build me a computer =)

[ConscriptVirus]

im finally going to college and getting a new computer. (cant believe im acutally making a post like this)

budget is about $700-$800 and ill need everything except for a monitor/mouse/keyboard/headphones.

my focus is on the CPU and other stuff that wont be obselete quickly, so GPU isnt that important to me right now. and ill prob be using Vista -_-

k thanks.

[Kreepy Kitteh =^o.O^=]

Re: build me a computer =)

LOL OWNED :)

[jake_]

Re: build me a computer =)

LOL OWNED :)

[Kreepy Kitteh =^o.O^=]

Re: build me a computer =)

LOL OWNED :)

[ConscriptVirus]

Re: build me a computer =)

LOL OWNED :)

[Corkum]

Re: build me a computer =)

LOL OWNED :)

[Vash2051]

Re: build me a computer =)

LOL OWNED :)

[Kreepy Kitteh =^o.O^=]

Re: build me a computer =)

LOL OWNED :)

[ConscriptVirus]

Re: build me a computer =)

LOL OWNED :)

[Corkum]

Re: build me a computer =)

LOL OWNED :)

[jesus]

Re: build me a computer =)

LOL OWNED :)

[Eagle101]

Re: build me a computer =)

LOL OWNED :)

[TheSpark29]

Re: build me a computer =)

Recap:

Case: Cooler Master Mystique- $80
PSU: Corsair 520HX- $120
Motherboard: Asus P5K-E- $150
CPU: Intel E8400- $210
HSF: XIGMATEK HDT-S1283- $36
Memory: 4GB Crucial Ballistix- $95
GPU: evga 8800GT- $200
HDD: WD5000AAKS- $95

Total: $986

Obviously overbudget. Here's what you do.
1) Get this OCZ RAM instead. Cheaper than Ballistix.
2) Drop the HDD to a 250GB Seagate instead.
3) Change cases to a CM 690. Case comes down to personal preference. I like this one.
4) Corsair 550VX PSU. Cheaper.

So my final recommendation is:
Coolermaster 690 - $85
Corsair 550VX - $100 (-10)
Asus P5K-E - $140
Intel E8400 - $210
XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 - $40
OCZ 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2-800 - $95 (-30)
EVGA 8800GT - $ 200 (-30)
Seagate 250GB HDD - $ 65

Total: $935-$70=$865

I know its above your budget, but I highly suggest stretching it because this system is the cheapest mid-range gaming computer I can put together. If you spend any less, the balance of components is thrown off. (imo) (ie E8400 and a 9600GT seem lopsided...) So.. here you go! :)

[RDST]

Re: build me a computer =)

TheSpark29 has it I think. While I would still prefer the Q6600, the E8400 is a better way to cut cost and keep performance high. Not to mention the 690 case offers much more cooling potential then the Mystique. Also the PSU is top-notch.

Cutting the RAM down to 2 gb would be a good choice too. I use Vista x64 with my machine and I have no need for it. If you aren't doing extreme multi-tasking (video rendering and gaming at the same time) then you have no need for it. Besides the CPU speed has a great deal to do with RAM usage.

I believe that the only game that would even come close to using the extra RAM is Crysis.

[jake_]

Re: build me a computer =)

Yeah... the E8400 would probably be a better choice.
I would also suggest that if you're still over budget to cut the RAM down to 2 gigs. RAM is probably one of the easiest things to upgrade at any time, and 2 gigs is by no means insufficient.

ALso, personally, when I built I went with a slower CPU and overclocked it instead. Its more cost efficient especially if you're satisfied with 3.2 Ghz and need to save more money.


That would skim off even more money if necessary.