CHEAP and quiet computer for the kids

Meato · Post by **Meato** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 10:01 pm

I'm looking to build a bargain basement box for my children to; watch DVDs, surf children's websites, play learning based games, and possibly some slighty more graphics intense games. I'll be re-using some spare parts I have; Gefore FX5500, floppy drive, monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc.

Case/PSU: Antec SLK1650B "B"stock ~ $25
Mobo/Proc: Biostar P4M80 w/ Celeron D315 ~ $80
RAM: KVR 512mb DDR400 ~ $51
HDD: Samsung SP M40 40GB notebook SATA150 ~ $50
DVDROM: Lite-On 16x DVD ~ $19
Optional CPUHS: Zalman CNPS6500-AlCu ~ $22

I have a computer curently running the Celeron D315 and I'm very happy with its heat/performance. Its passively cooled while ducted to the only 92mm case fan. I'm not sure about the CPUHS that comes bundled with the combo. It is a Cooler Master fan, but if it is too loud I'll pick up the Zalman and duct it to the rear case fan.

This appears to be a very good "bang-for-buck" system and should run me less than $250. There won't be any upgrade potential to speak of, but that is a non-issue. Any comments appreciated!

mb2 · Post by **mb2** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 3:04 am

i'd reccomend the Athlon64 3400+ + mobo deal at newegg. $100 and u get a free motherboard (choice of 3), as well as a 2.4ghz, 90nm K8. should be significantly cooler and faster. worth the $20 more. doesn't come with a HS, but i think u'd need another one with that 315 anyway. didn't know u could get notebook hdds that cheaply, great if ur not bothered by performance or capacity.
not sure about the zalman, haven't heard it recommended in a while, i'd think u could get something either cheaper, or better performing [waits for someone else to recommend] arctic cooling freezer pro maybe? just a cheap one would 'do' with the a64.

qviri · Post by **qviri** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 6:15 am

There's a Scythe Katana on newegg for $24, I think it ought to cool significantly better than the CNPS6500. I really doubt the 6500 would be able to handle a Prescott-based Celeron.

I support the suggestion for K8 BTW, I know you said you're happy with your 315's heat/performance, but I think you'd be surprised with AMD's.

Meato · Post by **Meato** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 12:24 pm

qviri wrote:There's a Scythe Katana on newegg for $24, I think it ought to cool significantly better than the CNPS6500.

Great suggestion there! That was really what I was looking for, a heat-piped tall HS that could possibly run passive. As for the SKT754 Athlon, yeah thats a pretty darn good deal. Too bad I don't have the cash to pick it up this weekend. But, I'll keep my eye out for similar deals.

I'm looking to spend less than $125 on the CPU/HS/Mobo combined. Any other suggestions?

jackylman · Post by **jackylman** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 5:51 pm

If you're willing to take a chance on a mail-in rebate, there's a S939 (yeah, you read that right) Sempron 3000 at TigerDirect for $40. It's a D0 stepping, so it shouldn't have a 1.1V lock. (It's a Winchester core with some faulty cache that's now disabled)
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... 30009X%20C

Edit: The bundle deals look tempting, but upon further inspection, the boards offered are incompatible or have very limited Vcore voltage control, so it'll be best to find another mobo.

cloneman · Post by **cloneman** » Sun Sep 03, 2006 9:15 pm

I would advise against the Biostar P4M80. It's been budled and its price serverely slashed in many places. I've purchased one myself - I can't say I've had any specific issues with it, but it doesn't feel like a board I can rely on. My 2cents. Spend the extra 50$ on the board, you won't regret it.

Also, where in heck do you get and antec case w/ psu for 25$ !?!?!!?

Meato · Post by **Meato** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 2:09 pm

cloneman wrote:Also, where in heck do you get and antec case w/ psu for 25$ !?!?!!?

"B" stock straight from Antec.

Edit: $70 up front for that 3000+ Sempron?!? I wouldn't give Tigerdirect $20 for that piece of outdated silicon.

qviri · Post by **qviri** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 2:45 pm

Meato wrote:Edit: $70 up front for that 3000+ Sempron?!? I wouldn't give Tigerdirect $20 for that piece of outdated silicon.

$40 after instant rebate.

Might I remind you you were looking at spending at least $40 for a Prescott-based Celeron? Just as outdated and hotter.

jackylman · Post by **jackylman** » Mon Sep 04, 2006 4:55 pm

Really, I think that the S939 Sempron deal is your key to a cheap, cool, high-performing system.

Outdated? Hardly. It's still a 90nm K8 core, which is the same thing AMD makes today. It doesn't have SSE3 instructions, but name one program you'll use that uses SSE3...