Best rig I can build for around $700

[KingBernard]

So, my friend is asking me for some help building the best computer he can get for around $700.

I went through yesterday and through together a rough build trying to keep costs down, and it ended up at $872.

I put it on a wish list on Newegg here: http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/...Number=4445105

I'd really appreciate any suggestions to cut down on the price. Also, I realize that Intel's gonna be cutting their processor prices on July 22, so I'm gonna try to convince him to wait till then, but that still wouldn't cut the price down to what he wants it, so more trimming is necessary.

Also, I had a question that I came across: why is the GeForce 7900 more expensive than the 8500? I guess I'm just a noob, but I was assuming that the 8 series was better than the 7 series (not just at the top-end). Which of these (or any others) would be the best choice for this kind of budget build?

Thanks in advance.

[blue60007]

The 8500 is on the lower end of 8 series while the 7900 is at the top of the 7 series. Will your friend be gaming?

Don't forget the memory....you could look at the E4300. That'd save $50.

[KingBernard]

Yes he'll be gaming. At the moment, I know that he at least plays quite a bit of Battlefield 2, which won't be hard to run, but if possible I'm sure he'd appreciate something that could handle better than that.

[jer888]

I know your trying to CUT costs, but if hes going to be moving that case around at all, or is just generally rough on his stuff (me) then that case isn't going to take much abuse.

Also, you don't want an open box motherboard. The motherboard comes with all the cables and things you need and you want a manual for sure, so get the retail on that for sure, or make sure you know every single cable you are going to need and buy them separately.

[doubledragon5]

Video: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121062

Power Supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817171007

Hard drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148230

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115014

If he can't wait until july look at the above parts... Those parts total with yours equal $688.91

[blue60007]

Have you had good experiences with that power supply? I'm not sure I'd trust a $30 power supply. I know there's budget constraints, but I wouldn't build using low-quality parts for a friend. Same for video...fits in the budget, but I'll warn you it won't game very well. It's going to steal 256MB of the system memory for Hypermemory. (which is pretty stupid considering the 256MB onboard is more than enough)

[doubledragon5]

I haven't used it but haven't heard anything wrong with it either.. It is listed under good.. And the video well if his friend is on a tight budget then that card should be sufficient until he can afford a decent upgrade..