cleeve :
Those of you with opinons as to the costs, how about the following tiers for the next SBM:
low-cost: $650
mid-range: $1300
high-end: $2600
Also, did you want us to do a dedicated gaming build next time? Or an all-round build?
thoughts and comments appreciated gents...
I think those prices may be a bit better.
#1) The $650 could very well build a Good Gaming Machine if you only include the components you are listing.
#2) To get to the VERY HIGH Builds, you might need an Extreme Edition. At This point, Any CPU more expensive than the Q6600/E8500 is really pointless with the E8xxx series tough to find. Perhaps when the Q9300/Q9450/Q9550 etc.. when the are actually available then more expensive CPUs might make sense.
As a result, I could see your Mid-Range build as now designed going to the Q6600. Just about anything you select for the very high-end will be money thrown away. I'm not opposed to perhaps paying a premium for premium performance, but there is just stupid spending. I can't recall the last time anyone has ever recommended an extreme edition to anyone, even those who claim to have the money to blow.
#3) The 3870 is not a bad card, but there are so many other good cards that could be part of a good system for alot less money. There are so many cards in the low to mid $100s now that were not options even a few months ago that it seems crazy to spend so much. There was a time when the gap between the 8600xxx and the 8800xxx. Now there are a slew of Options that can handle stuff.
We need to keep in mind that a 19" 1280x1024 monitor is going to be what most folks are playing on.
Maybe 1680x1050 with a nice 22" Wide Screen.
The first is a reasonable monitor for an entry build and the second a nice step up.
We need to be considering the Monitor that will be used, even if you are not going to include it in the build price.
Note: Instead of Picking a Budget and then Doing a Build, it might be more of going back and forth.
Put together a reasonable entry system that you think will be able to perform reasonable on modern tasks.
See what it totals, Then tweak it to fit a good target price.