Possible to build an ok computer for 650?

[Tenacious D]

Hey guys. I am going to have 650 bucks by Feb., and I was planning on building a computer. I want a computer that could hande 3 to 4 FPS's (NEW FPS games). I am just going to use it like that for a while, untill I get more money for better upgrades. Is it possible for me to build one like that?

 

[darksenate78]

Search for the Norton 500. Patrick Norton who was one of the hosts of The Screen Savers on TechTV before the merging with G4 made a pretty damn good pc for roughly 500 dollars. The parts used will not suffice now, but with the time he made it (about a year ago), I'm sure sufficient parts will be cheap enough for that price range.

I really suggest you save up about another 650, though, and build a box.

 

[Codeine]

Well, 650$ is sorta rough.. For a gaming computer that is. I suggest you go to Newegg and make some sort of list. Then we can modify it.

 

[Tenacious D]

Ok cool thanks. This is what I got so far...(and I know its not fully done, so feel free to add or take away anything lol)

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=19-103-482&depa=1

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp? description=14-102-414&depa=1

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-204-002&depa=0

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-102-175&depa=0

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=36-101-012&depa=0

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=11-145-049&depa=1

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=22-148-040&DEPA=1

Thats what I've got so far. I know its small, and probably not good at all, but please give me suggestions to what to take away or what to add. Thanks.

 

[socom234]

ya ur goign to need alot more. First thing is if ur going to eventually want it for gaming go for a amd athlon 64 3000 or even higher if u save a little more. then u need a motherboard that supports that type of processor, after u will need a graphics card for sure. im not sure how good a graphics card u can get with the money u want to spend. and u could save some money by getting a little cheaper sound card i recommend a creative labs sound blaster live 24bit for about half the price of the one u chose i have it and it works great for me and awsome sound for a good price. you will also need ram i recommend ddr400 (pc3200) make sure ur mother board supports that too. go with a well known brand too i went with 1 gb or patriot memory which isnt very well known and one of the sticks is bad so i haev to send them both back becuase they came in a dual pack. also u might want to look into to using an old monitor for the time being so u can biuld ur computer first. thats what i did. and mine still works great but iff u need one u can get them cheap then 150 im sure. im sure u know but dont forget about the case.

 

[Tenacious D]

Sorry, I missed about 2 links on there. Anyways, can someone just give me a decent set up that I wont have to upgrade for a little while?

Here are the other Links:
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=24-204-002&depa=0

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-148-008&depa=1

 

[Jnewt427]

If I where you I would try Ebay. I have bought many highend parts that I could of only afforded because they where used. It is a real good alternative for someone on a tight budget.

For Example I picked up a 6800GT that normally costs about $450 new. I picked one of ebay, it was used but in great condition for $270.00, It did not have an installation disk, but I was able to download the drivers online.

I mean think about it!!

For $270.00 I bought one of the top video cards on the market!

You have to remember too, that we are dealing with electronic equipment, Wear and tear of regular use does not really apply to effecting its performance. So to call it used is only saying it was taken out of the package, Thats my opinion.

 

[Tuskatappaja]

Balance the graphic card and CPU, if you buy a high end CPU, don't buy low end graphic card...

 

[Forchunet]

First off for $650 your gonna have to use the Powersupply with your case and get a motherboard with onboard sound.

Heres a basic breakdown of what you should get.

Motherboard (socket A) - $60-70
AMD 2800+ Barton - $110
512mb RAM from good company - $75
Radeon 9600XT - $100
Hardrive (preferably 8mb cache, 50+ gb) - $75
CD-RW drive - $40
Windows XP Home OEM - $55
Case, Mouse, Speakers, Keyboard Bundle - $110

Thats a total of about $630+

With shipping you should come around 650.

 

[MasterJason]

What Forchunet says will do, Don't bother getting a sound card, the onboard sound is normally pretty good. Also he still needs a Monitor, Ill make a setup for you tomorrow