Elysian Shadows

Eh... black friday didn't go as planned. Waited long time in line for computer, and they were out. So now I need a good $500 computer setup. It doesn't matter if i have to build it myself or buy it premade.

For reference, here are the specs the computer i wanted had
8GB DDR2 SDRAM
1TB HD
GeForce 9100
300w PSU
AMD Phenom II x4 2.6 Ghz
20" Monitor

I don't expect to find another computer exactly like it, but I need something else for Christmas. As long as it doesn't have Intel integrated graphics(ATI and Nvidia integrated is fine) its fine.

First off, I'd recommend building it. You get to choose every part you want and get a lot more for your money.

You don't need 8gb of RAM. 4gb is good, but 2gb is ok also. A 9100gt is going to be barely better than an integrated. You can get a lot for $500, but if you want a monitor with it probably not.

Edit:
Just made this build. It doesn't have an OS, montior, or case, and it's a little more than $500, but you can tone down the video card if you need those things.

Have to put link since full image gets cut off
http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/9536/buildx.png

The monitor isn't a requirement, but I kinda need a OS and a case.

JaxDragon wrote:The monitor isn't a requirement, but I kinda need a OS and a case.

I figured . I recommend you pick out a case that you like since that is what your gonna be looking at, and OS is up to you as well. If you don't wanna pay $183 for Windows 7 you can get Windows XP SP3 for around $90. If it's too much, consider switching the video card to something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814102829 and a smaller hard drive.

Well now I'm starting to think, maybe I should just tell my mom to give me the $500 on Christmas, and then I'll probably get another $100-$150. Could that get me a semi-cool looking case and an OS? A cool case would be considered one with a transparent side. My brother said if the motherboard touches any metal panel of the case, it's ruined. So how would I fix that?

I figured . I recommend you pick out a case that you like since that is what your gonna be looking at, and OS is up to you as well. If you don't wanna pay $183 for Windows 7 you can get Windows XP SP3 for around $90. If it's too much, consider switching the video card to something like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814102829 and a smaller hard drive.

There's this one version of xp( and yes it's still the same price today) that is sold at computer stores that the only difference is that it is completely stripped of external drivers.
But it's sold for $150

JaxDragon wrote:My brother said if the motherboard touches any metal panel of the case, it's ruined. So how would I fix that?

If you want to read about what is involved follow the link below.
Hardware Secrets: How to install a motherboard.

JaxDragon wrote:The monitor isn't a requirement, but I kinda need a OS and a case.

Linux and a cardboard box. Both are free.

dandymcgee wrote:

JaxDragon wrote:The monitor isn't a requirement, but I kinda need a OS and a case.

Linux and a cardboard box. Both are free.

lol.

you can always take the case off an old computer and just add a better cooling system.

depends on how good you are with putting hardware together. If you don't have much experience, don't improvise. Search for computer builds that match your criteria on the net and follow their instructions - so you don't end up getting compatibility issues.

If you have a university edu email address, you can get Windows 7 for $30 if you call their store.

dandymcgee wrote:

JaxDragon wrote:The monitor isn't a requirement, but I kinda need a OS and a case.

Linux and a cardboard box. Both are free.

Well i already have an Arch cd. But I think the cardboard box would be just a tad....absolutely horrible.

Bakkon wrote:If you have a university edu email address, you can get Windows 7 for $30 if you call their store.

Interesting.. I got it free from school.

dandymcgee wrote: Interesting.. I got it free from school.

I did too, but not all schools have the same software discounts.

I'm pretty sure my redneck school doesn't even know what windows 7 is.

JaxDragon wrote:I'm pretty sure my redneck school doesn't even know what windows 7 is.

By "school" I mean college or university. If you are going to a university that doesn't know what Windows 7 is.. may someone help your poor wretched soul.