Best CPU, MOBO, HSF, and 256 MB RAM that $250 can buy

[Storm897]

I have to upgrade my moms computer. The amount to spend on a CPU, motherboard, heat sink and fan, and 256 MB ram is $250 max (about) (with shipping):
Going the KT133A Chipset direction I selected (from newegg.com):
Abit Kt7a - $90
AMD Athlon thunderbird 1 Ghz (266 fsb)- $73
Kingmax 256 MB pc150 - 40
GlobalWin Cak38 HSF - 31
$234 + $18 (s/h) = $252

Any other suggestions? I selected the Kt7a because I use it, and have built systems around it, and its been solid for me.

I plan on overclocking the CPU, and will build the system I decide upon by january 19.

[nihili]

I'd switch to the Shuttle AK31 rev 3.1 motherboard. It's about the same price and uses the KT266a chipset. That means you'll need to switch to DDR ram. Also, have a look at the SK6 heatsink. It's cheaper and better performing than the CAK38 I believe. It comes with the Delta 38cfm fan, so you'll either need to buy a quieter one (since this is for mom), or do a 7 volt mod on it. I just built a system like this for my dad and got the 40cfm Sunon fan.

Those changes will give you an increase in performance and no increase in price.

nihili

[Storm897]

it will end up being about $30 more and my mom doesnt want to spend more then $250. She said, "I dont care if I can get a 10,000 MHz computer for $300, I want the best for $250".

[nihili]

ouch, I missed the sudden jump in DDR prices. The Shuttle board is 7 bucks cheaper including shipping and the SK6 is 3 bucks more.

If it were me I'd look at going with the Shuttle and only 128 meg of ram. If you stay with the cak38 that gives you about 12 bucks to upgrade the processor to an Athlon 1.13. And you still have 6 bucks left over for buffer. ;)

But those are my preferences, the fact that you're already comfortable with the Abit board counts for a lot. Given the Abit board I'd say you've got things scoped out well.

OK, here's another option.

ECS K7S5A board - 57
128 meg DDR - 33
CAK38 - 31
Athlon XP 1600+ - 117

You'll have to download a third party bios to overclock the system, but you'll end up with a faster cooler processor and better ram.

Just throwing out ideas,

nihili

[jbell]

prices right now - your better with the KT-133a chipset - make sure it is VIA and not ALI or anyother brand... you'll be better off. EPOX has a good board - kta2 for $50 bucks it runs the KT-133a chipset.

and the CAK38 runs great with a black label delta! I run my 1G tbird @ 1.2G @ 100F under load!

[Kendan]

I had a cak38. I did not like it at all. I switched to a glaciator2 and now have lower temps and less noise. the glaciator1 is on sale for 20 here. (http://65.108.114.210/start.htm)
I would also suggest the kt266a chipset. the shuttle board is within your price range and you could always get a faster chip later. DDR prices have gone up but there are a few deals out there. good luck with your new system.

[oc jason]

Definately the Glaciator 2, maybe look at the ECS K7S5a DDR/SDRAM board, it has 2 pc133-150 ram slots, and 2 pc1600-2400DDR slots and goes for bout $35 at pricewatch, Onboard, sound, lan. And is a good board jsut kinda a budget board.

http://www.ecs.com.tw/products/k7s5a.htm

Those 2 right there save you bout $46

That Board has the Sis 735 chipset which is faster then the kt266 but a little slower than teh kt266a, still a good performer - plus you can use old ram in it and not have to buy new stuff if ya want

that is only half, but it shows the RAm slot setup and the NICE BLACK PCB