- May 20, 2009
- 7
- 0
- 18,510
First off I would like to thank everyone in advance for their assistance, I would say that my computer knowledge is mid level at best so bear with me. With that in mind, I have been perusing the forums and have compiled what may or may not be a decent build.
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Summer Project (next 3months) BUDGET RANGE: $700 max
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: gaming, school, misc stuff.
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor.
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: more reputable the better.
PARTS PREFERENCES: too noob for that.
OVERCLOCKING: would prefer to avoid, but it's whatever. SLI OR CROSSFIRE: doubtful
MONITOR RESOLUTION: traditionally 1024x768 atm, but monitor has potential for better.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CPU and MOBO
I have two different options for this combination so far.
Option 1
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB($168)
GIGABYTE GIGABYTE GA-EP43-UD3L LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX Intel Motherboard ($80)
Total: $248
Option 2
AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz($139)
GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard ($110)
Total: $239
Memory
OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 ($63-25MIR=$38)
Hard Drive
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" ($75)
Video Card
HIS Hightech H485FN512P Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3($115-$20MIR=$95)
Case
COOLER MASTER($75)
This seems to be the case that everyone is recommending in other cheaper builds.
Power
CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W($100-$20MIR=$80)
Another component I have seen suggested a couple of times.
DVD Drive
LG Black 22X (CAV) DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X($24)
----------------------------------------------------
Total w/ Option 1: $635
Total w/ Option 2: $626
these both scrape the upper limits of my budget, so if you see anywhere to "trim some fat" that would be fantastic as well.
Also, as a side note, I'd like to hear everyone's opinions on the good 'ole XP vs Vista battle. I gave the forums a once over but didn't seem to find anything too recent.
Once again, I appreciate your time.
-edited to include Proximon's suggestions-
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Summer Project (next 3months) BUDGET RANGE: $700 max
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: gaming, school, misc stuff.
PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor.
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: more reputable the better.
PARTS PREFERENCES: too noob for that.
OVERCLOCKING: would prefer to avoid, but it's whatever. SLI OR CROSSFIRE: doubtful
MONITOR RESOLUTION: traditionally 1024x768 atm, but monitor has potential for better.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CPU and MOBO
I have two different options for this combination so far.
Option 1
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB($168)
GIGABYTE GIGABYTE GA-EP43-UD3L LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX Intel Motherboard ($80)
Total: $248
Option 2
AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz($139)
GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 790X ATX AMD Motherboard ($110)
Total: $239
Memory
OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 ($63-25MIR=$38)
Hard Drive
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" ($75)
Video Card
HIS Hightech H485FN512P Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3($115-$20MIR=$95)
Case
COOLER MASTER($75)
This seems to be the case that everyone is recommending in other cheaper builds.
Power
CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W($100-$20MIR=$80)
Another component I have seen suggested a couple of times.
DVD Drive
LG Black 22X (CAV) DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 16X($24)
----------------------------------------------------
Total w/ Option 1: $635
Total w/ Option 2: $626
these both scrape the upper limits of my budget, so if you see anywhere to "trim some fat" that would be fantastic as well.
Also, as a side note, I'd like to hear everyone's opinions on the good 'ole XP vs Vista battle. I gave the forums a once over but didn't seem to find anything too recent.
Once again, I appreciate your time.
-edited to include Proximon's suggestions-
You get to save a bit there too.
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