A budget PC with an outstanding bang for the buck!

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This is the second of four articles in four days, on designs for low-cost PCs. Links will be updated as I publish the articles everyday:

• Dual-Core PC for $300
• Today’s post: A budget PC with an outstanding bang for the buck! – $350
• Budget PC : Are you ready to overclock? – $400
• Quad-core system: Ready to be overclocked! – $500

These designs are made for people who need a PC, but aren’t ready to invest heavily or simply don’t need that much power.

Examples of that would include:

• Mom, Dad and family members, who use their computer to browse the Web, send e-mails and other basic tasks.
• Entrepreneurs who work at home, publishing content on the Web.
• Students who use their computer to research information on the Web and do various school work.
• Simply someone who needs a computer at low cost

Of course, I understand that some of you may have specific requirements and require more powerful computers. For that reason, I invite you to visit the Computer Systems page, where I regrouped all my latest PC design suggestions, for various types of PCs.

Today’s System:

Yesterday’s computer system was a fine one but what if you want some more power? Additional RAM and storage? That’s what today’s system is about, more power, more ram and more storage.

Here’s a quick comparison on what changed between yesterday’s system and today’s:

• Cpu: The AMD Athlon 64 5200+ (2.7GHz 65nm) is replacing the AMD Athlon 64 X 3800 + (2.0GHz 90nm). Faster and cooler.
• RAM: You have 2×1GB (2GB) of DDR2 800 instead of 2×512MB (1GB) of DDR2 675. Twice the capacity and faster!
• Hard Drive: You’re upgrading from 80GB to 250GB, which is over three times the previous capacity!

You’ll see that it’s separated into two parts: Mandatory parts and Optional parts. Mandatory parts are what they say; they are mandatory to assemble the PC and assure that it functions correctly. Optional parts are parts that you may need, however they are optional because you may already own a used part that will do or you’ll get it from a friend or relative.

Mandatory parts for the computer tower:

Enlarge image 56.00 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 182 Reviews RATING

Desktops AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Dual-Core Specifications Brand AMD Processors Type Desktop Series Athlon 64 X2 Model ADO5200DOBOX CPU Socket Type CPU Socket Type Socket AM2 Tech Spec Core Brisbane Multi-Core Dual-Core Name Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Operating Frequency 2.7GHz Hyper Transports 2000MHz L1 Cache 128KB+128KB L2 Cache 2 x 512KB Manufacturing Tech 65 nm 64 bit Support Yes Hyper-Transport Support Yes Virtualization Technology Support Yes Multimedia Instruction MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, 3DNOW! Professional Voltage 1.325/1.35/1.375V Thermal Power 65W Cooling Device Heatsink and Fan included Manufacturer Warranty Parts 3 years limited Labor 3 years limited

Real-time price, additional specs and 182 customer reviews

Enlarge image 39.99 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 58 Reviews RATING

Motherboard: PC CHIPS A15G NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Specifications Brand PC CHIPS Model A15G (V1.0) Supported CPU CPU Socket Type AM2+/AM2 CPU Type Phenom / Athlon 64 X2 / Sempron FSB 1000MHz Hyper Transport (2000 MT/s) Chipsets North Bridge NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Memory Number of Memory Slots 2×240pin Memory Standard DDR2 800 Maximum Memory Supported 4GB Expansion Slots PCI Express x16 1 PCI Express x1 1 PCI Slots 2 Storage Devices PATA 1 x ATA100 2 Dev. Max SATA 3Gb/s 4 Onboard Video Onboard Video Chipset NVIDIA GeForce 6100 Onboard Audio Audio Chipset Realtek ALC662 Audio Channels 6 Channels Onboard LAN LAN Chipset Broadcom AC131 PHY Max LAN Speed 10/100Mbps Rear Panel Ports PS/2 2 COM 1 LPT 1 Video Ports D-Sub Real-time price, additional specs and 58 customer reviews

Enlarge image 24.99 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 53 Reviews RATING

Desktop Memory A-DATA 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 Model ADQVE1A16KN Type 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM Capacity 2GB (2 x 1GB) Speed DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Cas Latency 5 Real-time price, additional specs and 53 customer reviews

Enlarge image 49.99 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 276 Reviews RATING

