Lets Go Parts Shopping with Rich!

[Rich]

OK so as some of you may know, my computer is running at a constant 70-80C.

I figured this is a great time to upgrade to get something that runs cooler and QUIETER while also getting rid of my stupid case.

I'm jobless and poor so I'm going to have to keep this under $200-250, if possible.

I'm going to keep my video card, audio card (cuz it's so goddamn awesome), harddrives and if possible RAM. My video card is PCI-e 6800XT (not great, but I don't play any comp games anymore so nothing graphic intensive) and my audio card is going to need a slot. I also have a SATA HDD in there and will likely grab another SATA HDD and then throw in my 3rd harddrive that isn't SATA so i'm going to need all of these options available.

So I need a new case with a power supply in the 400-480W range (420W preferable because of how widely available and therefore cheap), nothing more because I'm not willing to spend the money. For the case, I'd like something that is tame looking and small. I'd love a micro-ATX case if possible.

That's the PSU and case done, so I'm also going to need a mobo and processor. I currently have an Athlon 64 3000+ (1.81GHz) and would consider using it if an upgrade is too expensive, but would prefer the upgrade. The mobo is going to need all of the slots above open and if possible, again, be micro-ATX so it'll be small. I have 1gb of PC400 RAM in my comp so would prefer that to be the basis and grab another 512mb because I really don't want to dish out the money for the upgrade to PC800. I'd also love for the mobo/processor to be a combo so as to save me the time of installing anything.

So pretty much what I need is a case/PSU combo of ~420-500W, and a mobo/processor upgrade that allows me to use what I already have and if possible, even let me move towards a micro/mini-ATX instead of mid-ATX.

Keeping this shitbag cool and silent is a priority, so if there are any extra fans you can recommend, that'd be wonderful.

I'd love to get this through Newegg because I've never had any problems with them.

So, TNL, help me out and throw me some opinions/options. I'll love you for it.

[Razor Ramon]

Wait for cka or Dyne to weigh in their opinions. They've both helped me choose the best parts at the price I was looking for.

[Rich]

Yeah I was hoping cka would help me out.

Didn't even think about Dyne. I knew TNL would be the best place to come for this, though.

[cka]

I don't think you're gonna be able to find all that stuff for under 250

my suggestions (but please look them over, I might have missed some kind of bullshit incompatability):

case/psu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811153089 ($70, I have a foxconn case too and it does the job just fine)
new mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128072 ($90)
processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116052 ($70)
ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820220142 ($26/stick)

calc.exe says $256

edit: the onboard video on this mobo kicks the hell out of the 6800 you're running now, so you don't even really need to hook it up again

edit 2: changed ram to ddr2 800, it's an extra $5 but the mobo specs say that's the kind of ram it runs

[Rich]

Two questions: Is the 350W PSU enough, and can I stick the 1GB of PC400 in with 1GB of the PC800? From what I understand, it will downclock the 800 to 400, but I assume 2GB of PC400 > 1GB of PC800.

And do you recommend any additional fans?

(I was looking at this case because of the low shipping cost, 420W PSU, and pretty positive reviews: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811156182 )

[cka]

1) 350w will be enough yes, wattage actually doesn't matter so much as the power levels on the rails or some crazy voodoo like that

2) no, ddr ram and ddr2 ram are incompatible

that case should come with a few fans, which will be adequate for cooling (for example, my machine right now runs about mid-30C all stock [but I also underclock my processor with CnQ])

[Rich]

Word.

I've moved from using my computer to do stuff to just using it for the internet and music/movies so I really don't want anything special. Doing this for $250 makes me happy. Only thing I may try and change is the case for something cheaper with cheaper shipping. That $20 shipping makes me bang my head.

I assume all Mid-Tower cases will be compatible, correct?

Also, thanks a shitload.

[cka]

yeah a micro-atx mobo should fit a mid-atx case just fine, but it won't work vice versa (mid-atx mobo fitting a micro-atx case)

in that regard, you could technically knock about 40 bucks off the price and just buy a new psu

[Rich]

Oh I didn't notice you linked to a micro-ATX mobo; just noticed the mid-tower case.

Word. I'm going to just try and grab a cheap case since I really don't care to spend the cash on it. I'm likely going to buy the mobo/processor/RAM you linked.

Do I have to buy a processor fan on top of the processor?

[cka]

retail cpus will come with a heatsink/fan combo, so you're ok in that regard (and these new intel processors overclock like champs, just incase the stock speed isn't enough for you)

edit: lol here's a case for 30 bux http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811147019