Help building a computer

[AND1]

I need to build a computer for my friend. My limit is around $500. I need

- Motherboard
- Processor
- Memory
- Hard Drive
- Power Supply
- Video Card (he does play a few games but not anything hardcore)

Can you guy help me pick up the parts from NewEgg.com. I'm not sure what to chose from and keep the price around $500 while I want to build him a nice system. I greatly appreciate your help.

[fmctm1sw]

I havn't built one for a long time. I guess the main question would be, "What does he want to do with it?" Internet, Video work?

[mujahid7ia]

Here's Anandtech's entry level buying guide, and you can substitute components: http://anandtech.com/guides/showdoc.html?i=2077

Comes out to ~$538

[DVD_Ripper]

I need to build a computer for my friend. My limit is around $500. I need

- Motherboard
- Processor
- Memory
- Hard Drive
- Power Supply
- Video Card (he does play a few games but not anything hardcore)

Motherboard... Descent Fascomm or ASUS - $50.00
Processes .... Discontinued P4-2Ghz -- About $130.00
Memory .... 512M - $50.00
Hard Drive .... $60.00
Power, Case ... .$45.00
Video ... Built into MB

== $335.00 (room to spare to upgrade CPU, HD or Add Vid Card...

Very doable...

[Capmaster]

I just put together a system for someone else. He already had a new monitor, KB, mouse, floppy, CD-RW and speakers. I got him a 2.4 GHz P4, 256MB RAM, 80GB IDE HD, integrated graphics, 10/100 LAN and sound, mid-tower case with 2 case fans, processor HS/fan. The total with UPS ground shipping was $327 from this place:

http://www.pcusa.com/displayCustomPage.asp?id=5

[flaninacupboard]

hope he wasn't doing video work or gaming with 256megs of ram?

[Capmaster]

hope he wasn't doing video work or gaming with 256megs of ram?

No video work and only retro gaming emulators like the Atari, Wolfenstein, etc. He does his serious gaming on his X-Box and PS2.

[npaulie2000]

Honestly if you just want the thrill or fun or whatever of building it yourself that's cool. However, We just bought a computer from circuit city for around 550 bucks on sale and it works great "knock on wood" Peace

[QuaiBoy]

Just did one the other day for a friend...
Case/PS: N82E16811145028
Board: N82E16813130419
CPU: N82E16819103379
Memory: N82E16820147108 (x2)
Hard Drive: N82E16822148020
Video: N82E16814164001
DVDROM: N82E16827131118

Total is $422.50 shipped by my count. Case is cheaply made, but is the nicest cheap case I've ever used (no sharp edges) and will do the job well. The PS is on the light side, so maybe swap that out for an Antec or a Seasonic. Still should be under $500. Great machine, still fast at 2500+ and plenty of memory to start out with.

Enjoy,
-Evan-