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Milkman Dan
Joined: 10 Jan 2009
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 Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 5:28 pm Post subject: Budget PC Build Advice (~400,000 KRW) |
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Now that pay day has arrived, I can finally get around to building a PC. I originally wanted to order everything online, but my school won't let me have large packages sent there, and I don't feel 100% safe sending it to my apartment. So I lurked around and found that Sun-in Plaza in Yongsan is the place to go.
So now I need some advice on what hardware I should get. I'm looking for a workstation (e.g. AutoCAD, ArcGIS, SPSS etc.) rather than a gaming machine, but I would like to be able to watch HD quality movies on a 22" widescreen monitor.
Here's what I got so far (Prices are from Danawa):
CPU: AMD 64-X2 5200 - 90,000
RAM: Samsung 2GB - 26,000
VGA: Sapphire HD 4650 - 92,000
HD: Western Digital 320GB - 67,000
OD: LG SuperMulti DVD - 28,000
Motherboard: ???
PSU/Case: ???
So that leaves me with about ~100,000 for the motherboard, PSU and case. I'm completely clueless about the other hardware, but I can say that I have no desire to overclock and am only looking for something to last me a year. I'm open to all/any suggestions and comments, but am pretty firm on the price. |
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cubanlord
Joined: 08 Jul 2005
Location: In Japan!
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| Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:51 pm Post subject: |
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| that's easy. You can get combos on gmarket. |
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eamo
Joined: 08 Mar 2003
Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.
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| Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 7:55 pm Post subject: |
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Your choices so far seem fine......but......
Why not just get 4GB of RAM now while prices are so low.......2x2GB modules of RAM will only be about 50,000. Well worth it. 4GB is the new standard. As is the x64 OS which supports 4+GB.....
320GB won't go far if you're downloading HD movies........WD 640GB drives are only 89,000.
On your budget, the cheapest AMD mobo which supports that CPU will have to do. Do some window shopping on www.newegg.com for the mobo then check availability in Korea on www.danawa.com
You are NOT going to get a motherboard, PSU and case for 100,000. I'm sure you'll have to up your budget a bit for those three things. I wouldn't spend less than 40k on a case and 50k on a PSU. Under those price levels, it will probably be rubbish.
Spend a little more to get a decent PC. Then sell it to a friend or here on Dave's when you leave.
Actually, unless you are fussy about quality and brand names, you may be better off just getting an off the peg system in Sun-in Plaza. It would probably be cheaper than ordering components separately. |
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cubanlord
Joined: 08 Jul 2005
Location: In Japan!
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| Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 8:00 pm Post subject: |
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| cubanlord wrote: |
| that's easy. You can get combos on gmarket. |
 , I didn't see Motherboard in there. Case and PSU for 100, yes. MBoard included? no. |
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bassexpander
Joined: 13 Sep 2007
Location: Someplace you'd rather be.
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| Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 8:49 pm Post subject: |
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A question I have for you all:
My wife needs a new computer. Should I make it 64bit Vista?
Another question: What's a good power supply these days? There seem to be crappy ones at higher prices now. I just need 350W, quiet, and solid build. |
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Milkman Dan
Joined: 10 Jan 2009
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| Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:58 pm Post subject: |
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| eamo wrote: |
| Why not just get 4GB of RAM now while prices are so low.......2x2GB modules of RAM will only be about 50,000. Well worth it. 4GB is the new standard. As is the x64 OS which supports 4+GB..... |
At the moment, the only OS I have right now is the 32-bit version of Windows XP. Since that can only recognize ~3 GB's, buying anything more would be a waste at this moment. I can always upgrade to x64 and 4+ GB's later though.
| eamo wrote: |
| Actually, unless you are fussy about quality and brand names, you may be better off just getting an off the peg system in Sun-in Plaza. It would probably be cheaper than ordering components separately. |
Would it actually be cheaper buying a pre-made system? The main reason I was looking to build a system myself was to get the best bang for the buck. If that's the case then I'll just do that. I also want to avoid being given crappy hardware (e.g. PSU and motherboard), which is why I'm a little afraid of buying a pre-made system.
| bassexpander wrote: |
Another question: What's a good power supply these days? There seem to be crappy ones at higher prices now. I just need 350W, quiet, and solid build. |
Others on here seem to really like Zalmans, and I saw a 360watt PSU on Danawa for about 62,000. Back in the States, I always used Antec PSU's with great success. Your right about the prices though, because everything seems to have an inflated value due to the bad conversion rate. |
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chevro1et
Joined: 01 Feb 2007
Location: Busan, ROK
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| Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 10:31 pm Post subject: |
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@Milkman,
You should be able to get an e5200 c2d/ g31 chipset-based complete rig for somewhere around 450 000 - 500 000 pre-built. I have used all the software packages you mentioned, and all on old Pentium D processors. Any c2d will crunch those numbers like no other. |
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eamo
Joined: 08 Mar 2003
Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.
