Overclockers shows the secret of the $400 budget PC

[Kasey Chang]

And yes, it runs most games just fine at 1024x768

The secret? Overlcoked CPU and older DX8 video card.

http://www.overclockers.com/articles1134/

The result... Roughly CPU at 2600+, plus GF4TI4600, = system that scores 15000 in 3DMark2001, not too shabby for UNDER $400.

Assuming you have your own monitor, of course.

[hitbyambulance]

Biostar and Shuttle both make nForce2 motherboards with basic overclocking adjustments such as 1 MHz FSB increments and both CPU and DDR voltages.

does this apply to the teeny breadbox-sized Shuttle cases as well?

[EvilHomer3k]

The SFF systems do have some overclocking but not a whole lot.

I think that's an excellent article on building a cheap overclocked system. Those durons are great overclockers, too.

[hitbyambulance]

i think i might build one of these for a friend of mine.

first, regarding the CPU - where do you connect this bridge with the pencil? where's a good place to get this processor?

how can you tell if a cheap motherboard supports "1 MHz FSB increments and both CPU and DDR voltages" from the product description?

finally, does anyone have any improvements over what is suggested in the article? this computer will be used primarily as a graphic design workstation, so obviously i could do without the Geforce 4600 - but at this price, it would be nice to have some 3D capability.

[Kasey Chang]

first, regarding the CPU - where do you connect this bridge with the pencil? where's a good place to get this processor?

Search for articles on Overclockers.com.

As for source, that's a good question.

how can you tell if a cheap motherboard supports "1 MHz FSB increments and both CPU and DDR voltages" from the product description?

Search for mainboard reviews. Basically you want a tweak-friendly mainboard.

finally, does anyone have any improvements over what is suggested in the article? this computer will be used primarily as a graphic design workstation, so obviously i could do without the Geforce 4600 - but at this price, it would be nice to have some 3D capability.

If you don't need GF4, you can probably make do with GF4MX or Radeon 9200. Those are about $50 or maybe less.

[hitbyambulance]

i can't find the 4600 for less than $110 from online retailers.