asked on

Looking for best desktop deal around $500

I need to upgrade my desktop computer in order to play EverQuest2 which is going to release next month, but I really don't have much budge to spend on it.

The desktop I am looking for is (I don't need the monitor):
1. Speed (CPU)
2. CD writer (DVD combo or DVD writer is even better)

I already have 40G HD, 128MB video card, network card, 512 Ram that I can put into this new computer if needed, so those stuff is not that important to me.
But something extra is always good, if the price is good ;)

BTW, my current computer is P3 800MHZ.

Please let me know if you know any good deal that is best for my situation, even the refurbished is fine with me.

Thanks.

tosh9iii

COMPUTER 3.2GHZ DESKTOP PENTIUM 4 P4 system PC 3.2 new
w/ DVD BURNER DVD PLAYER CD BURNER ONLY $479!!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=52476&item=5131404201&rd=1

hauk1net

I say replace your motherboard. This one will support your old SDRAM or new DDR memory. That's unusual and could save you significant money. It also supports 533 mHz P4 processors, which go up to over 3 gHz. It supports 8x AGP, which is state of the art. And the board is priced low. CD burners are cheap. You have the memory, drive, and video card. You'd be able to do this pretty cheap.

http://www.google.com/froogle?q=asrock+m266a&btnG=Search+Froogle

twkliu

ASKER

I like the price of this motherboard, but how about the CPU?
Any good deal on the CPU? I prefer P4 because I never have the chance to use others, but I heard people say AMD is good and cheap.
And if I change my motherboard, do I have to change my computer case or any other components also?

Callandor

If you want value for gaming applications, AMD is the way to go. Here's a very overclockable setup:

Albatron KX400-8XV PRO V2.0 $46
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=13-170-009&depa=0

Barton Retail 2800+ $147
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=19-103-377&DEPA=0

Kingston 512MB PC3200 $79
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-141-424&depa=0

eccs19

"I like the price of this motherboard, but how about the CPU?
Any good deal on the CPU? I prefer P4 because I never have the chance to use others, but I heard people say AMD is good and cheap.
And if I change my motherboard, do I have to change my computer case or any other components also?"

Just a note. I have used these AS-Rock boards, and they seem good for the money. One thing you may want / need to look at is your power supply. The AS-Rock boards will accept the older P3 power supplies, but if your power supply is 300W or less, you may want to invest in a good quality PSU to replace your old one.

eccs19

This here is a nice little kit. I have bought a simular one. Mine was the same, minus CPU & RAM. Has a extra AGP port to add your old card if you want. Only supports DDR Ram, I'm not sure if your old ram is DDR or SDRAM.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=904341&sku=S450-3204

tosh9iii

I thought you might be interested in this:

Mad Dog Multimedia Dominator 6-in-1 Internal DVD-R/-RW Drive $9 after rebate

http://www.officemax.com/max/solutions/product/prodBlock.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&expansionOID=-536892754&prodBlockOID=537257790

tosh9iii

eMachines T3085 AMD Athlon XP 3000+ / 512MB DDR / 160GB HDD / DVD+/-RW / Windows XP Home / Refurbished Desktop PC $399 after rebate

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?sourceid=qIqsQXleZz8eAmWZbUXS&siteid=0040212845&Sku=E400-T3085&EdpNo=934501&SRCCODE=BEFREE

stockhes

All you can use from your current machine is CASE & drives and maybe GFX

Case only if it's generic Not Dell or COMPAQ unless you are up to severe casemodding

Be aware Mobo and CASE size must fit :ATX ,baby ATX micro ATX and so on

You'll need

PSU with ATX12v(4pin) at least 18 amps on 12 volt rail
MOBO
CPU+heatsink+fan
DDR ram at least 512 MB