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| Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 12:13 am Post subject: |
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| Milkman Dan wrote: |
| eamo wrote: |
| Why not just get 4GB of RAM now while prices are so low.......2x2GB modules of RAM will only be about 50,000. Well worth it. 4GB is the new standard. As is the x64 OS which supports 4+GB..... |
At the moment, the only OS I have right now is the 32-bit version of Windows XP. Since that can only recognize ~3 GB's, buying anything more would be a waste at this moment. I can always upgrade to x64 and 4+ GB's later though.
| eamo wrote: |
| Actually, unless you are fussy about quality and brand names, you may be better off just getting an off the peg system in Sun-in Plaza. It would probably be cheaper than ordering components separately. |
Would it actually be cheaper buying a pre-made system? The main reason I was looking to build a system myself was to get the best bang for the buck. If that's the case then I'll just do that. I also want to avoid being given crappy hardware (e.g. PSU and motherboard), which is why I'm a little afraid of buying a pre-made system.
| bassexpander wrote: |
Another question: What's a good power supply these days? There seem to be crappy ones at higher prices now. I just need 350W, quiet, and solid build. |
Others on here seem to really like Zalmans, and I saw a 360watt PSU on Danawa for about 62,000. Back in the States, I always used Antec PSU's with great success. Your right about the prices though, because everything seems to have an inflated value due to the bad conversion rate. |
The Yongsan PC builders tend to use the same components. Usually Korean brands made in Korea or China. I suspect the suppliers flood Yongsan with thousands of the same parts because they made some deal and got a good price.
That's why computer shopping in Yongsan is quite limited. Millions of the same graphics card by Unitech or another local brand. Rarely will you see a part by a company with a good rep in the West. If you do, it's expensive.
This is why I suspect that a pre-made box will be cheaper than one you put together yourself. The guys made it with parts which are cheap and abundant in Yongsan.
For myself, after getting used to building my own systems, I can't go back to pre-made boxes. I have to know that each part is decent quality and put together with care.
As for x64.........do yourself a favor and download x64 Vista Ultimate from a good BT site. Then get 4GB. You won't regret it. |
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RufusW
Joined: 14 Jun 2008
Location: Busan
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| Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 2:22 am Post subject: |
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XP 32 bit can only support 3Gig RAM?
I presume with pre-built systems you can aks for a warranty for them, like 6 months. |
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cubanlord
Joined: 08 Jul 2005
Location: In Japan!
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| Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 2:53 am Post subject: |
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| bassexpander wrote: |
A question I have for you all:
My wife needs a new computer. Should I make it 64bit Vista?
Another question: What's a good power supply these days? There seem to be crappy ones at higher prices now. I just need 350W, quiet, and solid build. |
Hey Bass,
I wouldn't make it Vista, period. There are still too many problems and Microsoft knows this, ergo their soon to be released Windows 8 (I think that is the name of it). XP is solid and I recommend that one.
Power supplies vary depending on what you need. I second 350W, but, I must ask, what will the PC be used for and what kind of video card will it have? That will determine the power you need in a PS. |
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eamo
Joined: 08 Mar 2003
Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.
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| Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:41 am Post subject: |
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| RufusW wrote: |
XP 32 bit can only support 3Gig RAM?
I presume with pre-built systems you can aks for a warranty for them, like 6 months. |
In theory, yes. XP or Vista 32-bit can only use something like 3.2GB RAM.
Warranty that comes with pre-built systems depends on the company you buy it from. Some of the larger retailers will offer A/S support when they sell you a complete system.
Typically, the Yongsan builders will tell you to go to the A/S center of the manufacturer of the part which has failed. If your Zalman PSU has failed, then don't bother the guy you bought it off. Go direct to the Zalman A/S center.
Vista takes a real battering online. It's not deserved. Not anymore. It became like an internet viral thing to say Vista sucks in 2007 and early 2008.
Don't follow the herd. Try it for yourself. By late 2007 all the driver issues which troubled early Vista, that's driver issues from outside Microsoft, not Vista itself, were solved.
I've said it dozens of times on here and I'm saying it again.........Download Vista Ultimate x64 from a good BT site. Install 4GB or more RAM in your machine, and enjoy great performance. |
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blackjack
Joined: 04 Jan 2006
Location: anyang
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| Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:50 am Post subject: |
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| cubanlord wrote: |
| bassexpander wrote: |
A question I have for you all:
My wife needs a new computer. Should I make it 64bit Vista?
Another question: What's a good power supply these days? There seem to be crappy ones at higher prices now. I just need 350W, quiet, and solid build. |
Hey Bass,
I wouldn't make it Vista, period. There are still too many problems and Microsoft knows this, ergo their soon to be released Windows 8 (I think that is the name of it). XP is solid and I recommend that one.
