My 1st Comp build -- $1000

[+Tyler]

Hi everyone, first time poster long time reader. Well I'm planning on building a new computer in the next few weeks or so, to replace my 6 year old Celeron based Hp.

This will be my 1st build and my budget is around a thousand, i don't mind spending more then that if its around that price after all the rebates are said and done.

I'm not much of a gamer but want the comp to be able to play Starcraft 2 when it comes out and maybe Call of Duty 4 without any problems.

I'll probably mainly use this comp for backing up Dvds, streaming movies to the Tv, and of coarse web browsing and a little gaming. I want this to be my "Media Tower" and hold all my movies/music/pictures and be able to stream them to my tv, probably via Xbox 360 (yet to buy), unless I can figure out anther way.

Here's what I was thinking, I also already have Vista 64.

Cpu:Intel Core 2 Duo--169.99
Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz 6MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

Motherbord:MSI P45 Platinum---169.99 $20 rebate
Newegg.com - MSI P45 Platinum LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards

Cpu fan:Tuniq 120--49.99
Newegg.com - Tuniq Tower 120 Universal CPU Cooler 120mm Cooling Fan and Fan Controller/Heatsink - CPU Fans & Heatsinks

Hard Drive:Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 500GB X 2-----144.98
Newegg.com - Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - Internal Hard Drives

Ram:OCZ 2X2 DDR2 800----72.99 $25 rebate
Newegg.com - OCZ 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Desktop Memory

PSU:CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2---97.99 20 rebate
Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Power Supplies

Mouse:Logitech MX518----39.99
Newegg.com - Logitech MX518 2-Tone 8 Buttons 1 x Wheel USB + PS/2 Wired Optical 1800 dpi Gaming-Grade Mouse - Mouse

Optical Drive:LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA---23.99
Newegg.com - LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner - CD / DVD Burners

Monitor:Acer 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD----149.99
Newegg.com - Acer X193W+BD Black 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 2000:1 (ACM) - LCD Monitors

GPU:This is where I'm clueless on, I need one because the motherboard doesn't have any interrogated graphics. I like Ati over Nvidia, but it seems like the Nvidia have better rebates. I was looking at this one.

EVGA 256-P2-N751-TR GeForce 8600 GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3----79.99 $35 rebate
Newegg.com - EVGA 256-P2-N751-TR GeForce 8600 GT 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

The case I want is the Antec 900, probably won't get that at newegg and wait for a sale somewhere else before I buy it.

Total is $1015.76 Plus figure 100 for the case and $100 is rebates.


I also can't decide if I should go with the E8400 or the Q6600 or maybe configure everything and fit a Q9300 into budget. I plan to overclock a bit. I'm not sure how much though, I'm having a friend come and help me with that part.

The main part of this build is I need this comp to last 4-6 years like my last one did. I'm a senior in high school this year and figure I'll be poor through college. :sigh:

So all insight is welcomed thanks for reading.

 

[meat_helmet]

I would get this:

Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 Wolfdale 2.53GHz 3MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

and with the extra cash get this video card instead:

Newegg.com - EVGA 512-P3-N971-TR GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

That will give you a more balanced system. The one you posted has a good cpu, and average gpu. The ones i suggested are both almost high end, so its more balanced.

 

[veedubfreak]

I personally would suggest the WD 640AAKS hard drive also, as its alot faster, and cheaper.

edit, 5 dollars more, but faster, and 140g more space.
Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - Internal Hard Drives

 

[+Tyler]

veedubfreak
Re: My 1st Comp build -- $1000
I personally would suggest the WD 640AAKS hard drive also, as its alot faster, and cheaper.

edit, 5 dollars more, but faster, and 140g more space.
Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - Internal Hard Drives

I don't understand how that one faster. Aren't they both 7200 rpm drives. I like the idea of having 280gb (buying 2 drives) more HD space for $10.

Is there any performance difference in having a HD with a 32mg cache and a 16 mg cache?

meat_helmet
Re: My 1st Comp build -- $1000
I would get this:

Newegg.com - Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 Wolfdale 2.53GHz 3MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops

and with the extra cash get this video card instead:

Newegg.com - EVGA 512-P3-N971-TR GeForce 9800 GT 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

I'm not sure, would that gpu be over kill for my needs? How much better is it then the cheep one i picked out.

Sorry for all the questions. I'm really really frugal with my money and just want to get the most bang for my buck (price/performance wise) on this new comp build.

Thanks for the input so far guys.

 

[veg1992]

ya there is a bit of difference between 32mb cache and 16mb cache...

It's a lot better then that cheapo 8600gt, which is terrible for games... even if you are a non-enthusiast gamer get at least an 8800gs or HD 4670... loads better than a 8600gt

 

[veedubfreak]

Well it might be around the same speed. The 640AAKS is a 2 platter drive, but then again i would guess the 500gb is also a 2 platter drive. But the WD is definately cheaper per GB.

Also, i would spend a few bucks more and step up to a 20" monitor instead of 19"

 

[Ethan_Kaizer]

I don't understand how that one faster. Aren't they both 7200 rpm drives. I like the idea of having 280gb (buying 2 drives) more HD space for $10.

Is there any performance difference in having a HD with a 32mg cache and a 16 mg cache?

Yes, there is a big difference in performance.

I'm not sure, would that gpu be over kill for my needs? How much better is it then the cheep one i picked out.

Sorry for all the questions. I'm really really frugal with my money and just want to get the most bang for my buck (price/performance wise) on this new comp build.

Thanks for the input so far guys.

The 9800GT is much better than the 8600GT, and it's much more worth it. It will last you longer. Or, if you still only wanna spend 80 bucks on a GPU, look at the HD 4670. Same price, much much much better performance than the 8600, less power draw, and cooler.

 

[philbar71]

if it were me I'd go with a 9600gso the 768mb version. but thats just my opinion.

 

[+Tyler]

The 9800GT is much better than the 8600GT, and it's much more worth it. It will last you longer. Or, if you still only wanna spend 80 bucks on a GPU, look at the HD 4670. Same price, much much much better performance than the 8600, less power draw, and cooler.

How about this one
HIS Hightech H467QT512P Radeon HD 4670 IceQ Turbo 512MB 128-bit GDDR3
Newegg.com - HIS Hightech H467QT512P Radeon HD 4670 IceQ Turbo 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards
99.99 w/ $20

veedubfreak
Re: My 1st Comp build -- $1000
Well it might be around the same speed. The 640AAKS is a 2 platter drive, but then again i would guess the 500gb is also a 2 platter drive. But the WD is definately cheaper per GB.

Also, i would spend a few bucks more and step up to a 20" monitor instead of 19"

So whats better 500gb 32mg cache Seagate or a 640gb 16mg cache WD? Seagate has that perpendicular recording and a 5 year warrenty.But I don't know much about WD expect that its also a good brand.

Can anyone recommend a good 20"-22" monitor? For around 150-170 after rebates. Only req is a DVI input.

 

[maroon1]

9600GSO Superclocked for $55 after MIR

Newegg.com - EVGA 384-P3-N967-TR GeForce 9600 GSO Superclocked 384MB 192-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards