Display, Case and Peripherals
With all the core components covered, all we need now is a box to hold everything, power to make it go, and a display, speakers, keyboard, and mouse so you can actually use the computer. We have several options listed, all of which should work with any of the previously covered system platforms. Given that this is a budget buyer's guide, we definitely will not be spending a lot of money getting an aftermarket power supply (with one exception). Our experience with midrange systems and below is that they tend to work fine with the cheap case + PSU combinations that you can buy. If you want to get a better power supply, you can always do that after the fact, and as usual we would put Enermax, Fotron Source, OCZ, SeaSonic, and Silverstone at the top in terms of overall quality. One good reason to upgrade your power supply - other than providing more stable power and perhaps saving on electricity costs - is to reduce system noise. Many cheap power supplies can be obnoxiously loud, whereas all five of the manufacturers we just listed tend to be much quieter. SeaSonic S12 would probably be the best of those five, and PC Power and Cooling is another company known for their high-quality power supplies. Most of the really good power supplies from any of these companies are going to be difficult to get into a budget price range, unfortunately.
| Budget Case and Accessories |
| Display |
Sceptre 19" X9WG-NagaV 8ms 1440x900 |
$194 |
| Case and Power |
Rosewill R804BK Black Steel ATX with 300W 24-pin PSU |
$39 |
| Keyboard and Mouse |
Microsoft CA9-00001 Black with Optical Mouse |
$21 |
| Speakers |
Logitech X-230 2.1 Speakers |
$32 |
| Operating System |
Linux Distro + OpenOffice.org |
$0 |
| Total |
$286 |
| Windows XP Budget Case and Accessories |
| Display |
Sceptre 19" X9WG-NagaV 8ms 1440x900 |
$194 |
| Case and Power |
Rosewill R804BK Black Steel ATX with 300W 24-pin PSU |
$39 |
| Keyboard and Mouse |
Microsoft CA9-00001 Black with Optical Mouse |
$21 |
| Speakers |
Logitech X-230 2.1 Speakers |
$32 |
| Operating System |
Microsoft Windows XP Home With SP2B - OEM |
$95 |
| Total |
$381 |
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If you are looking to keep prices down at all costs, even a few $10 upgrades can quickly add up. We still have several of those upgrades in place, but for the basic build we have trimmed things down about as far as we're willing to go. We selected a 19" widescreen monitor from Sceptre, a brand known for targeting the budget sector. 17" LCDs might be slightly cheaper, but we would rather spend the extra $12 in this instance. That gives you a widescreen 1440x900 resolution as opposed to 1280x1024, and the size of the screen is also larger. Discerning viewers might have issues with the overall quality, but if you were to put even the cheapest 19" LCD next to your typical CRT, the vast majority of people are going to think the LCD looks better. It may not
perform better, but it's hard to compete with thin and sexy when you're fat and large.
(Ed: No offense intended towards any fat or large people out there - and hey, I'm working on my gut!)
The case and power supply come from Rosewill, another brand known for targeting the budget sector. You will likely find some sharp edges within the case, and the generic 300W power supply shouldn't be used if you plan on installing multiple hard drives, higher-end graphics cards, or doing serious overclocking. If you just plan on putting the system together and running it at stock settings, however, you shouldn't have any problems. The mouse, keyboard, and speakers are also budget choices that will still work well, though if you prefer something else get what you like instead.
For the operating system, we have two options. The first is to go the free route and install Linux, OpenOffice.org, etc. The obvious benefit is the price, but you also need to know your way around Linux and you may not be able to run every piece of software you would like (even using a Windows emulator like WINE). On the other hand, this would allow you to join the elite group of people that like to make fun of Microsoft and Windows. For basic computer tasks, Linux is more than capable of doing everything you need. Advanced users will even prefer the high level of customization available.
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If you don't have any idea how to use a makefile, you're probably best off sending some money to Microsoft in order to use their operating system. You might not learn as much about computers that way, but it can also help you avoid arguments with other household members. After all, there's a reason Microsoft operating systems currently dominate the market. For single computer users, Windows XP Home is about the same as Windows XP Professional, but if you have a home network you might want to consider upgrading to MCE 2005 or XP Pro. As you can tell, the almighty dollar had its hand in our recommendation of XP Home.
| HTPC Case and Accessories |
| Display |
Existing HDTV (or other display) |
$0 |
| Case |
Silverstone SST-LC17-B Black Aluminum HTPC Case |
$141 |
| Power Supply |
SeaSonic S12-380 380W PSU |
$65 |
| Keyboard and Mouse |
Logitech Keyboard and Mouse - Wireless + Rechargeable |
$56 |
| Speakers |
Existing Home Theater |
$0 |
| TV Tuner |
Hauppauge WinTV PVR-500 MCE Dual Tuner + FM |
$140 |
| Operating System |
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 SP2B (OEM) |
$115 |
| Total |
$517 |
One of the great uses for a budget computer, if you're the type of person that has several computers around the house
(Ed: or a computer in every room like some of us...), is as an HTPC (Home Theater PC). Why buy a TiVo or other subscription service if you can get all of their features for a simple one-time payment? You may not be able to record every single channel you get using an HTPC, but overall it offers far greater versatility. Recompress the videos you record into an MPEG-4 format, share all of your videos throughout your home network, download and/or watch movies from the Internet, burn your recordings to DVDs... you can do all of that plus other multimedia tasks with an HTPC. If you already have a really nice home theater setup, adding a computer may be the next logical step. You don't need a display or speakers most likely, so we left those out, but you probably also want something that's quiet and will fit in better with your other stereo components.
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We took the money we saved from skipping the LCD and speaker purchases and put that towards getting a nice HTPC case and a quiet power supply. We also added in a wireless keyboard and mouse and a dual TV tuner. The Silverstone case is one of the larger HTPC cases out there and it is capable of holding a full-size ATX motherboard (although it can be a pretty tight fit). It can also use any standard ATX power supply, and in order to keep noise levels down we went with a SeaSonic S12 380W power supply. An alternative power supply configuration you might want to consider is something with modular cables, as the confines of many HTPC cases are very cramped and the ability to omit unnecessary cables can be useful.
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Our HTPC configuration naturally chose to go with an HTPC operating system, Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005. MCE 2005 is a lot like XP Pro, only with video timeshifting and recording features and a 10 foot UI. Finally, our preferred TV tuner comes from Hauppauge, the WinTV PVR-500 MCE Dual Tuner + FM. While we haven't specifically reviewed any Hauppauge products in a while, they are still among the best quality analog TV tuners available. (They are also fully compatible with Linux - at least, the non-MCE versions are - so if you want to build an HTPC using MythTV you could also go that route.) The total cost of our HTPC accessories ends up being quite a bit more than any of the other configurations, considering it doesn't include an LCD or speakers. However, going with a really cheap HTPC case often brings undesirable results. We wouldn't necessarily consider this a budget selection, but depending on the other components used it could qualify as a "budget HTPC".
If you're looking for an HTPC case that is more "budget" than what we have listed here, one reader points out the Antec Solution Series NSK2400 as a good option. This case will require the use of a micro ATX motherboard, so you might lose some features, but you can save over $100 relative to the Silverstone + PSU that we've selected. Whether or not you prefer the appearance of the Silverstone or the Antec will probably play a part in your final decision as well.
(Truth be told, I was trying to find a case like this Antec NSK2400 for the article and apparently it never turned up in my searches. It is definitely a better budget choice! Thanks for the comment, "autoboy".)
| Upgraded Case and Accessories |
| Display |
BenQ 20.1" FP202W 8ms 1680x1050 |
$270 |
| Case and Power |
Cooler Master Centurion RC-534-SKR5
Silver Aluminum with 430W 24-pin PSU |
$77 |
| Keyboard and Mouse |
Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 with Optical Mouse |
$28 |
| Speakers |
Logitech X-530 5.1 Speakers |
$68 |
| Operating System |
Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 SP2B (OEM) |
$115 |
| Total |
$558 |
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The upgraded configuration of course includes more expensive - and better - components. Starting with the LCD, we upgraded from a 19" widescreen to a 20" widescreen model. While the screen isn't a lot larger, the 20" model does come with a higher 1680x1050 native resolution. We still consider BenQ more of a budget LCD brand, but we would rate them quite a bit higher than Sceptre. The case and power supply we selected are from Cooler Master, a well-known and generally respected brand. The included power supply still isn't a super high quality model, but with a 430W rating it is definitely more than enough to drive any of the budget systems we put together in this guide. We stuck with MCE 2005 as the operating system choice, even though this isn't an HTPC build (although it could be with the addition of the TV tuner). The keyboard and mouse have a few more buttons but are otherwise about the same as our basic setup - get whatever keyboard and mouse you are most comfortable with if you don't like our choice. Finally, we bumped up a notch on the speakers from 2.1 to 5.1 audio. The Logitech budget speakers all perform well for the price, so there's usually not much point in getting some other brand.
