So I just got my Christmas bonus which brings me 1 step closer to making my build. I still don't know if I'm going to go through with it as I don't live at home at the moment (living at my aunt's place to save me $8 in tolls and 1 hour in commute everyday), but I really, REALLY, want to get one.
1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
Light gaming mostly. Looking to play L4D, TF2, and perhaps Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3.
2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread I'd like to hold it around $500 if at all possible.
3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
USA, New Jersey to be precise. I'd like to try to avoid the Newegg tax, though the bulk of my parts will still come from there (MIR is just too enticing).
4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc, etc, etc, you get the picture.None really, though I would like to build my first Intel rig for myself (built a ton, but none for myself). I'm just looking to get the best bang for the buck.
5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
I'm planning on reusing my cousin's old Antec Sonata III case and an old, OLD 19" LCD monitor which I plan on upgrading in the future (probably to 22-24")
6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
A ton. Been getting a lot of different opinions, obviously, but I've compiled a list based on my needs (budget, purpose, etc.)
7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Will do some mild OCing, but nothing extreme. Again, I'm looking for best bang for the buck in my price range.
8. WHEN do you plan to build it?
In the next few weeks.
I should also mention that I would like SOME upgradeability... basically, upgrading to a quad-core in a year or so if prices drop steeply.
Here's what I've got so far:
Intel E5200 $80
Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3L $100 - $15MIR
G.Skill 4gb (2x2gb) $40
OCZ StealthXStream 500w $55 - $30MIR
ASUS EN9800GT (+ COD:WAW, yay) $130 - $25 MIR
WD 6400AAKS $70
Cheapo DVD+-RW $22
Total Price (after shipping and tax) ~$540
Total Price After Rebates ~$475
Any suggestions are appreciated! Thanks!
1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
Light gaming mostly. Looking to play L4D, TF2, and perhaps Starcraft 2 and Diablo 3.
2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread I'd like to hold it around $500 if at all possible.
3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
USA, New Jersey to be precise. I'd like to try to avoid the Newegg tax, though the bulk of my parts will still come from there (MIR is just too enticing).
4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc, etc, etc, you get the picture.None really, though I would like to build my first Intel rig for myself (built a ton, but none for myself). I'm just looking to get the best bang for the buck.
5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
I'm planning on reusing my cousin's old Antec Sonata III case and an old, OLD 19" LCD monitor which I plan on upgrading in the future (probably to 22-24")
6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
A ton. Been getting a lot of different opinions, obviously, but I've compiled a list based on my needs (budget, purpose, etc.)
7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Will do some mild OCing, but nothing extreme. Again, I'm looking for best bang for the buck in my price range.
8. WHEN do you plan to build it?
In the next few weeks.
I should also mention that I would like SOME upgradeability... basically, upgrading to a quad-core in a year or so if prices drop steeply.
Here's what I've got so far:
Intel E5200 $80
Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS3L $100 - $15MIR
G.Skill 4gb (2x2gb) $40
OCZ StealthXStream 500w $55 - $30MIR
ASUS EN9800GT (+ COD:WAW, yay) $130 - $25 MIR
WD 6400AAKS $70
Cheapo DVD+-RW $22
Total Price (after shipping and tax) ~$540
Total Price After Rebates ~$475
Any suggestions are appreciated! Thanks!