This forum is pretty fabulous!
In addition to helping eachother with advanced computer questions,
it looks like you guys also have a bit of fun telling ignorant newbs how to get their stuff together-
If you could help me out with that I'd be grateful!
My 6-year-old system is finally starting to physically fail, so it's time for something new
I'm trying to stay around $500-$600
Use is light gaming, a little photo-editing, video (No separate TV, so this is where I'll watch DVDs & such)
I guess maybe the title "Media Center" applies - and of course internet, spreadsheets, Quicken etc.
CASE: I really like the smaller cases - the Microfly seems to get good reviews, takes full-sized components (except the microATX board) and looks cool - also the in-the-front, out-the-back cooling just intuitively sounds good.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1800610&CatId=3429
PSU: the Microfly comes with an optional 400W unit- my needs are pretty modest, do you think this might be sufficient? If not, it does take a fullsize PSU
PROCESSOR- I was thinking an AMD 64X2, about a 4400, but then I read the rather scathing AMD vs Intel article on the front page of this site! Now I'm wondering what the justification for going AMD is. Also, does it matter much what kind of cooling fan I go with, as long as it's compatible?
BOARD: this is where I have no idea. Other than compatability, & MicroATX so it fits in the case, I really don't know what makes a good motherboard.
RAM: 2GB,800Mhz, I think Corsair gets good reviews, maybe one of these
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2206874&Sku=C13-2022
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3089477&Sku=C13-6078
VIDEO CARD: This also is where I have no idea. It seems like everybody who's into it is spending more on their graphics than I want to spend on my whole system. What's a good budget option?
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200 500GB
I might add a tv tuner,
I'm also planning on buying a 22" widescreen to plug into it (not, of course, included in my modest budget)
So that's what I'm thinking so far - please tell me what you think.
Any input is valued!
Thanks!
In addition to helping eachother with advanced computer questions,
it looks like you guys also have a bit of fun telling ignorant newbs how to get their stuff together-
If you could help me out with that I'd be grateful!
My 6-year-old system is finally starting to physically fail, so it's time for something new
I'm trying to stay around $500-$600
Use is light gaming, a little photo-editing, video (No separate TV, so this is where I'll watch DVDs & such)
I guess maybe the title "Media Center" applies - and of course internet, spreadsheets, Quicken etc.
CASE: I really like the smaller cases - the Microfly seems to get good reviews, takes full-sized components (except the microATX board) and looks cool - also the in-the-front, out-the-back cooling just intuitively sounds good.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1800610&CatId=3429
PSU: the Microfly comes with an optional 400W unit- my needs are pretty modest, do you think this might be sufficient? If not, it does take a fullsize PSU
PROCESSOR- I was thinking an AMD 64X2, about a 4400, but then I read the rather scathing AMD vs Intel article on the front page of this site! Now I'm wondering what the justification for going AMD is. Also, does it matter much what kind of cooling fan I go with, as long as it's compatible?
BOARD: this is where I have no idea. Other than compatability, & MicroATX so it fits in the case, I really don't know what makes a good motherboard.
RAM: 2GB,800Mhz, I think Corsair gets good reviews, maybe one of these
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2206874&Sku=C13-2022
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3089477&Sku=C13-6078
VIDEO CARD: This also is where I have no idea. It seems like everybody who's into it is spending more on their graphics than I want to spend on my whole system. What's a good budget option?
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 7200 500GB
I might add a tv tuner,
I'm also planning on buying a 22" widescreen to plug into it (not, of course, included in my modest budget)
So that's what I'm thinking so far - please tell me what you think.
Any input is valued!
Thanks!