I have never built a computer before but I've always wanted to. My budget is <$1000 (including monitor and keyboard, I'm all set with my OS) for a solid gaming build that has room for upgrades in the future, but I am aiming for around $900. Here's my current potential build:
My biggest gripe about my processor choice is it does not come with a warranty since it's OEM and not retail, but I have heard good things about it in terms of overclocking and unlocking the 4th processor. Anyone here have experience with Phenom II X3's or can someone recommend me an alternative without going overboard on price.
Also, I'm unsure of my motherboard choice - will it go well with my processor or should I go with something else? I want something that will allow me to upgrade in the future.
Total price: $973.90 without shipping - it's just within my $1000 price range, but I would like to go lower without sacrificing performance. Less than $900 would be best case scenario for me, so are there any ways I can save money with my setup?
Lastly, can I build an even better system within my budget using a Core i5 processor instead? I chose the Phenom II X3 because it was a lot cheaper and has great overclocking capabilities, but I also hear great things about i5's right now.
Thanks in advance for all the replies and suggestions!
- LIAN LI Lancool PC-K7B Black Aluminum/ SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112154 - GIGABYTE GA-770T-USB3 AM3 AMD 770 USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128431 - AMD Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition Heka 2.8GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Processor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103652 - HIS Radeon HD 5770 1GB 128-bit GDDR5
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161317 - G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231193 - Western Digital Caviar Black 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5"
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319 - Antec EarthWatts EA650 650W Continuous Power ATX12V Ver.2.2 / EPS12V
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015 - ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204 - SAMSUNG 933HD+ High Glossy Black 18.5" 5ms HDMI Widescreen LCD HDTV Monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001340 - Sunbeam CR-CCTF 120 mm Core-Contact Freezer CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835207004
My biggest gripe about my processor choice is it does not come with a warranty since it's OEM and not retail, but I have heard good things about it in terms of overclocking and unlocking the 4th processor. Anyone here have experience with Phenom II X3's or can someone recommend me an alternative without going overboard on price.
Also, I'm unsure of my motherboard choice - will it go well with my processor or should I go with something else? I want something that will allow me to upgrade in the future.
Total price: $973.90 without shipping - it's just within my $1000 price range, but I would like to go lower without sacrificing performance. Less than $900 would be best case scenario for me, so are there any ways I can save money with my setup?
Lastly, can I build an even better system within my budget using a Core i5 processor instead? I chose the Phenom II X3 because it was a lot cheaper and has great overclocking capabilities, but I also hear great things about i5's right now.
Thanks in advance for all the replies and suggestions!