help me build my first AMD system

[schaef]

ok, i know nothing about AMD but my friend asked me to build him a system for under $450. Since AMD will deliver more bang for the buck i fugured i'll start with that.

Can anyone suggest a processor, mobo, ram combo (based on AMD) for less than $225 USD.

the system will be used for mostly MP3 stuff, cd burning, and mild gaming.

i think i'll go with an ATI radeon 8500le for video ($85).

also this won't be OCed.

is there any info i should know about setting up an AMD system?

thank in advance.

[nikhsub1]

This is a no brainer! Get the XP 1600 FROM NEWEGG, you are guaranteed a great stepping! Also get the Epox 8K3AE, and some Kingmax DDR 400.

XP 1600 = $54.99
Epox 8K3AE = $85
256MB KingMax DDR 400 = $75
----------------------------------------
TOTAL = $214.99

Now as far as overclocking, if you have a good HSF like an AX-7, you can just put the FSB to say 166 with stock voltage, or 1.85 max and the CPU will run at 1.743 instead of 1.4.

[schaef]

thanks for the quick reply.

i was actually looking at the xp 1600, but wasn't sure of the mobo.

i'm not going to overclock the system, it's for my friend and he doesn't want' to mess with it. he just wants something cheap that will do what he wants.

if im not overclocking, shouldn't i just set most of the bios to default? I don't have to worry about ram timings or anything if i don't OC, right?

[phungilax]

If you don't want to overclock the system, then just leave everything in the bios at default. NIk suggested some pretty good parts there. You can also get crucial 256 mb pc2100 for 60 bucks shipped after a little coupon they have. it'll be easy to build a good stable AMD machine for under that amount. good luck


phungilax

[schaef]

thanks for the help guys, i've never biult an AMD box before only intell.

who knows, if i like it i might build myself one.

.....must.....fight......urge to....build.....new.....system........for.....myse lf.........

never realized how cheap you can build a high performance system with AMD.

thanks

[Skiing Squirrel]

Haha, your right about that. Really, you should at least put your friends fsb to 166 (the 1600+'s can handle that really easy, doing it myself right now). Does he really need ddr 400 ram? I was thinking 333 MAX. Epox is a great board, nothing but great things from them.

[residentevil2]

hmm i would get a 1800+ or 1900+ or 2000+ if youre not goin to overclock the 1600 is kinda old for not overclocking.

[schaef]

thanks for the info guys.

i think i'll go for the 1800 with the Epox 8K3AE mobo. i should still be able to keep the system around $450.