First Build ~$1,000 Budget Gaming

[xshyguyx]

I'm currently running on an old system that I can no longer upgrade, so It's time for a new computer.
This will be my first build from scratch and I will be primarily using it for gaming.
I have a budget and would like the system to come as close to $1000 as possible but if it goes over, that's fine.

This is what I have in mind so far:

Antec 900 - $119.99

Raidmax Quantum RX-700 700W power supply - $129.99

Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L Motherboard - $89.99

E8400 - $189.99

OCZ SLI Ready Edition 4Gb DDR2 800 PC6400 - $91.99

EVGA GeForce 8800GT Superclocked 512mb - $209.99

Seagate Barracuda 250gb - $64.99

Pioneer 20X DVD±R DVD Burner - $29.99

ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro - $26.99

Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 64-bit English - $189.99

TOTAL: $1,035.90

I will NOT be overclocking at all.
Also I won't be building for a few months and am very open to suggestions.

Thanks

 

[oushi]

Ditch the Raidmax PSU. Overpriced and of bad quality. Swap it to a Corsair 550VX or modular 520HX (buy.com for lowest price), and your rig will be great.

Why Vista Ultimate?

 

[ahmshaegar]

It's good that you're looking around and asking questions early on. Anyway, if you're not going to be building till a few months from now, things are going to be completely different then, which means you have two choices: keep the same components (except that PSU...) and pocket a few hundred dollars, or continue to spend approximately $1,000 and have a more powerful computer than your current planned build.

Either way, post back a few days before you actually order and build. In the meantime, you should read reviews here and at other sites, though I'm sure you're already doing that. Good luck and have fun with your build! Hopefully the market/pricing goes your way.

 

[romulus47plus1]

Good build!

 

[mindfields]

Nice Setup. As for the PSU 700 is too much, anything around 550W will do great, and you might want to consider Thermaltake/Corsair

BTW are you actually BUYING your OS?

 

[xshyguyx]

ok, thanks for the info on the PSU
I honestly have no idea about what PSUs are good or how much i'd need.

and I don't need to buy an OS (I have WinXP 32bit) but I want to eventually upgrade to one of the Vistas 64bit and I figured it would be easiest early on rather than later when I have everything installed

Thanks

 

[Beechmunky]

I'm doing a similar build -

As far as a PSU I found the Corsair HX520 on buy.com for a very reasonable 94.99. Not too bad for a modular powersupply (seperate cable bundles)

Also check out this 8800gts. Seems like a steal.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814134037

 

[Psymonx]

Great budget build!

2 things. Your not overclocking, You got the right mobo for that.. its cheap and will run stock speeds flawlessly, and bang for the buck, its one of your best bets. I would suggest switching to a cheaper HSF, since your not overclocking, and switch to Vista Home Premium, Ultimate doesn't benifit you enough to merit the money. Invest that money into a 8800 GTS 512 MB. Its got much better proformance for a little more money.

 

[Psymonx]

Sorry I forgot to add. Everyones RIGHT about the PSU. Go PcP&C, or Crosair. PcP&C gives the cleanest, and quietest power, but isn't modular.

 

[ifor]

i also recommend the corsair psu. the xigmatek hdt-963 hsf is fantastic for 25 bucks. with the savings, go for the 8800gts (512mb) vid card. should be a fantastic system.