Internal Hard Drives Seagate 250GB SATA 3.0Gb/s Specifications Brand Seagate Series Barracuda 7200.10 Model ST3250310AS Performance Interface SATA 3.0Gb/s Capacity 250GB RPM 7200 RPM Cache 8MB Average Seek Time 8.5ms Average Write Time 10ms Average Latency 4.16ms Physical Spec Form Factor 3.5 Features Features Perpendicular recording technology for maximum drive capacity and reliability Ultra-fast performance Superb reliability Whisper-quiet operation Enhanced G-Force Protection against handling damage Clean Sweep calibration and Directed Offline scan diagnostics RoHS (restriction of hazardous substances) compliant Manufacturer Warranty Parts 5 years limited Labor 5 years limited

Real-time price, additional specs and 276 customer reviews

Enlarge image 21.99 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 183 Reviews RATING

LG Black 20X DVD Burner Specifications Brand LG Type DVD Burner Model GH20NS15 Performance DVD-ROM Access Time 145ms CD-ROM Access Time 125ms Cache 2MB WRITE Speed DVD+R 20X DVD+RW 8X DVD-R 20X DVD-RW 6X CD-R 48X CD-RW 32X DVD+R DL 16X DVD-R DL 12X DVD-RAM 12X READ Speed DVD-ROM 16X CD-ROM 48X Physical Spec Form Factor 5.25 Panel Color Black Configuration Load Type Tray Interface SATA Packaging Package Contents see pictures for details

Real-time price, additional specs and 183 customer reviews

Enlarge image 34.99 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 508 Reviews RATING

Computer Case: COOLER MASTER Elite RC 330 Model RC-330-KKN1-GP Type ATX Mid Tower Color Black Case Material Steel 120 mm fan Yes, 1 Real-time price, additional specs and 508 customer reviews

Enlarge image 19.99 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 66 Reviews RATING

Power Supply: Antec Basiq 350W Model BP-350B Type ATX12V Maximum Power 350W Fans 1 PFC No Real-time price, additional specs and 66 customer reviews

Enlarge image 89.99 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 72 Reviews RATING

Operating System: Windows XP Home SP3 Now, I suggest Windows XP Home because XP is the most reliable and efficient Microsoft Operating System that is available at the moment. The majority of people are used to Microsoft OS, thus why I’m sticking with them. However, if you have experience with Linux and prefer to take that path, go ahead. Brand Microsoft Model N09-02215 Spec Name Windows XP Home Edition SP3 English for System Builders 1 Pack CD Version Home Packaging OEM Features Features Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) includes all previously released updates for the operating system. This update also includes a small number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change customers\’ experience with the operating system. Windows XP Home Edition gives you the freedom to experience more than you ever thought possible with your computer and the Internet. This is the operating system home users have been waiting for—because it offers serious speed and serious stability, so you can have serious fun.

Real-time price, additional specs and 72 customer reviews

Optional parts, which are recommendations to enhance your experience if you don’t have them.

Enlarge image 99.99 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 205 Reviews RATING

LCD Monitor: Hanns·G 17″ Widescreen If you already have a monitor, then you may as well skip this. If you don’t, you should consider it, as it’s a 17″ model widescreen, for less than $100, which is an exceptional price. Model HW-173DBB Cabinet Color Black Screen Size 17″ Widescreen Yes Recommended Resolution 1440 x 900 Real-time price, additional specs and 205 customer reviews

Enlarge image 9.25 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 187 Reviews RATING

Keyboard: Logitech Internet 350 USB Keyboard Model 967740-0403 Keyboard Interface USB Design Style Standard Keyboard Color Black Mouse Included No Real-time price, additional specs and 187 customer reviews

Enlarge image 8.99 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 264 Reviews RATING

Mouse: Microsoft USB Optical Wheel Mouse Model N71-00007S Wireless Type Wired Interface USB Hand Orientation Both Hands Tracking Method Optical Real-time price, additional specs and 264 customer reviews

Enlarge image 19.99 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 2 Reviews RATING

Web Cam: Microsoft LifeCam VX-1000 A useful accessory to keep in touch with family and close ones. If you enjoy chatting, using a webcam to send a live video makes it a whole new experience. Specifications Brand Microsoft Model LifeCam VX-1000 Part# NTA-00001S Spec Interface USB Image Sensor CMOS Max. Image Resolution 640 x 480 Effective Pixels 0.3 MP Video Capture Resolution 640 x 480 Focus Settings Manual focus Windows Vista Works with Windows Vista Features Features Superior video and photo qualities Optimized for Windows Live Messenger Universal Attachment Base Built-in Microphone Video Effects Windows Live Call Button Desktop Webcam Broad IM Compatibility

