tl;dr:$450 budget, buying by April 5th, no GPU, will upgrade processor/memory/PSU in December, at least 120GB space, dont need OS as long as adhere to $450 budget, MOBO needs overclockable, lga1150, 4 dimm slots and 1 x16 bus, 802.11g/n wireless
(am putting at top so you don't read whole thing then find the *tl;dr* after already reading it)
long version:
(am putting at top so you don't read whole thing then find the *tl;dr* after already reading it)
long version:
I am going to build a start-up desktop for college. I just got accepted to my reach (YES!) and I have been saving what meager funds I have for my own computer. I currently use my family's PC, we only have one for a family of 3, and I cannot take it with me to college.
I am looking to expand on it in December (My birthday is the 10th) but have it here and built by April 5th (When Spring Break starts for me!)
I am not new to computers, I have taken AP Comp Sci (basic programming...) and have the A+, Network+, and CCNA certifications (am currently working towards my Security+). But, as far as "New" tech and price/performance "yadda yadda" goes, I am out of the loop (have never been in it).
This desktop does not need a GPU (will buy in December) or any peripherals (mouse, keyboard, speakers, network card, sound card). It needs an operating system, but through my computer instructor I can get a discount on 64-bit Windows 7 (52$, so realistic budget is ~$450).
I need at least 120GB of space (20GB for vista and 100GB for applications and documents, I don't need much space at all). Hard drive cannot be slower than 32B cache/5400RPM.
I want to upgrade the processor later on, and I think having LGA1150 is best for this, but for now, keep it cheap. Also MOBO needs to be able to overclock and have at least 4 DIMM slots (not looking to upgrade MOBO, it also needs to meet 802.11g/n network standards for wireless.
Memory, at least 2GB for now (1x2GB stick), will expand to 8GB by December. The memory speed is not important, I have done testing in lab environment at HS and found 1333Mhz/1600Mhz/1866Mhz to be negligible in FPS.
PSU, 80+ Bronze minimum, keep it above 300W for now, can buy another later.
Games I will play are Empire/Napoleon/Shogun 2 TW, Crusader Kings 2, Victoria 2, Europa Universalis 4, dota 2, bf4, Civ 5
I am looking to expand on it in December (My birthday is the 10th) but have it here and built by April 5th (When Spring Break starts for me!)
I am not new to computers, I have taken AP Comp Sci (basic programming...) and have the A+, Network+, and CCNA certifications (am currently working towards my Security+). But, as far as "New" tech and price/performance "yadda yadda" goes, I am out of the loop (have never been in it).
This desktop does not need a GPU (will buy in December) or any peripherals (mouse, keyboard, speakers, network card, sound card). It needs an operating system, but through my computer instructor I can get a discount on 64-bit Windows 7 (52$, so realistic budget is ~$450).
I need at least 120GB of space (20GB for vista and 100GB for applications and documents, I don't need much space at all). Hard drive cannot be slower than 32B cache/5400RPM.
I want to upgrade the processor later on, and I think having LGA1150 is best for this, but for now, keep it cheap. Also MOBO needs to be able to overclock and have at least 4 DIMM slots (not looking to upgrade MOBO, it also needs to meet 802.11g/n network standards for wireless.
Memory, at least 2GB for now (1x2GB stick), will expand to 8GB by December. The memory speed is not important, I have done testing in lab environment at HS and found 1333Mhz/1600Mhz/1866Mhz to be negligible in FPS.
PSU, 80+ Bronze minimum, keep it above 300W for now, can buy another later.
Games I will play are Empire/Napoleon/Shogun 2 TW, Crusader Kings 2, Victoria 2, Europa Universalis 4, dota 2, bf4, Civ 5
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