Budget Components

[THE JEW (RaVeN)]

Let's admit it--we're all pretty poor

This thread will be about components that are dirt cheap, but still get the job done. They will usually appeal to "Joe Six-Pack." If they're highly overclockable/unlockable then all the better.

So, to start it off, China is now getting dualcore Semprons:

http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20080226PD219.html

AMD Sempron 2100+ processors adopt a 65nm process, and have a core frequency of 1.8GHz. Pricing in the China market is set at RMB 399 (US$55). Due to the cheap price and potential of AMD's own-brand RS780 and 690G IGP chipsets, the CPU has been popular with consumers in China prompting them support AMD's platform.

That's a pretty sweet deal for a brand new proc. I wonder how different it will be from these, though:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Processor ADO3800IAA5CZ - 2.0GHz, 2 x 512KB Cache, 1000MHz (2000 MT/s) FSB, Windsor, Dual Core, OEM, Socket AM2, Processor

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/ ... CatId=2328

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ Processor ADO3600IAA4CU - 2.0GHz, 2 x 256KB Cache, 1000MHz (2000 MT/s) FSB, Windsor, Dual Core, OEM, Socket AM2, Processor

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/ ... CatId=2328

For an extra $5, you get an extra 200mhz and probably 128-256kb of cache (I'm guessing the Sempron will be 128kb-256kb as it's not specified).

EDIT:

Gues the X23600+ can still be a better deal:

http://www.hardspell.com/english/doc/sh ... ageid=2415

Benchmarks.

[Tempus]

passively cooled HDCP 8400GS which does a great job, can be overclocked with the addition of active cooling... big ol' price of:

$48

http://www.directcanada.com/products/?s ... e=GIGABYTE

I have the EVGA version for $51... good buy especially since I hook it up to my tv and all... not to mention its a decent little DX10 card for cheap

(not that dx10 matters now that the desktop is ubuntu but still...)