New Build ~1000

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lingorian

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May 14, 2008
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Finally got around to doing my taxes, and really need to upgrade my Athlon 3500+ AGP system!

I have around $1000 +/- $200... obviously cheaper is better -- but I don't want to cut unnecessary corners and would like an i7.

1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Gaming, I obviously haven't got to play any recent games. Don't need the latest crazy frame rate on any games that are 'new' (as in the past 2 years even). Only game I will want to forsure be able to play would be diablo 3 (but might have another PC before that happens!). Trying out warhammer, and playing company of heroes on a better machine might be nice.
I also do alot Flex and Java development... so compiles on big projects, and running a local dev server with tomcat/red5. This is just for development though (for the server part) -- I have a server for the real stuff.

2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
Shooting for $1000 -- a bit over would be OK, a bit under would be great. Shipping included.

3) Where do you live?
Wisconsin

4) What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. Please be very specific.
Everything, my old system is a 939/AGP. Hard drive and case could come over -- but I don't see this as a problem, rather have my old one as a usuable machine. So CPU, RAM, case, vid card, sound card, HDD, DVD, Power supply..... um everything.

5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
none.

6) Will you be overclocking?
nope.
7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
20" widescreen & 20" CRT (dual monitors)

8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
2 weeks - 1 month.

9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? etc.
I don't think I need any.

10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license?
I have a copy of vista ultimate (only 32-bit) I picked up as a promo copy that I can use. It's either that or use my XP from my current machine(after un-installing it of course). If a purchase of 64-bit is advised I could -- but would probably just rather wait till Windows 7 for this machine.

Thanks for any advice!
 
PC_User's build is a good start. If you want to save some cash, you can go with cheaper case like this:
$65 - Cooler Master RC-590-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$70 - Cooler Master Sileo 500 RC-500-KKN1-GP ATX Case
 
Thanks so much guys, this is really much more feasible that I thought it might be. Don't know if I should just not get an i7 to save even more cash or not -- but that really isn't my problem (not that I have one).

Some parts a friend of mine recommended are:
Radeon HD 4870 512MB $167

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W $100


G.SKILL 6GB $95

I'm so clueless with hardware these days, and these years really. All the prices are coming out right around where I want though... so again I'm pleasantly suprised!

Is there a big difference between the different ram and vidcard?

The MB looks like it may be a great deal because of the combo -- but also eying up this GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R
 
lingorian said:
Some parts a friend of mine recommended are:
Radeon HD 4870 512MB $167

G.SKILL 6GB $95

Is there a big difference between the different ram and vidcard?
Click to expand...

The $95 RAM has lower timings but uses more voltage whereas the RAM that PC_User linked to has higher timings but uses less voltage. Basically it's a tossup IMO.

GPU wise, I haven't looked up any reviews comparing a HD4850 1GB card to that of the HD4870 card. so can't help you there.

lingorian said:
The MB looks like it may be a great deal because of the combo -- but also eying up this GIGABYTE GA-EX58-UD3R
Click to expand...

The mobo that PC_User list in the combo link is the EXACT same mobo you linked to.
 
Danny Bui said:
PC_User's build is a good start. If you want to save some cash, you can go with cheaper case like this:
$65 - Cooler Master RC-590-KKN1-GP ATX Case
$70 - Cooler Master Sileo 500 RC-500-KKN1-GP ATX Case
Click to expand...
Man, that Sileo looks way overpriced. :(
 
I'd choose the video cards that has more video RAM (4850 1GB). If you search around, you can try to find better deals on video cards. 1GB 4870s can be had for about $185.

Personally, I'd also go with the RAM that I selected since it requires a lower voltage (mine is running at 1.52v) and the difference in timings won't make a real-world difference.

The power supply and motherboard that I recommended are the same as those recommended by your friend. Get the motherboard + i7 920 together in that combo to save money.
 
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