Budget PC : (Last updated : August 17, 2008)
| Hardware | Component | Price | |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 | $111.99 | check prices |
| Motherboard | GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L | $98.99 | check prices |
| Memory | OCZ Platinum 4GB PC2-8500 DDR2 | $94.99 | check prices |
| Video Card | MSI R4850-512M Radeon HD 4850 | $162.99 | check prices |
| Hard Drive | Western Digital Caviar SE16 640GB | $84.99 | check prices |
| Optical Drive | LG GGCH20L Blu-ray/HD-DVD Reader | $139.95 | check prices |
| Case | Antec Nine Hundred | $99.99 | check prices |
| Power Supply | OCZ Technology 500W StealthXStream | $39.99 | check prices |
| Monitor | Samsung SyncMaster 2253BW 22" | $249.99 | check prices |
| Keyboard & Mouse | Logitech MX 3200 Cordless Desktop | $31.95 | check prices |
Component Info and Reviews :
Intel Core 2 Duo E7200
The E7200 runs at 2.53GHz and has 1066MHz FSB and 3MB L2 Cache shared between the 2 cores. It is built on 45nm process and has a low power consumption of 65 watts TDP. The E7200 can overclock to around 3.8 GHz on air.
A suggested aftermarket cooler for this processor is Tuniq Tower 120 Universal CPU Cooler, and this is a review of it.
Reviews : Legit Reviews, Techgage, X-bit Labs
GIGABYTE GA-EP45-DS3L
Based on the new Intel P45 chipset, GA-EP45-DS3L delivers a record setting 1600MHz Front Side Bus for the latest Intel® Core 2™ multi-core processors, including 45nm CPUs and supporting dual channel DDR2 up to 1200MHz. GA-EP45-DS3L features PCI Express 2.0 x16 interfaces, delivering double the PCI Express bandwidth of 5 Gbit/s for the ultimate in extreme gaming performance. GA-EP45-DS3L delivers several advanced GIGABYTE innovations including the DES Advanced, Ultra Durable design which provide optimized power savings, ultra cooling and ultra durability.
OCZ Platinum 4GB PC2-8500 DDR2
OCZ Platinum 4GB PC2-8500 DDR2 kit is rated at 5-5-5-18 timings and is a good overclocker. It comes at a good price for its performance.
MSI R4850-512M Radeon HD 4850
The Radeon HD 4850 has a core clock of 625MHz, it supports Microsoft DirectX 10.1 and features 512mb GDDR3 memory, 800 stream processors and PCI Express 2.0 support. It is built on 55nm process and has a very good performance for its price.
The MSI R4850-512M has a custom Quad Copper Heatpipe Cooling system that makes it run significantly cooler than reference design HD 4850 cards.
Reviews : FiringSquad, Overclockersclub
Western Digital Caviar SE16 640GB
This drive features 640 GB of storage and a 16 MB cache and spins at 7200 RPM speed. It has 2 of Western Digital's latest 320GB platters.
Reviews : ExtremeTech, Anandtech, Tech Report
LG Electronics GGCH20L Blu-ray/HD-DVD Reader & Dual Layer DVD±RW Writer
LG Electronics GGC-H20L Blu-ray/HD DVD Combo Drive with Lightscribe is your all in one solution for your PC multimedia needs. Not only does it read both Blu-ray and HD-DVD disc, but it can also read and record DVD's and CD's. The Lightscribe labeling completes this package, allowing users to burn labels right onto their DVD's or CD's.
Antec Nine Hundred
This case is advertised by Antec as "ultimate gaming case" and is designed with extreme cooling in mind. It has 4 cooling fans; one of them is a top mounted 200mm fan with 3-speed switch control, also there are 2 front 120mm blue LED fans with 3-speed switch control, and 1 rear 120mm fan with 3-speed switch control. There is also a place for two more optional 120mm fans. The front bezel is perforated for maximum air intake. The case has 9 drive bays.
Reviews :
Trusted Reviews, Hardware Secrets, Tweak News, Bjorn3d, Pro Clockers, ExtremeTech, Xsterme Hardware, Virtual Hideout
OCZ Technology 500W StealthXStream Power Supply
The 500 Watt StealthXStream Power Supply offers a sufficient source of power for mainstream gaming PCs. The 500W edition features the same understated look as its 600W predecessor with a sleek black case and unlit fan for the value-conscious consumer seeking effective, quiet performance.
Samsung SyncMaster 2253BW 22" Widescreen LCD Monitor
Samsung SyncMaster 2253BW 22" widscreen monitor features a response time of 2ms, 8000:1 contrast ratio, and 1680 x 1050 resolution. It combines good specs with a stylish design.
Logitech Cordless Desktop MX 3200
The Cordless Desktop MX3200 works with Windows Vista to make it easy to access advanced features such as Dynamic Search and DocFlip. The high resolution laser mouse enables ultra-precise navigation. Convenient one-touch controls allows for easy Internet call management. An integrated soft-touch palm rest provides extra support for your wrists and can help reduce fatigue. Additionally, the straight-keyboard layout, featuring Zero-Degree Tilt, offers an extremely comfortable and natural typing experience, the sculpted design of the mouse fits comfortably in your hand. The keyboard also features programmable hot-keys so you can instantly open applications, games, folders, or web pages. Dedicated search buttons help you find files faster. Both the keyboard and mouse incorporate AgION antimicrobial compound, thus providing protection against and preventing the growth of a broad range of bacteria, mold, and mildew. Finally, with Logitech SecureConnect technology, your keyboard and mouse are pre-connected to the receiver to ensure hassle-free set-up and secure keyboard encryption right out of the box. The plug-and-play USB mini receiver provides added convenience for notebook computers.
Reviews :
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