Cheap Gaming PC

[Corrosive]

I have 800 dollars at my disposal but i'd like to keep a budget of 500 or less if possible. I'm currently using a Dell Dimension Desktop 2400 with an 80 gig upgraded harddrive. I don't know the specs but they are quite bad. Could someone help me set up a good list so I could play FPS like UT, BF 1942, and other really good first person shooters. I know I need some more memory, I currently have 256, and I need a better vid card, mine is using Intel Graphics Extreme which is actually embaressing. Those 2 are my necesseties. The only problem is I have no idea if my motherboard supports AGP or not. So far, my list is more Ram, a better vid card, and possibly a new mobo. Next I would guess would be a faster/bigger harddrive, or a faster processor, whichever is more important for gaming. If you could actually "take me by the hand" and tell me what's good to get, what's not, while keeping in mind my 500 dollar budget, it'd be great. Thanks in advance! :wavey

 

[aphextwin]

up ur video card and maybe ur ram

 

[TheHybrid]

Originally posted by ProXie
$500 budget is a bit low but I'm sure you can work off it.

AMD Barton 2500+
2x256 PC3200 RAM
Radeon 9800XT

And the rest is candy ;P.

In America, last generation high-end cards are still overpriced. Get the 9800 Pro. Or try to get the X800xt or 6800 GT.

 

[Corrosive]

Lol, i'm confused as to what's what, is the AMD the mobo or what?

Also, how does that setup comply with gaming? Will I get reasonable framrates just running on normal graphics settings for say, Battle Field 1942?

 

[Darkmatter]

Amd is a processor. AMD Athlon Procerroes to be exact. Theres others but yea.

 

[TheHybrid]

Originally posted by Darkmatter
Amd is a processor. AMD Athlon Procerroes to be exact. Theres others but yea.

AMD is a Company. Athlon is a processor.

 

[OMGLOLWTFPWN]

I heard the amd barton mobile 2500 will overclock like crazy. I don't overclock though, mostly because I am afraid of ruining a good processor.

 

[TheHybrid]

Yes they are. I have heard they don't get too hot either. You can overclock them to the performance of a 3200+ without spending an extra $100.

 

[Corrosive]

so the barton 2500 is a good choice eh? Will this all keep me under 500? I'm guessing i'll need a new mobo so that's on my list, and possibly another half a gig of ram, and then if I have enough, a faster/bigger HD.

 

[TheHybrid]

Sounds like it's under $500.

 

[Corrosive]

What's a good site to buy from, I need cheap and reliable service. I think i'm ready to buy my components.

 

[TheHybrid]

newegg.com is good.
tigerdirect.com is good too.

 

[Corrosive]

For some reason, newegg keeps conflicting with my browser (CompuServe) causing it to shut down, I guess i'll try it on IE.

 

[TheHybrid]

Compuserve is an ISP. Kinda like AOL.

 

[Corrosive]

Yea, it's from the same people as AOL, so that means.. it's crap.. atleast i'm getting roadrunner in a week

Back OT: I'm not really planning to OC seeing as how this is my first custom computer, so is the AMD Barton 2500 really the best choice?

 

[TheHybrid]

It's good for it's price, that's all i have to say. You could step up to a 2800+.

Since you're playing games like BF and UT you'll need plenty of memory for those bots. 512m-1gb is good.

 

[Corrosive]

Ok, I have my list and I need feedback. I know nothing about compatibility so could someone tell me if this stuff should be compatible or not?

Seagate 120GB 7200RPM IDE Hard Drive, Model ST3120026A, OEM

Kingston HyperX Series 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-2700 x2

Soltek "SL-75FRN2-RL" nForce2 Ultra 400 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket A CPU -RETAIL

AMD Athlon XP 2800+ "Barton", 333MHz FSB, 512K Cache Processor - Retail

SAPPHIRE ATI RADEON 9800 PRO Video Card, 128MB DDR, 256-bit, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP -BULK

Total: $726 with FedEx Express Saver shipping from newegg.

If you see something with features that I really don't need, feel free to tell me so I can save some money, or if there's something better for less money. I don't play on Overclocking so do I need anymore cooling than the fan I already have?

 

[TheHybrid]

Looks fine. 2 case fans are fine. More would be better.

 

[icastbigspells]

www.dumpinggoods.com

are you ever gonna use that much gb in your harddrive i game but i dont do editing or anything so that could be a suggestion

 

[TheHybrid]

What is your current Powersupply wattage? You'll need 250w minimum, 300w recommended.