Nooob buildin first rig

jpolish1

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Jan 28, 2010
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18,510
Hey everyone.
i am planning on getting rid of my old sh*t P4 and upgrading
I only use my computer for web-surfing, since this computer cant even handle solitaire. I dont need a really good gaming computer but i will probably start playing more once i get this set up. Also i am planning on using my 37inch lcd as a monitor, and planning to use it as a media center.
I do not know what to build tho. I am going amd because of my budget also for their upgrade-ability. I want to get an AM3 mobo, but deciding which one is the hard choice. I do not know if i should buy the P2 955 or 965, or buy a P2 or athlon 2 with dual or tri core and try unlocking the extra core. I am thinking of going with the athlon2 and waiting for the new hexcores to come out then upgrade then when the prices of the quads drop.
So i need a RAM, graphics card, HD, case, cpu, mobo. Only thing i got is a 550PS and all the retaining wires ( i tried building another rig a few yrs back amd 64, oc'd it n fried the mobo🙁 ).
Any suggestions on a mobo, and if i should get a quad now, or get the athlon and wait, because for what i do anyways probably wont require the extra core or 2
 
I suggest you call pc connection express for a gateway sx 2800-01 refurbished unit with Intel q8200, 4 gigs of ddr3 640 gb hardrive, gigabyte ethernet, windows vista 64, etc for $299 shipped. At this price, upgradability is a non issue; just add a mid range video card and you're set. The link is at fatwallet; maybe be sold out by now. I'd get one but I already have 2 systems.
 
I recommend this to last you 2+ years before you think "bah time for an upgrade"

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103706
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136320
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227346
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131398
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016

Can't go wrong with that power supply. I'm not sure I would trust your old one.
I think the integrated graphics would be fine but if you want dedicated:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102871