou
It's not a downgrade. An overclocked 805 is probably about on par with a stock 3800+. Moreover, you're forgetting the custom system would have 1GB memory as opposed to 512MB. If you prefer, swap out the extra memory for a better processor. I wouldn't recommend it, though.

You need to get the 805 to 3.3ghz to compare to the stock performance of the X2, good luck doing that on the crappy stock heatsink with a very generic power supply..

You think so? According to some newegg reviews, the 805 reached well above 3 GHz with the stock cooler. One fellow claimed 3.8 GHz, though I doubt it was stable at that speed.

It would be much less of a hassle to buy the dell and add another 512mb of ram.

Which would put him at least $40 overbudget, provided he lives in an untaxed state. Besides, for that price, you could build a custom X2 system which can be overclocked.

 

[starwars7]

I just like building my own So I put together a $280 PC, but I had 1 gig of PC3200 RAM and an extra OS lying around so I didn't need to add that to my budget.

This is the Rig:

AMD Athlon 64 3400+ Venice 2.4GHz OEM 939
Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro
Biostar TFORCE6100-939 GeForce 6100

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s
NEC 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Black IDE/ATAPI Model ND-3550A - OEM
1 GIG of PC3200 RAM

Ultra V Series 400W Power Supply
COOLMAX CS-460-Black W/O PSU

 

[crashem]

Wow guys thanks for the response! To answer your questions.

1st: Much To expensive to upgrade wife. Hence the much cheaper upgrade of her computer.

2nd: Her system was built in 01, it is a Abit i850 th711 with RDRAM ( 256 mb) I know this probably the biggest reason it is slow.

3rd: It has a Geforce 2 Pro video card.

4th: 1.6 Willamette Pent 4

5th: Win xp Pro

the systems you guys suggested, how would the compare performance wise to her current system? And how would they compare if I were to get her 256 more ram (ebay $25 + shipping and a different chip say no more than $75 (if I can find one) I dont know if she would need a new video card.

Thanks again.

 

[CSMR]

Is she asking you to upgrade or is it just something you want to do? If it isn't urgent you might want to wait a few months for Vista so you can get a Dell or HP or something like that with Vista included.

If Norton's slowing things down you could try putting on AVG instead. It's very easy on the system; the only thing you'll notice is having to press OK whenever it updates.

 

[hurtstotalktoyou]

Originally posted by: crashem
Wow guys thanks for the response! To answer your questions.

1st: Much To expensive to upgrade wife. Hence the much cheaper upgrade of her computer.

2nd: Her system was built in 01, it is a Abit i850 th711 with RDRAM ( 256 mb) I know this probably the biggest reason it is slow.

3rd: It has a Geforce 2 Pro video card.

4th: 1.6 Willamette Pent 4

5th: Win xp Pro

the systems you guys suggested, how would the compare performance wise to her current system? And how would they compare if I were to get her 256 more ram (ebay $25 + shipping and a different chip say no more than $75 (if I can find one) I dont know if she would need a new video card.

Thanks again.

Well, the Willamette's really going to kill you. A P4 1.6 Willy is about on par with an Athlon 1.1 or PIII 1.2. Meanwhile, RDRAM is still very expensive. 512MB (instead of the 256MB) will help, but it won't take her very far.

Now, the big question here is this: Is her copy of Windows XP Pro from an actual Microsoft disc you can install on whatever her new computer ends up being, or is it part of a "recovery" disc set you'll have to throw out with the old PC?

If you don't need WinXP, here are some options

Athlon 64 X2 3800+ AM2
Biostar GeForce 6100 AM2
A-DATA Vitesta 1GB (2x512MB) DDR2-667
Samsung SH-S182M/BEBN DVD burner
FSP Group ATX350-PA
TOTAL: $396.28 shipped

Pentium D 805 LGA775
Asus P5RD1-VM LGA775
A-DATA Vitesta 1GB (2x512MB) DDR2-667
Samsung SH-S182M/BEBN DVD burner
FSP Group ATX350-PA
TOTAL: $338.29 shipped

Or, if you do need a new copy of WinXP...
Windows XP Home OEM
Pentium D 805 LGA775
Asus P5RD1-VM LGA775
1GB (2x512MB) AMPO DDR2-533 3AXD2533-512M1S-R
Lite-on SHW160P6S05 DVD burner
Logisys PS480D-BK ATX12V
TOTAL: $396.16 shipped

 

[starwars7]

Here is another option for you. This link takes you to a thread in Hot Deals where an AMD 64 3400+ & Mobo are on sale for $99 total. It's socket 754, but for $99, that's going to be a HUGE upgrade for your wife.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=40&threadid=1896770&enterthread=y