Power supplies vary depending on what you need. I second 350W, but, I must ask, what will the PC be used for and what kind of video card will it have? That will determine the power you need in a PS. |
Since starting vista 3 months ago, I have talked three mates into "giving it a go" not one has gone back and two have even paid for it. I hate going back to xp at work. No major differences, just lots of little improvements. Once you get used to the minor differences, it's all good |
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IlIlNine
Joined: 15 Jun 2005
Location: Gunpo, Gyonggi, SoKo
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| Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 3:58 pm Post subject: |
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| cubanlord wrote: |
| bassexpander wrote: |
A question I have for you all:
My wife needs a new computer. Should I make it 64bit Vista?
Another question: What's a good power supply these days? There seem to be crappy ones at higher prices now. I just need 350W, quiet, and solid build. |
Hey Bass,
I wouldn't make it Vista, period. There are still too many problems and Microsoft knows this, ergo their soon to be released Windows 8 (I think that is the name of it). XP is solid and I recommend that one.
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Eh. If you don't even know that the next version of Windows is 7, why would you bother giving advice about this matter?
There are a few computer snobs on this board, which preach on about quality components ordered from abroad and that special tingle you get after spending twice as much as they should have on a computer that gives them a couple extra points on some benchmark. (when they could have just bought a faster processor and gotten more performance for less money)
Fact is, most sane people have realized that the lifespan of a normal computer is only a few years, and aside from making sure you're not buying the absolute lowest end stuff, most components you can buy will easily last that long.
The thing that's most likely to go out is the power supply, so spend a little more money on that. Other than that, on off-the-peg system at Sunin should be fine. The retailers there want to make money, yes -- but they also don't want scores of customers taking up their time with warranty work and endless complaining. |
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cubanlord
Joined: 08 Jul 2005
Location: In Japan!
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| Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 4:46 pm Post subject: |
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| IlIlNine wrote: |
| cubanlord wrote: |
| bassexpander wrote: |
A question I have for you all:
My wife needs a new computer. Should I make it 64bit Vista?
Another question: What's a good power supply these days? There seem to be crappy ones at higher prices now. I just need 350W, quiet, and solid build. |
Hey Bass,
I wouldn't make it Vista, period. There are still too many problems and Microsoft knows this, ergo their soon to be released Windows 8 (I think that is the name of it). XP is solid and I recommend that one.
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Eh. If you don't even know that the next version of Windows is 7, why would you bother giving advice about this matter?
There are a few computer snobs on this board, which preach on about quality components ordered from abroad and that special tingle you get after spending twice as much as they should have on a computer that gives them a couple extra points on some benchmark. (when they could have just bought a faster processor and gotten more performance for less money)
Fact is, most sane people have realized that the lifespan of a normal computer is only a few years, and aside from making sure you're not buying the absolute lowest end stuff, most components you can buy will easily last that long.
The thing that's most likely to go out is the power supply, so spend a little more money on that. Other than that, on off-the-peg system at Sunin should be fine. The retailers there want to make money, yes -- but they also don't want scores of customers taking up their time with warranty work and endless complaining. |
ilnine,
Are you hating on me? Don't be jealous man.  I know your post about the "quality abroad" was aimed at me.
Look, just because I couldn't remember the official title of the new Windows doesn't mean I can't give my opinion or advice regarding the current situation of Vista; everyone's entitled to their p's and q's on this board. Furthermore, I am not a computer snob. What makes you think that? Your post was just plain mean, period. I had the money and that is how I chose to spend it. Who are you to make fun of me for that? I bought my parts from different oversea companies because I have had some bad luck with parts in Korea, but zero bad luck from parts outside of Korea. That's why I buy certain things from other companies.
Don't you have something you're passionate about and if you had the cash, would spend it on your passion? If I remember correctly, you love motorcycles. If you had the disposable income to put into it, wouldn't you?
Save the nastiness for the other forums. We are nice here in the Tech. area. |
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cubanlord
Joined: 08 Jul 2005
Location: In Japan!
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| Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 4:50 pm Post subject: |
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| blackjack wrote: |
| cubanlord wrote: |
| bassexpander wrote: |
A question I have for you all:
My wife needs a new computer. Should I make it 64bit Vista?
Another question: What's a good power supply these days? There seem to be crappy ones at higher prices now. I just need 350W, quiet, and solid build. |
Hey Bass,
I wouldn't make it Vista, period. There are still too many problems and Microsoft knows this, ergo their soon to be released Windows 8 (I think that is the name of it). XP is solid and I recommend that one.
Power supplies vary depending on what you need. I second 350W, but, I must ask, what will the PC be used for and what kind of video card will it have? That will determine the power you need in a PS. |
Since starting vista 3 months ago, I have talked three mates into "giving it a go" not one has gone back and two have even paid for it. I hate going back to xp at work. No major differences, just lots of little improvements. Once you get used to the minor differences, it's all good |
True, it does have a lot of nifty little things, but, for people like me that enjoy gaming (our old games, not the ones coming out this year or even last year), Vista isn't compatible with much out there.
Personally, I hate the million and one pop-ups on vista. XP doesn't have it and is extremely stable. Just my 2 cents worth. |
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