Best computer for around $400

[IPxSynergy]

Hey All!

My friend was about to order a randomly-built computer online for X-mas before I talked to him and convinced him to hold off for a few days. I told him that I would help him build something to see if we can't get him something better for his budget of around $400.

If need be- I can sell him my 320gb pata drive for 20 bucks or so since I have a spare- so if he can get better parts by knocking off that cost, go ahead and calculate accordingly. I also have a power supply, think 320 watt, but don't think its very good (old).

He has a monitor, needs everything else, including case. Performance outweighs any kind of visuals, he is a basic user and will not be gaming (primarily music).

I would appreciate any help. I wanna help him out, but it is exam week and I don't have much time. Thanks Everyone. Brad

 

[-RockMan-]

Hey I would recommend you start looking at these parts first and see if it helps:

Hey welcome to tech-forums to start you off lets look at these parts:

Newegg.com - AMD Athlon II X4 620 Propus 2.6GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 95W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

Newegg.com - BIOSTAR A785GE AM2+/AM3 AMD 785G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - AMD Motherboards

SO far for those 2 parts it is at 169.00

Newegg.com - Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Newegg.com - Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Desktop Memory Model KVR667D2/1GR - Desktop Memory (get 2 for 52.00)

Now it is currently at 280.00

This power supply should handle your video cards current needs.
Newegg.com - Rosewill RP550-2 550W ATX12V v2.01 Power Supply - Power Supplies
Now I'll stop at this point and let some one else take over

That is grand total of 322.00 mind you almost all of the parts have free shipping so I tried to factor that in for you since you will be ordering a very huge box with parts in them from newegg.com.

Sorry if my links are dead can't figure out why it's doing that for odd reason....

 

[IPxSynergy]

Thanks for your quick response! will he even need a different video card if he's only doing music and stuff? will the onboard suffice?

 

[patonb]

iT IS an onboard. The bigest killer is the OS, Win is 100 plus, so you could toss on ubuntu till more money.

 

[Trotter]

For just basic computing and such he should be fine with onboard HD4200 graphics.

Here's a 2 x 1GB kit of DDR2 a bit cheaper:
Newegg.com - Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model CT2KIT12864AA667 - Desktop Memory
$38 w/free shipping

You will need an operating system, though.

 

[IPxSynergy]

Thanks, that RAM brought the cost down. Yeah, he has an OS already, otherwise that would become a huge issue. Or he didn't count that in his cost, idk. I picked out a basic case for him for 49.99, don't believe that will be an issue, unless there are any other suggestions. Newegg.com - Rosewill Wind Knight Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case with pre-installed 2x 120mm Fan, Support up to 1x 140mm top fan, 2x 140mm side fan, 1x 140mm front fan, 1x 120mm rear fan - Computer Cases ... I think I may have convinced him now to let me help him, I appreciate all of your help guys!

 

[Trotter]

Looks to be a decent case, especially with free shipping