<$1000 Complete Build

[sendintheclowns]

Hi HardForumers,

I've been wanting and wishing to build a new computer for quite some time now, and recently received a bonus that I am going to put towards a new system. I will be replacing my 5-year old Dell desktop, and donating it to a family member, so I need a complete system - monitor, KB, cables, etc. This will be my first complete build, and before I make any purchases I'd like to run it by everyone and see what you think.

Ok - this must be under $1000 total, and the lower the better. I use it as a general-purpose machine - moderate gaming, DVD/Music entertainment, light office work, etc. I'd like to overclock, but it must be within reason since I'd like this system to last for two years with only moderate upgrades. I'm sure that at some point in this thread I'll be told "Buy a Dell," but I'm doing this for more than just a "Bang-for-your-buck" thing - I'd like the experience of building my own system. So unless I get a drastically better deal from a huge system builder, I'd really prefer to build it from parts.

Without further ado, this is my list as it looks currently:

$119 - Abit EP35 Motherboard
$90 (before $15 rebate) - EVGA 7600GT Video Card
$126 - Intel C2D 4400 Processor
$88 - 2GB (2 X 1GB) GSkill DDR2-800
$80 - 320GB Seagate HD
$15 - Keyboard
$25 - Logitech MX310
$250 (before $30 rebate) - Chimei 22" LCD Monitor
$30 - Samsung CD/DVD Burner
$31 - Logitech Speakers
$7 - Apevia 120mm case fan
$6 - Apevia 80mm case fan

$868 total, not including $45 by way of Mail In Rebates. So I have a little bit of wiggle room. Here are my biggest questions:

1.) Will I regret going with an older video card like the 7600GT with this monitor? I don't play any new games, and my thinking is to use this until a better mainstream card comes out. I've been reading and the 8600 xxx don't seem great.

2.) I have a FAR Ultra Wizard case and 500W V-series power supply that I got back in February in anticipation of a build. Will these both be sufficient?

3.) Have I overlooked any cables or any other vital part of a build?

I haven't decided on an OS yet. I don't really want to bite on Vista yet, but don't have an extra XP key lying around, so I may use Ubuntu as a stop-gap until Vista SP1.

Thank you, as always, for your help!

 

[engiNURD]

1) probably not. its a good idea to wait.... I would.

2) they'll suffice until you get a high end vidcard. The ultra case is ok. The ultra v-series is ok, too, for low end builds. Be sure to upgrade this before adding a nice vidcard.

3) Go for a yate loon 120mm fan instead of the Apevia. The ultra wizard came with one fan, but I forgot which one, lol.

If you can find some DDR2-667 for much cheaper than $88, then go for them instead. With the high CPU multiplier on the E4400, you really don't need DDR2-800. Looks good so far!

 

[sendintheclowns]

Great, thank you! I'll be ordering within the next 2-3 days.

 

[sendintheclowns]

I just came across a 7900GS that would cost $100 after the Mail In Rebate. Would this be recommended over the $75 AR 7600GT, knowing that I'm likely to replace it after a better mainstream card (probably DX10) comes out? Would my V-Series 500W Power Supply still be sufficient?

 

[engiNURD]

imo, since you're going with a 22" monitor, i think it would be a better choice for only $25 more, but thats really up to you. and yes, it will probably be sufficient, but thats pushing it.