Best $800 folder?

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Carnival Forces

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i haven't been paying attention to the hardware scene for a while, but here's what's up: my dad needs a new computer for work, and he'll let me build it.

we have a budget of $800, without speakers/monitor/keyboard/mouse. it needs to run winxp, browse the internet, word process, play videos/music/dvd (dvd-cdrw burner combo is what he wants) etc.

and, of course, fold :)

so, given these requirements, what would the best possible folding computer? thanks!
 
Are you gonna build it yourself?

Go to Newegg and check out the AMD 3800+ dual core CPU. Get 1 gb of memory, a nice FPS PSU, and an Nvidia Nforce 4 MB. About $650. This leaves about $150 for an OS.

You can run two instances of F@H.



 
yea...what he said ^^...but you should easily be able to build a system for under 800 bucks from the egg...especially since you dont have to worry about video or sound or super big hdd or any of that... heck...i built my HTPC for about 800 bucks.
 
AtomicMoose said:
I was thinking for $800, you could build one for dad and one for me... ;)
Click to expand...
OR one for your dad and another for a race prize ;)

greedy moosie :)
 
Look at the GeForce6100/6150 chip set.
That on-board vid should play dvd's ok.

Luck....... :D
 
Opty 165 from here:
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1020827

Better deal $$ wise that a 3800....

Plus, if no plans for gaming, I have been liking this board:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131570

Not big on overclocking (max 240 fsb) but very stable, Asus is a good company.

Get 1GB of DDR Memory 2x512, 1-2 HDD, DVD burner, decent PSU and you are good to go.

I like Samsung SpinPoint HDDs for this type of system because they are basically the quietest out there, worth the tradeoff in performance. Getting a more efficient quality PSU is also good, but you really don't need over 350 watts for this type of system if it is good.

For cases for such a system I would recommend the following:
MID-size: Antec Solution SLK1650B(used to be Sonata) has a quality 350watt PSU already and the 120mm fan is great ( I have 2 running right next to me):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129150
HTPC case: Antec Solution NSK2400 2x120mm fan 380watt PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129014

I've been dying for a reason to get that HTPC case.



Processor - Opteron 165: ($338 -$70 Instant Coupon) http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=M&Product_Code=120339
Heatsink - Zalman CNPS7000B ($30 + $6 Shipping) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16835118112
Mobo - Asus A8N-VM CSM: ($78 + 5 Shipping) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131570
Memory - Corsair Value Select 1GB (2x512): ($80 + $5 Shipping) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145440
HDD - Samsung Spinpoint 250GB: ($80 + $5 Shipping) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822152025
DVD Burner - Lite-on 16x DVD+-R DVD Burner RETAIL: ($40 + $5 Shipping) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106013
Case/PSU - Antec Solution SLK1650B: ($63 + $19 Shipping) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129150

Total: ~$683

edit: forgot burner

Or just get the Athlon X2 3800+ Retail for $297 and you don't have to worry about the heatsink and you get a better warranty than the OEM Opty 165.
 
yeah, i am going to be building this one

as for the race prize suggestion, as much as i'd like to do it, i don't think i can sell my dad on spending $400 for something he doesn't really know about (yes i've tried to talk to him about folding but he never really caught on / listened.. :()

all right, i'll look at the suggestions after my chem exam tomorrow, browse the egg and post back with what i come up with

thanks!

EDIT: does anyone have a link to that folding spreadhseet of data, i think it's based off the CPU..maybe OSUGuy did it?
 
Sonata II isn't really any better...I've built 1 system using it also and gone back to the SLK1650B. I didn't like the front swivel cover (I like constant access to my DVD drives) and the ducting inside to get the air vent for the CPU back to the back of the case is a pain in the ass when you are getting into the system. Also, the extra PSU is a waste for the system he plans to build.
 
Hito Bahadur said:
Sonata II isn't really any better...I've built 1 system using it also and gone back to the SLK1650B. I didn't like the front swivel cover (I like constant access to my DVD drives) and the ducting inside to get the air vent for the CPU back to the back of the case is a pain in the ass when you are getting into the system. Also, the extra PSU is a waste for the system he plans to build.
Click to expand...
Guess it get's down to personal preference. I like the door, the bigger PSU (can't predict the future), and the overall look for the case. The air vent does suck. It got recycled.
 
Agreed, although, if you can match the PSU to your actual power draw you save quite a few dollars in energy bills.

efficieny info on the Smartpower 450 in the Sonata II:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article260-page4.html

I can't find much info on the PSU (Smartpower 350) in the SLK1650B but it is the same family and probably has similar curves but at a lower power. Good articles btw.

If you figure a 10% difference in efficiency could work out to around $100 over the lifetime of the part it starts to make sense why an efficient PSU is well worth the expenditure. I personally like Seasonic PSUs for their quality and efficiency and not outrageous price:
http://www.silentpcreview.com/article226-page3.html

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817151023
 
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