How expensive is it to get a decent SFF? Thinking of getting one.

BabylenTatarsky · Jul 23, 2006, 04:19 PM

I'm talking around about the following specs:
2 GHz * processor - hmm, I don't really know processors so you fit in here.
1GB RAM
60GB or bigger HDD.
And then a good, not just decent, good graphics card.
Doesn't need to burn DVDs or have any fancy "sockets."

I'd also then need a flat screen monitor but 15" would do, and a cheapo mouse.

What pricerange would I be looking at here? I was hoping to spend less than a grand (British Sterling). The further away from a grand, the better.

Google says: UK�1000 = $1853.10US

This would be like my secondary PC, although bordering on having better specs for some reason, so it doesn't need all the best stuff - just decent stuff. I mainly want to play Counterstrike Source on it.

Randomletters · Jul 23, 2006, 05:20 PM

you could do it for way under uk1k but it depends on what you expect out of the machine, game playing aside,.

Edit: Saw you said mainly for lite game playing, Ill make up a rig list in a min.

Randomletters · Jul 23, 2006, 05:34 PM

Shuttle XPC SN27P2 Barebone $370
AMD Athlon 64 3500+ $108
pqi POWER Series 1GB DDR2-667 $76
SAPPHIRE Radeon X1600XT 256MB $130
Seagate Barracuda 160gb Sata II $63

Total price = $747 US All these prices taken from Newegg sorry if im not much help considering I dont believe Newegg ships to the UK.

BabylenTatarsky · Jul 23, 2006, 06:11 PM

Nah man, that's great. It's an excellent starting point (seeing as I'm bordering on clueless, here) for me to search for similar stuff on UK sites.

Thanks a lot.

Cheap as chips too!

BabylenTatarsky · Jul 24, 2006, 08:36 AM

The processor you listed is skt939, is it not? And the case AM2? That's if I'm looking at the right stuff.

Anyway, I got help with that and I've done some digging around and found the following:

Shuttle XPC SN27P2 Barebone - �328.94 inc.
AMD AM2 Athlon 64 3500 - �66.06 Inc VAT
pqi POWER Series 1GB DDR2-667 - �49.15
SAPPHIRE Radeon X1600XT 256MB - �81.77 Inc VAT
Seagate Barracuda 160gb Sata II - �42.42 Inc VAT
Total: �568.34 +del.

Does that all fit? Would it be a decent rig?

The main thing is the case that you've selected. I can't seem to find it stocked in many UK stores, and it is quite expensive as it's the first AM2 shuttle case apparently. However, if you think it's worth it, I can get it.

So an alternative, skt939 based machine (all from scan.co.uk):
Shuttle XPC SN21G5 - �210.67
AMD Athlon 64 3500+ - �68.02 Inc VAT
1GB (2X512MB) Corsair Value Select, DDR PC3200 (400) - �67.35 Inc VAT
SAPPHIRE Radeon X1600XT 256MB - �81.77 Inc VAT
Seagate Barracuda 160gb Sata II - �42.42 Inc VAT
Total: �470.16 +del.

How would you guys rate that?

Both fall well within my budget so I'm one happy shopper so far.

Thanks again for the work, and thanks in advance for the replies.

Randomletters · Jul 24, 2006, 08:50 PM

No the processor I listed is the AM2 ver.

They are both very decent rigs.

Considering its still a little more then half your budget I would go with the AM2 rig, The Socket 939 chips are no longer being manufactured and while yes the 939 chips will still preform well for the months to come, AM2 is only slightly more expensive, So theres no reason not to go with the newer tech.

Randomletters · Jul 30, 2006, 12:28 PM

So what did you get?

pr0digal jenius · Jul 30, 2006, 11:36 PM

starting with a barebones you can finish off the box [no input or moitor, etc...just the case and it's contents] quite well for $5-700 depending on video [500-ish is onboard, 700-ish is a decent PCI-Express]

BabylenTatarsky · Aug 1, 2006, 06:57 AM

Nothing yet. I'm still unsure about the gfx card.

Do you think I should just buy the rig I listed?
Shuttle XPC SN27P2 Barebone - �328.94 inc.
AMD AM2 Athlon 64 3500 - �66.06 Inc VAT
pqi POWER Series 1GB DDR2-667 - �49.15
SAPPHIRE Radeon X1600XT 256MB - �81.77 Inc VAT
Seagate Barracuda 160gb Sata II - �42.42 Inc VAT
Total: �568.34 +del.

Seems an alright price, I'm just a bit wary. Is the SAPPHIRE Radeon X1600XT 256MB a good graphics card?
Any idea what constant frames per second this rig will give me when playing Counterstrike Source?
Also, is this RAM any good? Should I have aimed for better?
Same questions for he processor too..

And besides the keyboard, mouse and monitor, is there anything I've completely forgot about?

I really don't wanna make any rash decisions and just buy for the sake of buying. Sure, the laptop it will replace is pretty sucky but that doesn't mean I'm in a rush to replace it, and spend all my money.

BabylenTatarsky · Aug 11, 2006, 03:26 PM

firyace · Sep 13, 2006, 08:13 AM

the 1600xt is a mid level ati graphic card, but its more than enough if you are playing css and more powerful cards might overheat in shuttles

BabylenTatarsky · Sep 16, 2006, 02:54 PM

I've still not bought anything. Grr, this always happen when I plan on buying something.

Pay day in ten days though, so I'm gonna order it then - no questions asked. Might risk getting a better gfx card though.

Are those specs massively out of date yet?