£400-500 new-build - blank canvas.

[looking2upgrade]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: a.s.a.p
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: university work, gaming, internet.
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor.
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: ebuyer.co.uk
PARTS PREFERENCES: AMD
OVERCLOCKING: no
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: no
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1440x900 (possibly 1920x1200 as I might buy a new monitor too)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

Im just looking for a computer that will be able to play starcraft 2 at max graphics when it is finally released. To be honest, Im not really in-the-know enough to say which specific components I would like, but I would prefer to go down the AMD route. Im not too fussed on quad core, but would prefer AM3 incase I want to upgrade in a couple of years time. One 250-500gb HD, one graphics card, and anywhere up to 4GB ram.

I look forward to the suggestions/tips.
Cheers!

 

[batuchka]

Not familiar with the prices for hardware where u at but a general template, starting from lowest cost:

P2X3 710
2 X 2 DDR3 1333 CL7
785G motherboard
HD 4670
case with intake/exhaust fans
80+ certified 350-400W PSU
ODD SATA DVDRW
HDD SATA 500GB

This would be my general purpose multi tasker + 1280 x 1024 or 1440 x 900 gamer

 

[fullmetall]

You could switch that 4670 out for a 4770 and stay with the same psu.

HDD: I'd call for a Seagate 7200.12 500gb or the wd black 320gb.

Case: something cheap like a antec 300.

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/158860
HDD

 

[looking2upgrade]

Thanks for the tips guys - would a 4770 max out SCII? I was thinking more along the lines of a 4850 and upwards.. though that would need a 450W PSU I suppose. I probably should have mentioned that I don't need an OS either.

What do you think of this? anyway I could improve it or anything that I don't really need?

CPU: AMD Phenom II X3 720 black edition £108
GPU: HD4870 512mb £90
MB: Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-UD2H 785G Socket £70
PSU: Corsair 450W HX series modular PSU £60
HDD: Seagate ST3500418AS 500GB Hard Drive £38
RAM: Corsair 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1600MHz/PC3-12800 XMS3 £65
CASE: antec 300 £45

I could always just pull out a DVD drive from another one of my computers.

Total: £476

Cheers!

 

[fullmetall]

4770 will perform just aswell as a 4850.

 

[batuchka]

Hmm these HD4770 kindda low in stock last i heard hehe

 

[fullmetall]

Well He picked out a 4870 instead...

I would raise the psu to a 550w.

 

[looking2upgrade]

Okay, thanks - anything else that you think needs tweaking, or is that set up good to go? is that MB the right choice for all the stuff I want to put in it, too? I'm not really tech savvy 🙁

 

[batuchka]

Looks good to go to me ^^

 

[looking2upgrade]

That's great - thanks everyone for the help, and thank you for the super fast replies batuchka. Hopefully I'll have this within the month 😀

 

[looking2upgrade]

my apologies for the additional questions, but would this be a viable PSU?

Corsair 520W HX Series Modular PSU - ATX12V v2.2 APFC
(http://www.ebuyer.com/product/114945)

Can't seem to find any 550s.

Cheers

 

[batuchka]

Yep the Corsair HX line are dependable

 

[looking2upgrade]

Thanks for all the advice. PC has been ordered