Budget PC Build Part II

July 24, 2008

I used Newegg this time instead of TD, and came across some cheaper parts than the mid-range parts I configured on TD. Here’s my new Newegg list: (again, I didn’t include a case or PSU)

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ Brisbane 2.2GHz OEM

link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103214

Motherboard: JetWay JM26GT3 MicroATX AM2 motherboard- Retail

link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813153073

Memory: 2x(2GB)- Corsair XMS2 1GB kit (2×512) DDR2 675 (PC5400) Dual Channel -Retail

link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145539

Video Card: Biostar GeForce 8500 512MB PCIe 16x 128-bit HDCP – Retail

link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814141065

Hard Drive: Hitachi DeskStar 7k160 SATA 160GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive- OEM

link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145162

Optical Drive: Samsung 20x DVD Burner IDE -OEM

link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151161

Heatsink/Fan: Mascool 80mm Ball CPU cooler

link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835150087

Fans: 2x SYBA 80mm Case Fan- Retail

link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835199009

Thermal Grease: Tuniq TX-2 Thermal Compound- Retail

link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154003
Total Build Cost: $266.29

Total Cost with shipping: $292.29


Not using my Exofire/x10 hosting account anymore

July 24, 2008

Because of the stupid fact that you must login to their stupid forums every 2 weeks to keep your account active, I will be moving back here for the time being until I can find a suitable replacement.


$271 PC Build

July 24, 2008

DOES NOT INCLUDE Case/PSU, I already have one… and I’m not taking your needs into consideration :-)

NEW BUDGET BUILD:

CPU: AMD Athlon X2 3600+ (2.0 GHz) $40
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3496495

Motherboard: MSI K9VGM-V Motherboard $50
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2366197&CatId=2320

Video Card: HIS Radeon X1650 Pro IceQ Video Card $45
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2568900&CatId=1558

Hard Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE 160GB Hard Drive $50
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3285366&CatId=139

RAM: US Modular Dual Channel 2048MB PC4200 DDR2 533MHz Memory (2 x 1024MB) $35
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1779570&CatId=2261

DVD Burner: Philips SPD2415BD SuperAlwrite Internal Drive DVD Retail $25
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3606229&CatId=89

Heatsink: Thermaltake TR2-R1 / AMD Socket AM2/939/754 / Aluminum / 92mm Fan / CPU Cooler $15
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2604150&CatId=2545

Thermal Grease: Masscool – Thermal Gel Resealable Tube 4x Applications $5
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=480215&CatId=503

Case Fans: 2x Masscool 80mm Sleeve Bearing Case Fan $3 (each)

TOTAL BUILD COST: $271

ALL PARTS FROM TIGER DIRECT (combined shipping)


Mini vMac

July 24, 2008

Here is my emulated Mac Plus with 4 MB of RAM, running an (emulated) m68k processor on a 24 MB disk image. I used the tutorial on nothickmanuals: link. Haven’t found a use for it yet… but it sure is nastolgic. If anyone can find a website for old software (currently running 7.0.1 will be updating to 7.5.5 soon) that would be great!


Review of the Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 5000

July 24, 2008


It was The Optical Blue vs the Wireless Laser 5000. Wireless Laser won. With it’s 1000 DPI sensor, white laser, wireless, and side scrolling technologies this mouse was worth the extra $15. The Wireless laser mouse has a scroll wheel with side scroll capability, two side buttons, HiDef laser, very heavy weight :-p, soft gliding pads, and a 6 foot range. The mouse is Black and gray with silver accents on the buttons and such. It has a textured bottom piece and a smooth gray top shell that is very glossy. A smooth scrollwheel accents the top. The scroll wheel is nice as it doesn’t give that “Clicky feel”, instead giving a nice fluid spin motion. Side scroll works be pressing the wheel to the left or right in it’s little caddy. The mouse takes two AA batteries (included) . Microsoft states battery life is six months. The mouse has a 5 year warranty.