Hey guys! Just looking for some help (since I'm relatively clueless with hardware) on a budget build that I intend to upgrade over time.
Approximate Purchase Date: As soon as I have a solid build.
Budget Range: This is difficult. I am trying to keep it at $500, but if for $600 I can see a significant performance enhancement then it might be worth it. $600 max, though. I am purchasing Win7 for $30, so add that to your total please!
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming. I'd also like to do some game RECORDING and video editing, but high performance on games is what I'm after. I care if my games lag, I don't care if my other software does. CoD Black Ops, TF2, Half Life 2 stuff, Rift, Left 4 Dead 2, etc. Big on FPS/RTS with some MMO thrown in.
Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers.
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: I will order from whatever website gives me the best deal. If you guys recommend it, then I will trust you. There is a microcenter about an hour from here which I could drive to for a MAJOR discount/bundle.
Country of Origin: USA
Parts Preferences: I don't care. Whatever works best and can be upgraded more easily.
Overclocking: I WANT to overclock, so as long as it won't overheat, yes. My intention is to gradually turn this machine into a beast, and at that point I will definitely be OC'ing, so whatever you guys think is best.
SLI or Crossfire: In the future, yes.
Monitor Resolution: I have a 23" WS monitor, so I'd like the highest resolution possible with my budget.
Additional Comments: Like I said, I'm pretty clueless with hardware. I was doing research on the processor before I got a little overwhelmed and decided I should probably ask for help alongside it. I've read that some games won't perform well at all with 2 cores, yet also that the Core i3 2100 is better than the Phenom II x4 955 BE. Is this because of its HT or what?
Also, since I'm planning to upgrade this, would it make sense to plan in advance for that? Video card would come first, no? Intel seems like the best bet for high-performance processors, but isn't a new socket on the way this year? If so, wouldn't I have to purchase a new mobo too when I decide to upgrade? Or am I truly revealing my ignorance on the subject?
Thanks in advance for any help I receive! I really appreciate it.
Approximate Purchase Date: As soon as I have a solid build.
Budget Range: This is difficult. I am trying to keep it at $500, but if for $600 I can see a significant performance enhancement then it might be worth it. $600 max, though. I am purchasing Win7 for $30, so add that to your total please!
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Gaming. I'd also like to do some game RECORDING and video editing, but high performance on games is what I'm after. I care if my games lag, I don't care if my other software does. CoD Black Ops, TF2, Half Life 2 stuff, Rift, Left 4 Dead 2, etc. Big on FPS/RTS with some MMO thrown in.
Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers.
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: I will order from whatever website gives me the best deal. If you guys recommend it, then I will trust you. There is a microcenter about an hour from here which I could drive to for a MAJOR discount/bundle.
Country of Origin: USA
Parts Preferences: I don't care. Whatever works best and can be upgraded more easily.
Overclocking: I WANT to overclock, so as long as it won't overheat, yes. My intention is to gradually turn this machine into a beast, and at that point I will definitely be OC'ing, so whatever you guys think is best.
SLI or Crossfire: In the future, yes.
Monitor Resolution: I have a 23" WS monitor, so I'd like the highest resolution possible with my budget.
Additional Comments: Like I said, I'm pretty clueless with hardware. I was doing research on the processor before I got a little overwhelmed and decided I should probably ask for help alongside it. I've read that some games won't perform well at all with 2 cores, yet also that the Core i3 2100 is better than the Phenom II x4 955 BE. Is this because of its HT or what?
Also, since I'm planning to upgrade this, would it make sense to plan in advance for that? Video card would come first, no? Intel seems like the best bet for high-performance processors, but isn't a new socket on the way this year? If so, wouldn't I have to purchase a new mobo too when I decide to upgrade? Or am I truly revealing my ignorance on the subject?
Thanks in advance for any help I receive! I really appreciate it.