Hey guys, Im building a PC for the first time, and I was wondering If anyone has some good recommendation's for a good barebones system.


Thanks in Advance!

Pat

You budget? What would you like to do with it? Run OS X? Any specific needs? Silent, gaming, you know?

Tell us and we can help you out.

Oh. Im sorry,

My budget is about 500 bucks, not looking for a power monster, just a computer i can run standered windows programs and upgrade the key components when i have more money

Well if you just wanna run windows, I would recommend one of the new AMD X2-3600 chips, they're very nice indeed and can be overclocked too (of course you don't have to).

Well, you know there are a LOT of variables to take into account when you buy a new PC. Of course everything is customizable. So you have to choose a motherboard, CPU, RAM, Optical drive (not a biggie ), Hard drive (cheap nowadays, isn't everything?), Case, PSU, blah blah blah.

The case I recommend is a if you can get an antec NSK3300, nice case, takes MATX motherboards. It includes a PSU and a quiet fan. Then get a nice mATX mobo for AM2, and an AMD X2-3600. Take it from there. Then see how much ram and hdd you can afford. I really digged this case since I read a review of it on silentpcreview.com

Do you need to buy a monitor as well with that $500?

These are just my initial thoughts. If you wanna run OSX rather go for an intel based system.

Then again you can try look for a Mac mini core duo that's on sale

I would recommend a C2D system with a Nvidia graphics card.

Have a look on the OSx86 HCL for a suitable LGA775 motherboard (should be looking around £40-£60)

For a CPU, I would recommend a E4300 - they are relatively quick (dual 1.8ghz), but are very cool running (only 65w). That would be about £75.

Chuck in a 80gb (or more if your budget will alow) SATA HDD - they will be about £30

2 sticks of Kingston Value DDR2 RAM 512mb - at around £14 each.

For the case, chose whichever one you like - there isn't much the worry about compatability!
As long as you get a ATX case, rather than mATX, it will fit any mobo. I nice case with a build in 400w PSU should set you back around £30.

Chuck in a DVD-RW drive for around £20

On my list so far, it is at £230, which gives lots of room to chose a nice graphics card and Moniter and kyeboard, mouse etc

hope it helps!

I was gonna suggest a c2d based on e4300, like paranoid marvin, but thought it would be too expensive.

I must admit it is a better choice, go with the intel rather. Only buy amd if you're strapped for cash. The intel setup is faster and more flexible (runs osx86 well)

Yeah, I live in south africa. Hardware is cheap in the USA.

Wow thanks a lot guys, I defiantly look into those!