If you like to build yourself go ahead, but it will be easier to buy a new upgrade case/barebone

twkliu

ASKER

Ok, I just got two 256MB DDR rams from my friend, so that means I can save some money on it.
So, the only thing left is motherboard and CPU (maybe also DVD writer), so I think I might build it myself starting from new motherboard and CPU, and hopefully I don't need to change my case and PS, etc.
This way, I can spend less than $200! :)

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

eccs19

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tosh9iii

twkliu is that 256 mb ddr ram you got from your friend the same type of ram (512 mb) you currently have?

tosh9iii

Go to this webpage:
EVEREST Home Edition v1.51
http://www.lavalys.com/products/download.php?pid=1&lang=en&pageid=3

download>install>open>Computer>Summary>Right Click>Copy> and post it here

twkliu

ASKER

--------[ Summary ]-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Computer:
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional
OS Service Pack Service Pack 2
Internet Explorer 6.0.2900.2180 (IE 6.0 SP2)
DirectX 4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)
Computer Name KRISTY-HOME (Kristy's main desktop computer)
User Name Kristy

Motherboard:
CPU Type Intel Pentium IIIE, 800 MHz (6 x 133)
Motherboard Name Asus CUSL2-C (6 PCI, 1 AGP, 1 CNR, 3 DIMM)
Motherboard Chipset Intel Solano i815EP
System Memory 512 MB (SDRAM)
BIOS Type Award Medallion (08/03/01)
Communication Port Communications Port (COM1)
Communication Port Communications Port (COM2)
Communication Port ECP Printer Port (LPT1)

Display:
Video Adapter NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 (128 MB)
3D Accelerator nVIDIA GeForce FX 5200

Multimedia:
Audio Adapter ESS Technology Allegro-1.COMM AudioDrive

Storage:
IDE Controller Intel(r) 82801BA Bus Master IDE Controller
Floppy Drive Floppy disk drive
Disk Drive Generic STORAGE DEVICE USB Device
Disk Drive Generic STORAGE DEVICE USB Device
Disk Drive Generic STORAGE DEVICE USB Device
Disk Drive Maxtor 6Y080L0 (80 GB, 7200 RPM, Ultra-ATA/133)
Disk Drive WDC WD400BB-00DEA0 (37 GB, IDE)
Disk Drive Generic STORAGE DEVICE USB Device
Optical Drive CD-ROM Drive/F5D
SMART Hard Disks Status OK

Partitions:
C: (NTFS) 38154 MB (13361 MB free)
D: (NTFS) 76245 MB (52686 MB free)

Input:
Keyboard Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse PS/2 Compatible Mouse

Network:
Network Adapter Macronix MX98715-Based Ethernet Adapter (Generic) (192.168.0.3)

Peripherals:
Printer Canon Bubble-Jet BJC-2100
Printer Microsoft Office Document Image Writer
USB1 Controller Intel 82801BA(M) ICH2 - USB Controller 1 [B-1]
USB1 Controller Intel 82801BA(M) ICH2 - USB Controller 2 [B-1]
USB Device USB Mass Storage Device

tosh9iii

Your 512 mb is SDRAM, you do know that you can't combine that with the 2x256 mb DDR ram you got from your friend, right?

twkliu

ASKER

I know, so I am just going to use that two 256mb DDR rams.

eccs19

Did you actually pick up that barebones system? I hope it works out for you. I have purchased from them in the past, and have been pleased. Thanks for the points.

twkliu

ASKER

I got the AMD Athlon 64 3200+ with mother board combo deal at Fry's for $240, and I am gald that I don't need to change the case and PS.
But if I ever need to change them, then I will get that barebones system that you suggested.
I really like that deal.
Thanks for all the information that you have provided.

kamleshmistry

Dell has pretty good deals...
Dell Dimension 3000 is about 500 bucks...
You can customize it according to your liking...
For a limited time, free monitor upgrade to flat panel, 10 percent off, and free shipping...
Pretty good deal, I think...

kamleshmistry

I forot to mention the free memory upgrade as well before Wed...