DIGIT-ARC read-only archive · snapshot: July 23, 2026
L
limpness Original post #1
Mar 23, 2011 at 2:31 PM
Hi,

My nephew recently got some money to upgrade his computer after his exams and i'd like suggestions on a very tight budget upgrade of the Mobo,RAM,Proccy, and a Graphics card (Not very expensive but better than the onboard).

Uses: Home uses such as web surfing, downloading, slight gaming on 1024x768(if possible).

Budget:10-12k

Current PC: Old P4 (my old PC) and plans to use the monitor,the KB and Ms, The Cabby, DVD writer, and a 160Gb Sata hdd.

Budget is really tight and i'm not really confident on selecting components for it.So if you can help out.

Regards
MegaMind
Mar 23, 2011 at 2:58 PM
Component | Model | Price
CPU|Athlon II X4 635|4.1k|
Motherboard|ASUS M4A78LT-M LE|2.6k
RAM|Corsair 2*2GB DDR3 1333MHz|2.2k
GPU|Sapphire HD5570 1GB|3.5k
TOTAL ||12.4k

Sapphire HD5670 512MB - 4.5k more future proof
Cilus
Cilus #3
Mar 23, 2011 at 6:39 PM
mailme.manju, your second suggestion is really good. Just upgrade the CPU to Athlon II X4 640 @ 4.5K. Athlon II X4 is more than capable of handling the tasks mentioned here and also futureproof.
MegaMind
Mar 23, 2011 at 7:46 PM
EDITED, Thanks for ur suggestion CILUS :)

@OP, the above said is a good future proof config for ur use...
If u cant blend to this budget, get Athlon ii x3 440 - 3.2k...
Jaskanwar Singh
Mar 23, 2011 at 9:39 PM
my suggestion -

Component | Model | Price | Comments Processor |Athlon II X4 635|4000|get x4 only. dont reduce at all.
Motherboard |Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-US2H|3400|spend on a better mobo first
RAM |G.Skill F3-10666CL9S-2GBNQ|1100|
GPU |Sapphire HD5670 512MB GDDR5|4500|a better choice
| Total |13000|1k above your budget but worth it
ajai5777
Mar 23, 2011 at 10:26 PM
Yeah..no need to go for 4GB ram.Also get a 1333MHz ram for the same price instead of 1066.

But there is a problem in upgrading like this, your replaced parts will be wasted.Better thing is to sell the current PC at a reasonable price say 7-8k and then go for a new rig at 18-20k.Way better than this.
Jaskanwar Singh
Mar 23, 2011 at 10:33 PM
ajai the naming scheme of DDR3 1333 is also PC3 10666.
ajai5777
Mar 23, 2011 at 11:15 PM
oops I didnt know.
L
Mar 24, 2011 at 1:09 AM
Thanks guys,
The following config sounds good.I'll concentrate on getting the Mobo, Proccy and RAM.
If 5670 is available at a good price then ASUS M4A78LT-M LE and if not then Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-US2H (will use the onboard) and save up some of the money for a better card in next month or two.

Proccy: Athlon X4 635 (Settled on a quad core)
Mobo: ASUS M4A78LT-M LE/GA-MA785GMT-US2H
RAM: 2 GB 1333 (Will get more later)
G Card: HD 5670(If maximum in budget of 4.5k)

If the graphics card were on a separate budget a few months down then can you guys suggest a config without one on a budget of 10-12k.With a mobo with adequate onboard graphics.
MegaMind
MegaMind #10
Mar 24, 2011 at 1:20 AM
^^ U mean, u can add GPU later?
If so,
Component | Model | Price
CPU|Athlon II X4 640|4.5k|
Motherboard|Gigabyte 880GM UD2H|4k
RAM|Corsair 2*2GB DDR3 1333MHz|2.2k
TOTAL ||10.7k

Gigabyte 880GM UD2H has the best onboard graphics processor
Save up some more bucks, u can get a good GPU+PSU
L
limpness #11
Mar 24, 2011 at 3:55 AM
Thanks a lot mailme :)

GPU is needed but sacrificing for it on a good mobo+proccy is not right IMO.
Just needed all options.
Great suggestions all

Thanks
mitraark
mitraark #12
Mar 24, 2011 at 9:37 AM
Yes buy Good Processor +Motherboard , GPU can be added later.
Jaskanwar Singh
Mar 24, 2011 at 9:38 AM
the mobo i mentioned is not bad. equal in terms with 880gm ud2h. the 880g is nothing better than 785g in terms of graphics power.!!
and dont get that asus one. its ok for basic systems only. just a plain mobo!