1st build – 1st draft :-)

[Jeri]

This site is wonderful and I want you all to know how much your efforts are appreciated.

My husband and friends think I'm crazy to build my own system when Dell's are so cheap. We need 2 systems - so we'll see how this one goes before deciding where the 2nd one comes from. :-)

We are not “currently” into gaming – but with two kids (12 & 8) – who knows what the future will bring...

I have a loose budget of $1000 – for a complete system.

MotherBoard:

Had my eye on the BIOSTAR TForce4U: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813138270

After reading this site, I’m pretty sold on the ASUS A8N5X: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131569

But what do I do about FireWire???


CPU: AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103535


Video Card:

Had my eye on the XFX Geforce 6600GT http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150098

But look at this one on sale for less. Is this is a better deal??? XFX Geforce 6800XT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814150130


Hard Drive: WD Caviar 80GB SATA150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822135106


Memory: Corsair ValueSelect 1GB (2x512MB) 184-Pin DDR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145440


Case:

I was all set to buy the Antec Sonata II because of the wonderful reviews all over the net.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811129155

But as long as I’m building this thing – I might as well have a little fun and “show”. Right??? Soooooo – now I have my eye on this one:
ASPIRE X-Cruise: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16811144151


PSU: If I go with the Sonata – this is a non issue. If I go with the Aspire – I will have to buy one. Do I need a PS with a blue light since the Aspire has a clear side panel? Is that a dumb question? :-) I don’t want to spend any more than is necessary here. I know the Antec PSU’s are highly rated – but they are also pricey. Are there others that are just as good (or close enough) and perhaps cost less?


DVD/CD R/W: I was thinking of getting one with LiteScribe because I thought my kids would enjoy this feature. Let me know if you think this is a mistake.


Monitor, keyboard, and mouse: Because of very limited space – I would prefer a 19” LCD and wireless keyboard & mouse. I would love some recommendations.

OS: My plan was to buy XP Home (as opposed to Pro) because I figured Vista will be coming along soon and I will be upgrading within the year. Is this the correct idea?


FDD: Do I really need one?


Speakers: Because of limited space – I would love to find an LCD with decent speakers – or perhaps a speaker bar that attaches to the bottom of the LCD? Otherwise – I will pick up some inexpensive (but highly rated) speakers.


OK – That’s it! I have been researching this for so long – my husband doesn’t believe I will actually do it. But I think I’m close...

Thanks!

Jeri

[glc]

Concur with the A8N5X. You can buy a Firewire PCI card for $15. Get a eVGA 6600GT, XFX is a questionable quality brand. Stick with the Sonata, it's built like a German automobile. Litescribe is a fun toy and Lite-On has them now. For reasonbly priced LCD's, I like BenQ and Acer. For wireless keyboard and mouse, get Logitech. XP Home is fine, no need to even think Vista yet. For 8 bucks, a floppy is something worthwhile to have even if you don't install it and keep it in a drawer. No such thing as decent LCD-mounted speakers, just get a 2.1 set with small satellites and stash the subwoofer under the desk or behind something.

[messiah34]

The case is a good choice because i have it and love it. I think you should go with 3700 though instead of the 3200. Might extend the lifespand a little. YOur ram is fine. I would go with a bigger HDD though. Atleast 160. You can get them around 80 bucks. Not much of an increase in price. Also try to get SATA 3gbs. It has faster transfer rates. I have an acer 19" from circuit city which i got for around 250 bucks after 50dollar rebate. So i would agree with GLC on monitor.

[Puma]

On the hard drive, get a bigger one like messiah said, but don't worry about SATA 3Gb... it doesn't really make a difference with today's hard drives.

Sounds like you should ready Sharky Extreme's value gaming pc guide:

http://www.sharkyextreme.com/guides/MVGSBG/article.php/3590876

They use $1000 too, and they do a really good job of explaining your options and how to get the most out of your budget. In fact, they can even afford a 6800GS 256MB card for the build. Definately give it a read...

[glc]

Check out the $1000 build in Tips and Tricks - it parallels this very nicely. A dual core 3800+ and a 6800GS may fit in that budget if you watch prices carefully.

[Jeri]

All I can say is “Wow” and “Thanks”.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sharky Extreme's value gaming pc guide. I have learned so much – but it is obvious that I still have much to learn. The Internet, forums like these, and most importantly, folks like you willing to give your time and knowledge – have changed the world. :-)

Jeri