as cheap as u can get

[Declan D]

hey all just built my own comp and everything works fine but recent upgrade to my parents comp isnt working well so wanna build fresh using as much existing as poss

all i think i will be able to use is 2 x ide hdd (i can transfer everything on to 1 if i have to )
cd/dvd drive
pci graphics card

they do bugger all with the comp windows office stuff and internet i will have win 7 32mb on there

any one have any recommendations most cheap mobos seem to have only 1 ide that i can see
also i dont care bout amd - intel

edited
i think ill get this case
Casecom LG-7760 Black/Silver Trim Mid-Tower Gaming Case - With 400W, 1xSATA PSU
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/105811/show_product_overview

thanks in advance

dec

[zburns]

There was recently on the forum a problem with a PSU that had a 80% efficiency rating, yet the printed rating was higher. Best to use an example: Printed PSU wattage was 500 watts but on the mfg page, the words 80% efficient (words to that effect), making the real output 0.80 x 500 or 400 watts.

There has also been a more recent post, where the video card called out for 17 amps and the PSU claimed 17 amps, only replacement of higher wattage PSU fixed the problem.

Point is "known high quality" PSUs should be used.

One comment on case. I would strongly recommend the Antec Sonata III. Mine is 18 months old, about 4 hours a day "running" time; I have virtually no dust inside; it is because there is a filter, and the other inlets for air are small. CPU fan is Zalman and in line with rear case fan. I noticed it for the first time several months ago, very supprised at the low dust quanity and very pleased; completely reinforced my opinion of Antec.

[Declan D]

hey i think you are slightly missing the point i am looking to build it v cheap and power wont be a problem cos they hardly do any taxing with it
the case i chose is only £25 the Antec Sonata III is £95

my recent build had this case and psu and it works fine atm
Galaxy Black Mid Tower Case with Blue Bubble Light LED Strip - 450W PSU
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/136491

as for video card i might not even use 1 as on board will do
all im looking for is good quality but cheap mobo and processor

thanks again
dec

[zburns]

Sorry I did not realize the PSU was included. I saw the same case on another site and PSU was not included, at least that is what I think I saw. But do you know who makes the PSU? I am not trying to argue with you, simply stating that "known PSU quality" is a real value in a computer you build.

If you buy from Dell, HP, etc., they may use "no name" PSUs but they unequivacally know the "quality" of what they supply. That is all.

[Declan D]

thanks for help altho this will be my 2nd build i still know nothing as for psu lots of people have said to go with know name and i agree in principal but with cost being the only requirement here i will have to take the risk

i was warned off the case and psu i bought for current build but i really liked case so stuck with at and its early atm but its ok and upgrading bit by bit is always an option once its up and running

ps im not arguing with you or any 1 my wife is always telling me i am too abrupt online especially on forums


thanks
dec

[The Wise Monkey]

It's all good - cost is always one of the biggest motivators when building your own PC, so sometimes you have to reach a compromise on quality.

To be honest, even no-brand PSUs are capable enough these days for most things, but you should always invest in a decent quality PSU when spending a lot more money.

With regards to CPU/motherboard, I reckon eBay is your best bet. :)

[Declan D]

ok so my parents seem happy with £150ish and i have hdd, dvd and os

mobo
ASROCK N68PV-GS GeForce 7050 Socket AM2+ VGA DVI Out 6 Channel Audio MATX Motherboard
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/161000
processor
AMD Athlon X2 240 2.8GHz Socket AM3 2MB Cache Retail Box Processor
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/168971
ram
Extra Value 2GB Kit (2x1GB) DDR2 800MHz PC2-6400 240pin Extra Value Ram
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/116357
case and psu
Casecom LG-7760 Black/Silver Trim Mid-Tower Gaming Case - With 400W, 1xSATA PSU
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/105811


this all comes to 150 ish with delivery any 1 have any comments
i could save nearly 20 quid with this will it do?
AMD Sempron 140 2.7GHz Socket AM3 1MB Cache Retail Box Processor
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/168973

thanks
dec

[The Wise Monkey]

You will notice a big performance difference between the two CPUs. I'd say stick with the X2 240, because the extra MB of cache will be really noticeable.

[Declan D]

Cheers wise monkey

Ill get them to order it all tonite
Let's hope this goes as smothly as my own build

Thanks again
Dec

[The Wise Monkey]

Good luck! :)