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mpc7488 - Wednesday, October 25, 2006 - link
Thanks for the reply. I'd like to caveat my response by saying I'm *not* trying to argue or be a jerk - I just enjoy a good hardware discussion :) I also use your guides for comparison to what I'd do for myself (midrange usually) or for my friends, coworkers, etc. (budget). I totally agree, in this price range, you're still always getting better expandability with these. However, features and performance is much greyer to my mind, and with the right deals I think an OEM with a little tinkering can be a powerful option for the non-power user, even at prices outside of the bottom range.Speakers: point made, I meant to include them and forgot. The X-230s are $31.25 at Newegg (free shipping).
OEM configurations: I've found the trick with Dell is generally not to upgrade their base configurations to get the best deals. For instance, buying the DVD-R/W and speakers from Newegg saves you $38. That can get put towards a real video card, instead of the 7300LE. Upgrades will quickly inflate the price and skew the deal.
Ok, direct comparisons:
Budget AMD: Athlon 64 3000+, 1 GB DDR2-667, 160 GB HDD, GeForce 6150, DVD-R/W, 19” Sceptre, keyboard, mouse, X-230 speakers, Win XP Home, $749
Dell E521: Athlon 64 X2 3800+, 1 GB DDR2-533, 160 GB HDD, GeForce 6150, DVD-R/W, 19” Dell 1907FP Ultrasharp, keyboard, mouse, X-230 speakers, Win XP Home, 1 year on-site warranty, $686.25 (with burner and X-230 speakers from Newegg)
"better expandability, performance, and features at roughly the same price"
Expandability: Without a doubt. This is where OEMs can't compare.
Features: $65 savings for a faster dual-core processor, better monitor, and warranty coverage. You lose DVI output (thanks yehuda) and have slightly slower memory. It's close enough though, as prices will fluctuate, I'll concede this one.
Performance: I'd have to say the crown would go to the 3800+! More impressively for media encoding and Windows tasks than for gaming, with the weak 6150.
Upgraded Budget AMD: Athlon 64 X2 3800+, 2 GB DDR2-533, 250 GB HDD, GeForce 7600GT 256 MB, DVD-R/W (with DVD-RAM), 19” Sceptre, keyboard, mouse, X-230 speakers, Win XP Home, $1090
Upgraded Dell E521: Athlon 64 X2 3800+, 1 GB DDR2-533, 160 GB HDD, GeForce 7900GT 256MB, DVD-R/W (with DVD-RAM), 19” Dell 1907FP Ultrasharp, keyboard, mouse, X-230 speakers, Win XP Home, 1 year on-site warranty, $875 (with burner, PCIe video card and X-230 speakers from Newegg)
Expandability: Without a doubt. This is where OEMs can't compare.
Features: $215 savings for a much faster video card, better monitor, and warranty coverage. You lose 1 GB of memory and HDD space.
Performance: The 7900GT would absolutely smoke the other box in just about any game, even with less RAM. Media encoding and Windows tasks would benefit from the greater RAM of the other config.
Obviously I am bored at work today. To each their own of course - I think OEM builds with alterations can be a powerful adversary, in price, performance and features, to self-builds in the budget price range, especially if overclocking is not a consideration, and shouldn't be relegated to the bottom of the heap. Just my $0.04.
It'd be interesting to see how a custom build would hold up against a Dell box with upgrades, in a cheapo-gaming-and-media-machine shootout.
batter - Friday, November 10, 2006 - link
Nice discussion; I always compare to dell/hp and always decide to build my own: I know what is in it, I build with future upgrades in mind, I do not use proprietory hardware. Also keep in mind that a bunch of people already have a keyboard, mouse, windows license, speakers etc and might even be able to re-use the case and or PS. With that in mind I usually come out ahead.Calin - Thursday, October 26, 2006 - link
For the difference between the Dell and the homebuilt system (75$) you could easily buy a video card with not one but two DVI outputs. So, in features, Dell (with upgrades) would be a better deal(but I would build my own anyway :D )
JarredWalton - Wednesday, October 25, 2006 - link
You can also do:Upgraded Budget AMD Alternative: Athlon 64 X2 3800+, 1 GB DDR2-533, 250 GB HDD, GeForce 7900GT 256 MB, DVD-R/W (with DVD-RAM), 19” Sceptre, keyboard, mouse, X-230 speakers, Win XP Home, $1109 shipped.
