Hi guys,

As my last computer (store bought) has just about had it, I have decided that it may be time for me to have a go at building my own PC. I'm not looking for anything overly flashy, just something that can get the job done. I will be using this PC for Web Browsing, watching DVD's, playing Video games, and Word Processing.

To this end, I have attempted to put togethor a system that will meet all these needs for around $1000 AUD (Australian Dollars). If you, the reader, can give me some helpful tips on my selection (especially if it reduces the cost ), I would greatly appreciate it. I could also use some suggestions on the type of OS to use.

Since I have to use my friends computer, I won't be able to reply straight away.

All these components are listed on:
http://www.ccw.com.au/
http://www.itsdirect.com.au/


CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo E4600 2.4GHz 2MB Cache CPU

Price: $180.00

From: http://www.ccw.com.au/


Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L Motherboard

Price: $129.00

From: http://www.ccw.com.au/


RAM
Corsair 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 667 (PC5300 - VS2GBKIT667D2) Value Select Ram Module Kit

Price: $59.20

Link: http://www.itsdirect.com.au/com_pr [...] Kit_%0D%0A


Hard Drive
Seagate 160GB (ST3160815AS) 7200.10 SATA II Hard Drive 8MB Cache 7200 RPM

Price: $78.20

Link: http://www.itsdirect.com.au/com_pr [...] he_7200RPM


Optical Drives
Sony 1.44 MB Floppy Disk Drive (Black)

Price: $15.35

Link: http://www.itsdirect.com.au/com_pr [...] ve__Black_


Asus DRW-2014L1T 20 x DVD+-RW 14 x DVD-RAM LightScribe SATA

Price: $59.00

From: http://www.ccw.com.au/


Video Card
Galaxy nVidia Geforce 8800GT 512mb PCI Express Graphics Card

Price: $318.51

Link: http://www.itsdirect.com.au/com_pr [...] phics_Card


PSU
Cooler Master eXtreme Power 550W Power Supply (RP-550-PCAR)

Price: $110.00

From: http://www.ccw.com.au/


Case
Thermaltake Matrix Case (No PSU)

Price: $82.50

Link: http://www.itsdirect.com.au/com_pr [...] e__NO_PSU_

For 40 dollars more you can get the new e8400.Has 3 times the cache and is stock at 3 ghz.

Keep in mind he's quoting Australian $. According to the website he linked to for his processor, the E8400 is $289 instead of $180.

Clint

The PSU is so so. Get a Tier 2/3:

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forum [...] p?t=108088

What games do you play?

I finally get access to a computer.

Yes, I have noticed that computer components in Australia are a little more pricey than there US counterparts. I was actually considering the E6550 though as it is on special on that site (www.ccw.com.au) for $219.

Thanks for the input.

Would the Zalman ZM-500-HP be more appropriate ($141.20), or would I need to go for the 600W version?

Link: http://www.itsdirect.com.au/com_pr [...] upply_Unit

In terms of games, not certain yet. Due to my old PC, been out of computer gaming for a while. Definately Empires at War though, and I will most likely take a shot at Supreme Commander among others.

Cheers.

The ZM-500 would more than meet your needs. You could easily go with the ZM-460.
Also look at the Corsair VX-550 and Corsair VX-450 AUD$105. Any of those will have plenty of power for your new rig.

I suggest going with the VX-450 and swapping out the DDR2667 RAM for Corsair XMS DDR2 800 AUD$91.50

E4600 vs E6550 - the performance difference between 2.4Ghz 800FSB/2MB cahce vs 2.33Ghz 1333FSB/4MB should be very slight and easily made up through light overclocking. Either one will be a great choice.

So it's RTS that you're gonna play. Don't miss out:

http://pc.ign.com/objects/771/771526.html

Zalman is very quiet. In fact, silent. The Corsair VX 450 is more than enough for that build, unless you plan to upgrade GPU.