New Build for $1000 (including monitor)

[ksorensen]

I am building a new computer for multiple uses that is to last me a few years with minor upgrades. This will be a media center and light gaming machine (needs to run Diablo 3 when released). As a new builder simplicity is critical. System reliability will limit any overclocking I am willing to do as well.

Budget is sub $1000 including a 22” monitor.

Power Supply
- Corsair 650 W at $70 [Leaves room for more HDs]

CPU
- Intel Quad Q8200 (2.33 GHz, 1333 FSB) $189 [Future applications will leverage cores]

OS
- Vista Home Premium 64Bit $100 [I want to be able to add RAM]

GPU
- Radeon HD 4830 512 MG $110

Memory
- GSkil 4 gigs (2x 2gig) $65

DVD/CD
- SAMSUNG 22X DVD Burner 2MB Cache SATA $28

Case
- Rosewill R5604 ATX $30 [I am like a simple look]

Motherboard
- GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 $105 [RAID and space for ram and HDs]

HD
- WD 640 Gig, 32 meg cache $85

Monitor
- ASUS VW222U Black 22" 2ms $180

Total Price = $962

I welcome any ideas for how I can save money or potential conflicts in hardware...

Thanks!

 

[ksorensen]

Also... Do I need a separate CPU cooler if I do not overclock?

 

[dirtmountain]

Well thought out build, you won't need a aftermarket cooler if you don't overclock. The only thing i might do is bump the GPU to a 4850, but you're good to go as is.

 

[slomo4sho]

I would recommend Antec 300 bundled with Antec NeoPower 650 for $94.94(no need to wait for rebates either)
http://secure.newegg.com/Shopping/AddToCart.aspx?Submit=ADD&ItemList=Combo.136155

The Rosewell case you mentioned is actually listed as $54.99 at Newegg.

 

[ksorensen]

What makes the Antec a better supplier given they don't seem to send enough fans?

 

[ksorensen]

Thanks to your help and everyone on the forums! I am stoked on the value and performance potential for my first build.

I pulled the trigger on the below and I will be asking for help when things arrive.


Intel Gift - Far Cry 2 - OEM
$Free

Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811129042
$49.95

GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813128359
$119.99

POWERCOLOR AX4830 512MD3-H Radeon HD 4830 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814131129
$129.99

Antec NeoPower 650 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16817371011
$74.99

Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor Model BX80580Q8200 - Retail
Item #: N82E16819115055
$189.99

BYTECC BT-146 All-in-one USB2.0 for card reader and UPS ports Card Reader w/ Floppy Drive - Retail
Item #: N82E16820192022
$29.99

G.SKILL PI Black 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL4D-4GBPI-B - Retail
Item #: N82E16820231209
$64.99

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Item #: N82E16822136319
$84.99

ASUS VW222U Black 22" 2ms(GTG) Widescreen LCD Monitor with HDCP support - Retail
Item #: N82E16824236028
$199.99

SAMSUNG 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model SH-S223Q - OEM
Item #: N82E16827151173
$27.99

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit English for System Builders 1pk DSP OEI DVD - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116488
$99.99

Order Total $1,055.65

 

[LoopyCootybrain]

Consider a 21.6" monitor it will save you 30$

 

[physx7]

Also... Do I need a separate CPU cooler if I do not overclock?

I doubt it but I would recommend that you rub off the thermal compound that comes with the cooler and apply some Arctic Silver 5 thermal grease.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

I also have that exact same motherboard, and I would strongly suggest that you remove the heat sinks off the North and South bridges. And rub off the crummy thermal compound that comes with it and apply some Arctic Silver too it as well.(and then replace them of course). All the thermal compound stuff that Gigabyte puts on it's products is all hard and crusty. I personally did all the heatsinks.

I might check into applying some Arctic Silver to your graphics card as well. That might not be necessary but that's just what I did.