Looking for Barebones system ~$400?

basilmarket.com forums : Tech Talk | 15 posts archived

thread starter garycheng17 Jul 04 2010 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

This is not me-- I build my own computer, but my uncle wants to buy a desktop computer ASAP. I suggested him a barebones system because you can get more bang for your buck, but I have been searching on Tigerdirect and found only decent deals. If you guys have the time, can you recommend me one? Of course a monitor, keyboard, etc. is not necessary, just the components in the system. I remember building my a long time ago (last 2 years ago) and I haven't caught up with the i7/i5 Intel CPUs and the new graphics cards. Thanks, guys.

azn011 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

When looking for a system with such a small budget (<$500), I'd typically go for a pre-built. Building entry-low level systems are typically...not really worth it.

My Characters: n1nj4l0rd - 82 Windia Hermit

garycheng17 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

[quote] azn011 : When looking for a system with such a small budget (<$500), I'd typically go for a pre-built. Building entry-low level systems are typically...not really worth it. [/quote] Hmm... ok. But do you have in mind what I should be looking for? I don't really know the new line of CPUs and GPUs. Everything else I can find and it will hopefully be compatible.

azn011 07/04/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

For $400, you should be able to get a system with a C2D or Athlon II processor, and whatever onboard graphics they come with. You really can't get much.

My Characters: n1nj4l0rd - 82 Windia Hermit

ShiroNoYami + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

[quote] azn011 : For $400, you should be able to get a system with a C2D or Athlon II processor, and whatever onboard graphics they come with. You really can't get much. [/quote] Actually, you might be able to squeeze in a Phenom II X4 in there. The base model is $130 on Newegg. EDIT Pretty decent barebone at $350

My Characters: negaiishi - 76 Khaini Sniper

garycheng17 07/04/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

[quote] ShiroNoYami : Actually, you might be able to squeeze in a Phenom II X4 in there. The base model is $130 on Newegg. EDIT Pretty decent barebone at $350 [/quote] Sorry, not sure about this (I use NVidia on my first computer) but is that a decent graphics card? Also, will overheating be a problem? Thanks.

ShiroNoYami 07/04/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

[quote] garycheng17 : Sorry, not sure about this (I use NVidia on my first computer) but is that a decent graphics card? Also, will overheating be a problem? Thanks. [/quote] Well, you're not going to get a system with a powerful GPU at below $400. The 5450 can hit 30fps on L4D on high-ish settings, though.

My Characters: negaiishi - 76 Khaini Sniper

Readers 07/04/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

[quote] garycheng17 : Sorry, not sure about this (I use NVidia on my first computer) but is that a decent graphics card? Also, will overheating be a problem? Thanks. [/quote] What games do you want to play on it?

My Characters: Readers - 80 Scania Beginner

azn011 07/04/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

That barebone is missing HDD, disk drive and RAM. Can't really fit all that under $400 =S Overheating is very rarely a problem with desktops.

My Characters: n1nj4l0rd - 82 Windia Hermit

ShiroNoYami 07/04/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

[quote] azn011 : That barebone is missing HDD, disk drive and RAM. Can't really fit all that under $400 =S Overheating is very rarely a problem with desktops. [/quote] Then how about this? Still enough spare cash to get a decent GPU.

My Characters: negaiishi - 76 Khaini Sniper

azn011 07/04/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

Not bad, but I still think a pre-built is a better idea =S

My Characters: n1nj4l0rd - 82 Windia Hermit

ShiroNoYami 07/04/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

[quote] azn011 : Not bad, but I still think a pre-built is a better idea =S [/quote] Meh. Maybe I just like building stuff too much... *hides action figures*

My Characters: negaiishi - 76 Khaini Sniper

ThePepsi 07/04/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

[quote] ShiroNoYami : Well, you're not going to get a system with a powerful GPU at below $400. The 5450 can hit 30fps on L4D on high-ish settings, though. [/quote] Pfft My budget comp. was below $400 and i run L4D on max with 60 fps and stuff

My Characters: ExceLierate - 41 Bera Gunslinger

ShiroNoYami 07/04/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

[quote] ThePepsi : Pfft My budget comp. was below $400 and i run L4D on max with 60 fps and stuff [/quote] The GT240 is a mid-range card, not particularly the sort of 'powerful' GPUs I'm talking about. You're mixing up my statement of saying the limits of the TS's budget and the capabilities of the 5450.

My Characters: negaiishi - 76 Khaini Sniper

ThePepsi 07/04/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

[quote] ShiroNoYami : The GT240 is a mid-range card, not particularly the sort of 'powerful' GPUs I'm talking about. You're mixing up my statement of saying the limits of the TS's budget and the capabilities of the 5450. [/quote] 9800gt is on sale for $60 anyways Powerful mid-range card if you ask me

My Characters: ExceLierate - 41 Bera Gunslinger