$294.51 amdxp budget system?

[legion]

So after many people suggesting a stronger psu, and deciding to go with
socket a technology, I have now 550watts (4 inch fan a-power 28.89)
ABIT NF7-S (76.60)


294.51 left to go, and I still need what 512mb of ram to be safe, and any
amd up to say the 3000+ series, a decent hdd (I did just find an old maxtor
from 95).
assuming I use the on board audio/video (LAN? anyone know) for the time
being, i would still need a cd drive to load the os, and purchase the
dvd/cd rw later.

the mobo is dual channel compatible, I heard that it would be faster if I
(for example) put two 256mb modules in to get 512mb. as opposed to just 1
512. Opinions?

thanks

 

[Papa]

Don't go with an old hard drive such as the one you mentioned from a Windows
95 vintage computer. It is on its last legs already, the capacity is
probably low, and new hard drives are a real bargain right now. I just
purchased a brand new 80GB Western Digital, 7200 RPM, 8MB cache hard drive
for $65 - and have seen them on sale for even less.

 

[Bob Davis]

So after many people suggesting a stronger psu, and deciding to go with
socket a technology, I have now 550watts (4 inch fan a-power 28.89)
ABIT NF7-S (76.60)

294.51 left to go, and I still need what 512mb of ram to be safe, and any
amd up to say the 3000+ series, a decent hdd (I did just find an old
maxtor
from 95).

Just go spend a small amount for a new HD, as this isn't an area you need to
be skimping on. CompUSA has the WD 80gb JB drive (retail) on sale for $40
(http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=294555&pfp=hpf7),
if you don't mind hassling with a $50 mail-in rebate.

the mobo is dual channel compatible, I heard that it would be faster if I
(for example) put two 256mb modules in to get 512mb. as opposed to just 1
512. Opinions?

That would be the best way to go. Get two matched modules in a kit.
Kingston ValuRAM has worked well for me in three systems, two with 2gb and
one with 1gb, all running dual-channel mode. Crucial can also be trusted,
and can be purchased directly from them on-line.

 

[Mac Cool]

legion:

So after many people suggesting a stronger psu, and deciding to go
with socket a technology, I have now

550watts (4 inch fan a-power 28.89)

A good 350W is better than a cheap 550W.

ABIT NF7-S (76.60)

You could have saved a few dollars here.

294.51 left to go, and I still need what 512mb of ram to be safe

Kingston ValueRAM Dual Kits 184 Pin 512MB(256MBx2) DDR PC-3200
newegg.com $90 Free Shipping

any amd up to say the 3000+ series,

You're not going to have enough money for a 3000+ if you stick with your
$400 budget.

AMD Athlon XP 2600+ , 1.83 GHz (AXDA2500BOX) Processor
Mwave.com $94

a decent hdd

Don't use that old hard drive, it's just going to be an aggravation down
the road and it's probably slower than hell.

Maxtor 40GB 7200RPM IDE Hard Drive, Model 6E040L0, OEM
$47.49 shipped from newegg.com

assuming I use the on board audio/video (LAN? anyone know)

The Abit has good onboard sound and it has onboard LAN, it does not have
onboard video so you will have to buy a video card.

APOLLO ATI RADEON 9200SE 64MB DDR, DVI/TV-Out, 8X AGP, "Devil Monster 3
Newegg.com $38

a cd drive to load the os, and
purchase the dvd/cd rw later.

Samsung 52X $15

TOTAL: 284.50

 

[Bob M]

So after many people suggesting a stronger psu, and deciding to go with
socket a technology, I have now 550watts (4 inch fan a-power 28.89)
ABIT NF7-S (76.60)

294.51 left to go, and I still need what 512mb of ram to be safe, and any
amd up to say the 3000+ series, a decent hdd (I did just find an old maxtor
from 95).
assuming I use the on board audio/video (LAN? anyone know) for the time
being, i would still need a cd drive to load the os, and purchase the
dvd/cd rw later.

the mobo is dual channel compatible, I heard that it would be faster if I
(for example) put two 256mb modules in to get 512mb. as opposed to just 1
512. Opinions?

thanks

If you have local Fry's they have an 80gig Maxtor 7200 RPM ATA 133 hard
drive in today's ad for $49. No rebate hoops to jump through.

Bob

 

[Papa]

MicroCenter (Ohio) has one, WD 80 GB, 8 MB cache, 7200 RPM for $29 after
rebates.