I've been browsing the forums for a few days looking for ideas and reviews, and I've finally decided to register and ask opinions. I've been using hand-me-down systems and components for some years now, and I've finally got some money to build somethign myself. It's not much, but I want to see what I can do with it, as the current system (Dell Dimension 5100) has given up the ghost.
My budget is $425. I have some components that I can reuse, and hopefully I'll have enough to do the rest. Here's what I have available:
2 250GB SATA drives (SATA 1, one is a Maxtor and the other is a Seagate) - sticking with these. I'd like to RAID them, if it's within the budget, but it's not a show stopper.
Geforce 6800GT 512MB - I'm sticking with this for now, will upgrade it at a later date
2 GB (2x1GB) PC25300U memory
Case from the Dimension 5100, with a 305Watt PSU (probably don't want to reuse the case, but it's an option to save cash).
Case from a Dell Precision 470, with a 550Watt PSU (proprietary) - this one would be easier to use, but not sure that it's ATX compatible.
I already have a choice of operating systems (Win XP pro and Vista Ultimate)
With these components, I'd like to purchase a proccessor and mobo (plus whatever else) to bring me up to speed. I've narrowed down my processor choices to the following:
AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz
- or -
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz
I know, I know, Intel vs. AMD debate flamebait, but I'm seriously trying to determine which would be best for my purposes. Considering that I have 2 main criteria for this system, I'm not sure which way to jump. This system needs to play CIV IV BTS on the highest settings, but also needs to double as my home work system - meaning it has to run several different office-related programs concurrently (I generally work with a minimum of 10 windows open).
I'm still researching motherboards, suggestions appreciated!
My budget is $425. I have some components that I can reuse, and hopefully I'll have enough to do the rest. Here's what I have available:
2 250GB SATA drives (SATA 1, one is a Maxtor and the other is a Seagate) - sticking with these. I'd like to RAID them, if it's within the budget, but it's not a show stopper.
Geforce 6800GT 512MB - I'm sticking with this for now, will upgrade it at a later date
2 GB (2x1GB) PC25300U memory
Case from the Dimension 5100, with a 305Watt PSU (probably don't want to reuse the case, but it's an option to save cash).
Case from a Dell Precision 470, with a 550Watt PSU (proprietary) - this one would be easier to use, but not sure that it's ATX compatible.
I already have a choice of operating systems (Win XP pro and Vista Ultimate)
With these components, I'd like to purchase a proccessor and mobo (plus whatever else) to bring me up to speed. I've narrowed down my processor choices to the following:
AMD Phenom II X3 720 2.8GHz
- or -
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz
I know, I know, Intel vs. AMD debate flamebait, but I'm seriously trying to determine which would be best for my purposes. Considering that I have 2 main criteria for this system, I'm not sure which way to jump. This system needs to play CIV IV BTS on the highest settings, but also needs to double as my home work system - meaning it has to run several different office-related programs concurrently (I generally work with a minimum of 10 windows open).
I'm still researching motherboards, suggestions appreciated!
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