Real-time price, additional specs and 2 customer reviews

Enlarge image 69.99 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 11 Reviews RATING

External Hard Drive: Cavalry 320GB USB 2.0 Black If you have important data that you need to backup and keep safe, you should consider an external hard drive. If your computer stops working, you can simply plug this external hard drive into another computer and access your critical data with minimum downtime. Model CAUM37320-B Interface USB 2.0 Capacity 320GB Form Factor 3.5″ Real-time price, additional specs and 11 customer reviews

Enlarge image 57.99 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 3 Reviews RATING

Inkjet Printer: Canon PIXMA MP190 Color Printer If you have a digital camera and would like to edit your pictures on your computer then print them out, you should consider this printer. If you’re a student, you’ll most certainly need one to print out your school work. This printer does NOT come with the necessary cable to plug it to the computer, see the next item for the required cable. Model 2910B002 Series PIXMA Recommended Use All-In-One Print Technology InkJet Output Type Color Real-time price, additional specs and 3 customer reviews

Enlarge image 7.99 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 8 Reviews RATING

Cable (For the printer): Nippon Labs 15 ft. USB2.0 A/male to B/male This cable is mandatory if you intend to buy the printer, as the printer does not come with that cable. Specifications Brand Nippon Labs Model USB-15-AB Spec Type USB 2.0 Length 15 ft. Color Beige Connector Number 2 Terminal Gender M-M Specifications USB A Male to USB B Male Hi-speed data transfer up to 480Mbps PC and Mac Compatible Ultra-flexible jacket Molded strain relief Foil and braid shield to guarantee a interference free connection EMI/RFI interference: Metal connector shield to meet FCC requirements UL listed

Real-time price, additional specs and 8 customer reviews

Enlarge image 12.99 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 57 Reviews RATING

DVD Blank Disks: 50 x Verbatim 4.7GB 16X DVD+R You have a DVD Burner that comes with the computer, so why not get some blank DVD’s to burn some backups or even better, TV shows and movies? Specifications Brand Verbatim Model 95037 Spec Type DVD+R Capacity 4.7GB Max Speed Supported 16X Quantity 50 Packs Features Compatible with 1X-16X DVD+R Hardware Record 4.7GB or 120Min of data and video in approximately 5 minutes Advanced AZO recording dye optimizes read/write performance Ideal for recording up to 2 hours of DVD quality home movies and video clips Archive and back up, up to 4.7GB of important data Compatible with 16X DVD+R drives from Sony, Dell, HP, Compaq and others Read compatible with most DVD-ROM drives and DVD video players Limited Lifetime Warranty Packaging Cake Box

Real-time price, additional specs and 57 customer reviews

Enlarge image 17.99 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 3 Reviews RATING

Surge Suppressor: APC PER7T Personal SurgeArrest If you live in a house with surge problems, an old house or in an area with frequent thunderstorms, a surge protector is highly recommended. Not to mention, this will make your life easier with all those plugs! Specifications Brand APC Series Personal SurgeArrest Model PER7T Specification Outlets 7 Cord Length 6 feet Input Voltage 120V Output Amperage Capacity 15 Output Watt Capacity 1800W AC Suppression Joule Rating 1060 joules EMI/RFI Noise Filter 60dB Protection Modes H-N, N-G and H-G Certifications UL, CSA

Real-time price, additional specs and 3 customer reviews

Enlarge image 22.99 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 313 Reviews RATING

Speakers: Logitech S-220 To listen to videos on Youtube or simply to your favorite CD, a good pair of speakers will be need, don’t you think? Specifications Brand Logitech Model S-220 General SPEC Configuration 2.1 Total Power 17 Watts Satellite RMS Power /ea 4 Watts Subwoofer RMS Power 9 Watts Remote Wired Features Features Compact packaging for low-cost integration 34W Peak Power / 17W RMS Power New Control Pod with power and volume controls VoIP ready with headphone and microphone jacksThe S-220 Speaker System delivers incredible performance with robust features. The new Control Pod allows for easy power and volume control on the desktop. Also includes microphone and headphone jacks for a private VoIP experience. Compact and stylish, the S-220 is perfect for any audio enthusiast!

