Is this barebone cheap enough?

[Kasey Chang]

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications ... &CatId=332

I know I can probably put one together a little cheaper (case, 400W P/S, and mainboard, and CPU), but not that much.

It's pretty much slap in the RAM, add HD, keyboard, mouse, and monitor, and voila, you got a system.

Or should I just hunt for the pieces separately?

[EvilHomer3k]

If you want an Athlon XP, it's not too bad. I'd really look at an Athlon 64, though. The athlon XP 3000 is around $130 at newegg. The 2800 is around $130. The 2800 will be faster in games and you won't be at the end of the product line. The only thing you can do with a Socket A mobo is put in a 3200. With the S754, you can at least go up to a 3700.

To be the most future proof with the Athlons, you should go with a Socket 939 board. It will cost you a bit more but you'll be able to upgrade it a lot longer.

[RookieCAF]

Via Chipset?

[EvilHomer3k]

Via Chipsets are fine. Not as good as nVidia chipsets but they aren't bad. At least not anymore.

Here's a possible combo from Newegg with a A64 2800.

ANTEC Solution Series Super Mid Tower Case with 350W Power Supply, Model "SLK3700AMB" -RETAIL - $69.99

CHAINTECH "SK8T800" K8T800 Chipset Motherboard for AMD Socket 754 CPU -RETAIL - $62.74

AMD Athlon 64 2800+ - RETAIL - $127

Total:
259.73

And no rebates. It will be faster than the Athlon XP 3000+, uses the standard ram, and doesn't come with a generic power supply.


If you don't like the 3700AMB, you can switch it out for a chenming or a chieftec (chenming makes the chieftec cases, btw). You could also go with something like the Kinwin Mutant X.
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductde ... 020&DEPA=1
or the A-Top Xblade
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductde ... 113&DEPA=1


Anyway, I'm not saying it is a bad bundle. I just think you can get more for your money.

[RookieCAF]

Via burned me twice, Never again.

[Jeff V]

I had 3 bad Via motherboards in a row - jumped to nForce boards, never a problem since.