Hi, I actually just built a computer for my girlfriend as well . I spent a long time researching, since she too doesnt have alot of money, and this is what I came up with for her system:
CPU: AMD 64 3000+ :
MB: Gigabyte K8VT800
RAM: 512 3200 Kingston ValueRam
HD: 120 GB Seagate Barracuda SATA
DVD/CD: Pioneer Dual Layer DVL-108 (16x +- SL, 4xDL)
Video Card: I supplied my own, but you can get any regular one for 50 bucks
Case:Regular ol case for 50 bucks
work+warranty: 40bucks
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TOTAL: 732 CAN = 600 US
Here are the reasons iv decided to go for the 64 (754) platform:
- The AMD 64's are by far the best all around processors. The one KEY deciding factor for choosing the AMD 64 was that it is 64 bit. This is often overlooked, but this makes the system completely futureproof for winxp64, longhorn, etc. Most people dont get new computers every year or 2, so its important to have something that is compatible with future technology. That was the single most important reason for choosing that platform over the XP's per say, but also there are other reasons such as:
-the 64 hammer cores run alot cooler, and consume less wattage, ie less maintenance, less noise
-no need to overclock here, cpu is already very fast
-free speed boost when 64 bit os comes out , and even more free speed boosts when 64 bit apps for it come out. This should be within at most a year.
-integrated memory controller makes for quick loading in all applications(winxp installed in under 20 min)
-the 64 prices just dropped, this cpu can now be picked up for 160 bucks
-Similarly Priced processors are much slower (ie the xp3000+)
-Hyperthreading work, but it is overhyped. It will speed up multitasking, but I would say better to pick up something that is faster overall, than something slower with hyperthreading. Realisticaly, in most applications you wont notice any difference.
-If you really do not want to go for the 64's I would recommend the Intel Dothan's for their low power, plus they dont have that ridicoulous 20 stage pipeline
Hope this information helps!