Help, building a PC

[Mnemosyne]

I've decided on building a PC. As far as putting it together I've done it before, So I don't need help there. I'm need helping on deciding what to buy. I haven't kept up with what's good or whats out there. I'm looking to build something $800 to $1000. The cheaper the better. If Any one wants to make suggestions, I'd appreciate it

Edit!.. Forgot to say it will be used mainly for gaming

[freakitchen]

Welcome to the forums!

What tasks will you be using this computer for?

FK

[Mnemosyne]

Originally Posted by Freakitchen Welcome to the forums! What tasks will you be using this computer for? FK

I'll be using it for gaming

[freakitchen]

I'd be looking at building an Intel Core 2 Duo system based around the following specs:

C2D E6300
ASUS P5B Motherboard
Corsair VS DDR2-667 RAM (preferably 2GB)
Antec Sonata II Case (includes quality 450w PSU)

The video card dictates gaming performance - but it makes little sense to blow the big bucks on a DX9 card with DX10 just around the corner. I'd get a mid range video card as a 'place holder' right now. Consider an nVidia 7600 GS/GT as the minium, and an ATI x1950Pro as the maximum depending on how your budget works out.

Then add the extras:

Seagate 250GB 7200.10 SATA hard drive
Lite-on DVD Burner
Windows XP Home.

Price something like that up on Newegg, then we'll have a look at tweaking it to fit your budget if it goes over.

FK

[newbuilder14]

Right now, the Intel Core 2 Duos are the best option for gaming as well as other tasks. I'd configure a system around a Core 2 Duo E6300 and an Asus P5B motherboard paired with Corsair ValueSelect memory and a Seagate 7200.10 hard drive.

[jayb1234]

I would lean toward an E6600 if the budget allows it.

As far as the XP/DX9 vs Vista/DX10 issue, a DX10 card will take a huge bite out of your budget, and it is liable to be a while before the budget level DX10 cards are out.

Xp and whatever video card the budget can handle would seem to be a good choice for now.

Then you can save up some cash for Vista and a DX10 card when they release some of the less expensive versions.

[Mnemosyne]

Thank you your help
I still don't know what to buy for a Graphics card, as it stands right now I have about 200 dollars for one. Not sure if thats enough, Suggestions would be nice, Thanks

[freakitchen]

You're doing the right thing in not spending over $200 at the moment for a video card, for the DX10 reasons i mentioned above.

I just purchased this card for myself - and it's bang on $200 after rebate. Great performance for the money, plays the most demanding games at 1280x1024 resolution with top visual effects. It also has relatively low power consumption, and runs cool.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814131027

FK