lol, I haven't built a computer since hard drives were using IDE connectors and motherboards only had standard PCI slots.

I need to update...

 

You think that's old? You're forgetting ISA.

 

I realize there is older stuff...

 

Man, ISA.. I remember those huge *****. Then PCI came out and everyone was like WHOA.

 

I thought we'd have more computer guys on the forum... am I wrong?

 

psh i started out on a tandy 1000 lmao
oh and i had a comadore

 

My Tandy still worked when I donated it to the museum. AKA goodwill.


Back on topic.

I need cheap good ram. But I understand the choice: Fast~Reliable~Cheap - Pick Two.

 

You don't need fast. 800-1000 will not be cheap and good. It gets glitchy with cheap components up there.

 

Got a microcenter near you? If so you can prob pick up a nice prebuilt for pretty cheap. If not you can def build yourself, thats what i do and its pretty easy.

I can help you pikc out some parts but you gotta give me a budget to work with.

You can prob get a nice quad cored amd phenom with like 4-6gb of mem and other assorts decent stuff for around 3-500 depending.

i would go with something with on-board video wince your video needs are not that much and that will help cut down on cost. Get a nice quality power supply like a corsair and you should be good to go. For a low grade system something in the 3-400 watt range will probably be enough.

do you need to buy the OS too? That can really crush a budget since i would recommend W7 64 bit for anything over 3gb of mem..

 

Dude, I'm in Arkansucks. There's nothing but churches and Walmarts. Most people here don't know what micro-anything is.

Budget is $500 or less.