Mid-range rig; opinions/suggestions?

J

JaYp146

Supreme [H]ardness
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Apr 24, 2005
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Okay, building a computer for a friend...he wants a midrange gaming PC that will be easily upgradeable in a year plus for about $750. How's this look:

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103637 $101
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820141225 $69
Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813130050 $86
Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811119077 $66
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817189003 $50
Video: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130020 $105(ish)
[H]ard drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822145088 $65
DVDRW: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16827106014 $34
Monitor: http://www.chiefvalue.com/product/productdetails.aspx?linkid=7000&item=24-009-083 $190

Mouse&keyboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823109139 $30


Total :

$773


Thoughts suggestions? This is my first AM2 build so go easy on me... :D
 
I can't say anything bad about that motherboard, but the Biostar in my sig hasn't given me any headaches, and it has a lot of overclocking options.

You should probably get a different PSU, unless you're using a 20->24pin adapter. The main connector needs to match the connector on the motherboard.

For the hard drive, I always reccommend Western Digital above all else.

If your friend will be overclocking, then you might want to consider picking up some DDR2-800 and a better CPU cooler, if not now then in the future. If he plays heavy-duty games like BF2, then I recommend 2GB (2x1GB) now, even if it's slower DDR2-533.
 
I would watchout on that monitor. Remember you get what you pay for......IMO Samsung or Viewsonic are a little more reliable for not that much more money
 
-=Antimatter=- said:
You should probably get a different PSU, unless you're using a 20->24pin adapter. The main connector needs to match the connector on the motherboard.
Click to expand...
The Xclio 450BL is a 24pin psu (20+4) :p

OP: the Xclio is probably the most highly recommended budget psu, it should work just fine
 
-=Antimatter=- said:
I can't say anything bad about that motherboard, but the Biostar in my sig hasn't given me any headaches, and it has a lot of overclocking options.

You should probably get a different PSU, unless you're using a 20->24pin adapter. The main connector needs to match the connector on the motherboard.

For the hard drive, I always reccommend Western Digital above all else.

If your friend will be overclocking, then you might want to consider picking up some DDR2-800 and a better CPU cooler, if not now then in the future. If he plays heavy-duty games like BF2, then I recommend 2GB (2x1GB) now, even if it's slower DDR2-533.
Click to expand...

Nah, he won't be playing BF2. Won't be overclocking.

I've had great experiences with all of the major hard drive makers (dating back to 1995) except Samsung and Maxtor, so IMHO this Hitachi is the best option. And besides, it's not like this Deskstar is akin to the IBM "Deathstars" of years past. ;)

Thanks for the input on the motherboard; any other ideas regarding that issue? I, too, have heard good things about the Biostar ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813138026 )...

Any other opinions on a mobo for this particular system?
 
I'd look into a 16MB cache hard drive. They perform a little faster. Also if you friend can spare the cash go to at least 250GB.

Oh and IBM sold their hard drive line to Hitachi. They may not be the deathstars anymore though but I don't know.
 
ryan_975 said:
I'd look into a 16MB cache hard drive. They perform a little faster. Also if you friend can spare the cash go to at least 250GB.

Oh and IBM sold their hard drive line to Hitachi. They may not be the deathstars anymore though but I don't know.
Click to expand...

I know that IBM sold their line to Hitachi; however, from what I've heard, these new Deskstars do not have the issues the original ATA drives were plagued by in the late 90's / early 00's.

He doesn't need any more space than 160; money is a factor (I'm trying to stay under $800 if at all possible...)

Thanks for the input.
 
I think it's a fantastic build. None of the components are bad selections at all.....rare!

My one suggestion would be to trade out the MSI 7600 and go for this eVGA model because of two reasons: 1. It'll save you a tenner. 2. You'll have the most amazing eVGA tech support/rma service available. Arguably the best in the biz so if your buddy's card bursts into flames at any point he'll be able to get a replacement with as few headaches as possible.

That GS will also overclock quite well....he'll have quite a decent rig.
 
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