Upgraded Dell (purchasing everything from Dell): Athlon 64 X2 3800+, 1 GB DDR2-533, 250 GB HDD, GeForce 7300TC LE, DVD-R/W, 19” 1907FP, keyboard, mouse, 2.1 speakers, Win XP MCE2005, $759 (plus taxes). Add $240 for 7900GT = $999. You still get MS Works for "free" though.
Once you start going online and purchasing upgrades, however, I think you have moved away from your typical Dell PC buyer. Most people either want to buy the whole system with everything they want, or else they will go to a local store to buy a system or just put the whole thing together themselves. If you actually want Dell to put together a better gaming solution -- or anything with even moderately upgraded graphics -- you basically have to move up to their XPS line. That gives you a better CPU and maybe a few other extra perks, but the price suddenly jumps up to $1289.
As you say, you can usually do better getting the base OEM configuration and making upgrades on your own, but I'm not sure how many people really go that route.
yyrkoon - Thursday, October 26, 2006 - link
I recently upgraded for under the cost of your listed upgrade, however I migrated HDDs, mouse, keyboard, monitor, and PSU. In my opinion, this would be a 'true' upgrade for a person such as myself. I could have even saved another $160 usd, if I didnt care about the onboard graphics where gaming is concerned, and unfortunately, for my wallet, I do ;)At last tally, I spent between $750-$800 usd, including the low-end Lian Li case (very nice BTW), eVGA 7600GT, AM2 3800+, Corsair DDR2-6400 XMS (advertised at 5-5-5-18 timings, but my motherboard typicaly detects it as 4-4-4-12, as long as I'm running it stock), and an Asrock AM2NF4G-SATA2 motherboard. I'd like to add that this motherboard is JUNK, it overclocks fine, but the system gets BSoDs regularly, whether I OC it or not. Wont be long before I make a platform upgrade, to a Conroe CPU/ ABIT motherboard . . .
ThelvynD - Wednesday, October 25, 2006 - link
It's a fairly decent monitor and you can pick them up from Newegg right now for 179.99. My biggest complaint about it is the rather cheap stand it's on.imaheadcase - Wednesday, October 25, 2006 - link
That memory is now the most expensive part of a normal computer.Memory manufactors are making a fortune I bet on all types of memory. Not to mention off all these suckers who buy "gaming" memory. "Oh please mom i have to be the best geek on the net to have camo on my memory heatsink spreader!".
Wesley Fink - Wednesday, October 25, 2006 - link
Memory manufacturers make the finished dimms, and almost all of them buy memory chips on the open market from Samsung, Micron, Elpida, and other huge semi-c0nductor manufacturers, This means companies like Corsair, OCZ, Kingston, Mushkin, etc. are as much at the mercy of chip prices as buyers are. I bring this up because the chip makers themselves are where chip prices haves been rising, and that is where the questions should be directed.yyrkoon - Thursday, October 26, 2006 - link
Forgot to mention, look at the latest part (sold by newegg) thats obviously jacked up in price, the 'Killer' network adapter, marketed as the 'the ultimate gaming NIC'. Somehow, I seriously doubt the card is worth $270 usd, I dont care if it shoots sparks out its behind . . .yyrkoon - Thursday, October 26, 2006 - link
Yeah well, Crucial is part of Micron, and they charge more for thier memeory than alot of 'manufactuers', IF you buy direct from them. Then again, if you buy direct from Crucial, IF your memory ever goes bad, they will send you a replacement before they even recieve the bad part (atleast this is what thier reps claim over the phone).I myself paid $230 usd for my Corsair DDR2-6400 XMS memory about 3-4 months ago, 5-5-5-15 timings (supposedly, my system regularly detects it as 4-4-4-12 timings). At the time, I thought it was outrageous, and they also gave me a $50 rebate, which I've recieved by now. Turns out comparred to now, I actually recieved a good price ;)
This all seems to be a trend started by the graphics companies over a year ago, offer a product that you CLAIM is a gaming part, and jack up the price. Motherboard manufactuers, and memory manufactuers just now seem to be catching on, this wont go away, until the kids stop spending mommies, and daddies money on such parts. Hopefully, this trend will go away eventually, and once these companies realize they could actually make more money from people like us who build systems for more than just themselves. *shrug* I dislike buying non branded memory, and preffer a company with a reputation for reliability, but at the same time I refuse to buy parts that have obviously been jacked up, because the manufactuer has turned greedy.