I'd like to start that i am planning to buy a comp in 2-3 months. I have never built a comp before and i don't plan on building from scratch. I rather just buy something so-so and turn it into something pretty high end.
My experience with comps consist of removing/adding ram, videocards, fans, harddrives....such that people that know me tell me i can probably build a computer from scratch without much hassle....
But the thing is, I don't want to spend the hours building/installing, and i'd like some warrenty....so most likely i am planning on buying a comp from a site, such as ibuypower/cyberpowerpc/or any other....and slapping some horsepower in it.
My current comp is a 2.5 year old bussiness dell (4700 series//amazing deal at the time) and upgraded to x800gto and to 1.5gigs of ram. This time i do not want the restrictions of a dell comp.
So with all that said...what i'm trying to do is find a site (if there is any) better than ibuypower/cyberpower pc and get a decent deal (with operating system included) for around $500-700 then spending $200 on a dx10 video card, $200 on ram, and whatever else comes to mind...
Here's where i need help....
What's the best place to buy a built barebone system to upgrade? (with vista)
Should i get the cheapest dual core cpu and then upgrade in Q3 to C2D or Q2D where the price cuts hit or not? (and how easy is it to replace cpu? easier than taking out ram/videocard?)
My budget is 1000-1200 (prefer to spendless), so with that in mind, spending 600 on it being built and shipped from somewhere what's the most bang for the buck i can get? (i personally find it wasteful to spend more than 200 on videocard)
Recommend motherboard? It seems as if motherboards are really as important as the cpu you pick.
I also have never OC'ed(nor done any research on it) but i can learn, does having a easier to use mobo help?
I've done some testing and currently with about 1200 spent i can get what i think i can play Crysis on atleast high settings....
So bottom line
$500-700 on prebuilt comp - w/vista, decent psu, mobo
$400 on RAM and dx10 videocard
$100-200 on anything else i might need?? (nicer keyboard, mouse, etc)
Anyway, i'm a bargin hunter, so i appreicate all your help.
I know you are apprehensive to build your own, but it sounds like you have a good idea of what to do and have done a little in the past. I would suggest you just build one. You would save a lot of money, and learn quite a bit too. Plus I am sure everyone on here would be willing to help you where necessary.
not sure, quick check on Pricewatch found this place, with a ton of choices, of the MBs I think the Asus is better then most of the other low end boards
Asus Barebones w/ Intel Core 2 Duo E4300
I'm looking toward an ASUS mobos for my system, but have no idea which one is good...actually i have little knowledge of motherboards...so any tips? nforce 650i is what i'm considering...but i don't plan on using SLI and it seems expensive...
just 1 high end video card is enough for me...i'm looking at 8600 ultra (200ish dollar type directx10 vid card).
Oh yeah, and RAM compatiablity is important...i'm going to slap 4gigs of drr2 800 (so it should support 800mhz)
Any suggestions on selecting a mobo?
As for cpu...4300 or even 6300 (i'll overclock if its easy to do) is good enough for a year or two then i'll upgrade it to Q2D.
That site looked really good, thanks for the link!
Oh, the comp will be for gaming...so which mobo would people suggest here?
As for barebone systems...i've never installed an OS, i have two brand new harddrives sitting at home...do i just plug the HD in there and boot up the CD or is it more complex?
You should start with 2 gb RAM 2x1GB sticks. More than you need now speed wise but you have to look to the upgrade also.
a 650i MB is more than most people need for 1 video card but it also have many good features that you might not find in lower cost MBs.
If you are going to upgrade, get the e4300, will pump up to 3.0 and give loads of power. Then you knows what will be out there.
You pretty much have the idea on the OS, the CD will load, tell you to format the drive and just do the rest.
since i plan on using 1 video card, is there a cheaper alternative Mobo?
Also how many fans/cooling/psu would you recommend?
I was planning on getting a barebone like that from the site and buy the upgraded cooling...
This is what i currently have in mind....
Asus Barebones w/ Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 (1.8GHz) (LGA775)
Asus P5N32-E SLI Plus Core 2 Duo nForce 650i SLI DDR2-800 IEEE1394 A&2GbE ATX Motherboard
Cooling Package w/ Performance CPU Fan, 2 BB Case Fans & Arctic Silver
Windows Vista Home Premium
Standard Mid Tower Case - Black (Includes 450 Watt Power Supply)
Standard 450 Watt Power Supply
----650 bucks total-----
Going to get 4gigs of ram
Direct 10x videocard
A better PSU somewhere else
