Desktop Build Suggestions, Comments

My friend is eager to finish his already started desktop build.

The only parts left that we need to purchase are the CPU, mobo, RAM, and video card. We are shooting for a budget of around $500, but the less we spend, the more extras we can get for his system. This isn't necessarily a gaming computer, but I have a feeling I might get him into it.

Here's what we have, what are your feelings?
(I'm particularly shaky on the video card, I don't know too much about the market)

MOBO: ASUS M4A89GTD
~$150
CPU: AMD Athlon II X2 265 3.3GHz
~$80
RAM: Corsair XMS3 4GB
~$125
Video Card: Galaxy GeForce GTS 250
~$100

If we could stick to those prices (+/-$20), that would be great.

I was kicking around an idea about a SFF build that is cheap yet was still able to provide all the basic things I need the parts I had in mind which would work for your friend are:

MB: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130293

CPU: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103846

RAM: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231276

GPU: www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127490


Total price $433.96 before shipping. Obviously you wouldn't have to devote the full 180 for the GPU listed, there are many others with good performance and cheaper prices

Get a 460 1GB card, that thing will smoke a 5770 for about the same price. Watch for the price drops also coming.


Hell, a GTS 450 will eat that 250.

Thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate it. The list was thrown up quickly because it was late and he wanted me to help him pick out some stuff. In the spirit of getting to bed, I only checked TigerDirect. I'll check out the other items with him and try to reply again on how things turn out.