Real-time price, additional specs and 313 customer reviews

Enlarge image 19.99 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 2 Reviews RATING

Earphones: SENNHEISER CXL400 Silver For places were silence is golden or simply in the evening/night when the family and neighbors are sleeping, a good pair of earphones is very practical. You can use them with your favorite MP3 Player too! Specifications Brand SENNHEISER Model CXL400 Silver Type Headphone General SPEC Frequency Response 17Hz-21KHz THD < 0.2 % Input Impedance 16 ohms Sensitivity 113dB S.P.L. at 1KHz Connector 3.5mm Gold-Plated Ear Coupling Canal Cord Length 0.49 feet Features Features Ideal for use with all MP3, CD, DVD players and portable gaming systems Best bass experience and noise attenuation High-performance dynamic driver systems for powerful, bass-driven stereo sound Excellent passive attenuation of ambient noise Outstanding wearing comfort on the go Optimal fit in the ear canal due to ear adapters in different sizes (supplied as standard) Extremely small and lightweight Lanyard with detachable loop for MP3 players Carrying pouch for convenient handling and storage Transducer principle: dynamic

Real-time price, additional specs and 2 customer reviews

Enlarge image 19.99 Check real-time pricing REVIEWS 200 Reviews RATING

Logitech USB Desktop Microphone If you intend to use VOIP programs, such as Skype or intend to record podcast, a good microphone will come handy. Model 9801860403 Connector USB Real-time price, additional specs and 200 customer reviews

Let me resume this computer tower for you, with every part and its price:

Components	Part model	$USD Price
CPU	AMD Athlon 64 X2 5200+ Dual-Core	$56.00
Motherboard	PC CHIPS A15G NVIDIA GeForce 6100	$39.99
RAM	A-DATA 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800	$24.99
Video Card	Geforce 6100 – Integrated	Free
Hard Drive	Seagate 250GB SATA 3.0Gb/s	$49.99
Optical Drive	LG Black 20X DVD Burner	$21.99
Case	COOLER MASTER Elite RC 330	$34.99
Operating System	Windows XP Home SP3	$89.99
Power supply	Antec Basiq 350W	$19.99
Sound Card	Realtek ALC662 – 6 Channels – Integrated	Free
Total price	Entire Computer System	$337.93

Here I’ll be resuming the list of optional parts for you:

Optional Parts	Part model	$USD Price
Monitor	Hanns·G 17″ Widescreen	$99.99
Keyboard	Logitech Internet 350 USB Keyboard	$9.25
Mouse	Microsoft USB Optical Wheel Mouse	$8.99
Webcam	Microsoft LifeCam VX-1000	$19.99
External Hard Drive	Cavalry 320GB USB 2.0 Black	$69.99
Printer	Canon PIXMA MP190 Color Printer	$57.99
A to B Cable	Nippon Labs 15 ft. USB2.0 A/male to B/male	$7.99
Blank DVDs	50 x Verbatim 4.7GB 16X DVD+R	$12.99
Power Protection	APC PER7T Personal SurgeArrest	$17.99
Speaker	Logitech S-220	$22.99
Earphones	SENNHEISER CXL400 Silver	$19.99
Microphone	Logitech USB Desktop Microphone	$19.99

Ratings -On a scale of 10- :

• Gaming : 2/10 With the integrated video card, you will be able to play some older games. You will also be able to play browser-based games, such as flash games for example.
• Office : 7/10 This system is based on a dual core processor; it will run most applications at a good speed, it will run most cpu intensive programs (Image/Video editing, 3D modeling/rendering, media burning, programming, calculations) at a decent speed. Decent on multi-threaded optimized applications, good at multi-tasking. The 2 cores will help you a lot.
• Overclocking : 3/10 This system was not specifically designed to overclock and neither is the cooling. Feel free to give it a try though.
• Power consumption : 7/10 With a dual-core processor but an integrated video card and a reasonable power supply , this system will consume quite a low quantity of electricity. The cpu will be the part which will consume the most energy.
• Value for the money: 10/10 Think about it? A PC with a fast dual-core processor, plenty of RAM and storage; which can handle the majority of recent applications for only $350?! That’s what I call an great bang for the buck!

Well, what do you think of this system? Did you enjoy this post? You don’t agree with one of several of my recommendations? You think that this PC design rocks? Make sure to let us know in the comments!

If you did indeed enjoy this post, make sure to check out our other Computer Systems and to subscribe to our RSS Feed (via e-mail at the top of the page) to receive our future articles!