First Computer Build. $1000 budget.

[CactusLoser]

As the title says, this is my first computer build ever.
I am 18, and recently got my first job.
I have been saving up, and am ready to take the plunge.
I do not use my computer for hardcore gaming, per say.
I play Everquest.
But I want a computer that will let me try new games as they come out.
Hoping to make a build that will keep me impressed for a few years, but be upgradeable when the time comes.

I have some items picked out, listed below.
I am new to this, so I figured I would share them with you all and get some opinions.

--------------------------------------

Motherboard: Intel BOXDG43GT LGA 775 Intel G43 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

Processor: Intel Core2 Duo E7500 Wolfdale 2.93GHz 3MB L2 Cache LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor

Graphics Card: EVGA 512-P3-N871-AR GeForce 9800 GTX+ 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

Tower: COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Power Supply: Antec earthwatts EA500 500W Continuous Power ATX12V v2.0 SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC "Compatible with Core i7/Core i5" Power Supply

RAM: WINTEC AMPX 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 3AXT6400C5-4096K

Monitor: Acer X223Wbd Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 2500:1

--------------------------------------
The monitor is optional, but a huge upgrade over my current display.

I have been wanting to upgrade my computer for ages.
I currently have an eMachine T6212. Everything is still stock.
I got it for my birthday years ago, for $700 (after MIR)

The eMachine came with a monitor, speakers, and a 160GB Hard Drive that I would feel fine keeping...but if the budget has room for an upgrade then I would happily take it.

I would like a new CD/DVD RW drive, as my current one sticks.

I do not need a new keyboard or mouse.


I guess that is all.
I'm really looking for feedback on the items I have chosen.
If something I have picked can be replaced with something better for a few extra dollars, then I would like to know.

I'm sure you all know what to do.
I've seen you help others out.
Thanks in advance.

 

[bkolk]

Whats your budget?
I would go for an amd athlon II X4 over the e7200. E7200 is older and for the money not as good, and the socket does not allow for upgradeability either later.

 

[farinha]

PSU: Newegg.com - CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Power Supplies - $110

CPU: Newegg.com - Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor - Processors - Desktops - $200


Mobo: Newegg.com - ASUS P7P55D PRO LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Intel Motherboards - $170

RAM: Newegg.com - G.SKILL Trident 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL8D-4GBTD - Desktop Memory - $110

Monitor: Newegg.com - Acer X223Wbd Black 22" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 2500:1 - LCD Monitors - $160 the one you suggested, I'm no expert on monitors.

Case: Case: Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Computer Cases - $60 the one you suggested, I'm no expert in cases.

GPU: Newegg.com - XFX HD-577A-ZNFC Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

This will total $990 plus shipping. You have to keep your hdd for a while. Or you can buy this one and and it all cost you $1050 plus shipping.

HDD: Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive - $75

 

[Muffin Man]

as bkolk asked, whats your budget?

youve mentioned that youd like a new monitor and hdd if your budget allows, but do you also need an OS?

 

[farinha]

the budget is on the topic, $1000.

 

[Muffin Man]

that wasent there before... >.<

 

[farinha]

It was when you posted It was when I first posted.

 

[CactusLoser]

Heh. Yeah. Sorry, I had to go to work.
I put the budget in the title, as pointed out.
(It is $1000, but could go over if needed.)

Also, bkolk, I do not know much when it comes to processors..but I currently have an AMD processor and would like to give Intel a shot.

Farinha, your recommendations seem great.
Especially the processor and the motherboard.
I was iffy about the graphics card at first, but after seeing that it supports DirectX11 where mine did not, I changed my mind.

I am not sure if I need that intense of a power source, but I'm sticking with your recommendation.
It may be good to have in the future.

The RAM you mentioned was sold out on Newegg, but I suppose I could find it elsewhere.
I am curious why you suggested it over what I had chosen though.

Still waiting on someone else to give feedback on my chosen tower / monitor
Or offer other suggestions than what was already mentioned.

 

[Druid]

i5 cpu's need DDR3 memory. Yours was DDR2.

Cooler Master makes good towers. You're fine.

 

[CactusLoser]

You know, I totally looked at that and noted in my head and apparently forgot when I wrote my reply.
Thank you for pointing that out again.

Thanks for the confirmation on the Cooler Master Tower as well.
Going to tally it up and see what the damage is.

With all the items mentioned above, excluding the ram: $824.

I added This RAM and the total went to: $926.

After adding a 1 year warranty to the motherboard and powersource: $967.

No shipping charges.

Does that RAM work?
Also, what about a new disc drive?