First rig: ~$500-$1000

[Velamar]

This will be my first computer built from scratch, but I've replaced so many of my old Dell's components that I feel that building my own PC wont be too hard. I was originally going for a sub $1000 PC, but then my first build on Newegg came out around $500. Feel free to give suggestions, but I probably won't go with an SLI configuration (overkill? I just want to play Fallout 3). I have been impatiently waiting for the August edition of best GPUs for the money and could use some help on that front...

CPU: AMD Phenom Agena 2.3Ghz
Mobo: BIOSTAR TFORCE TA780G
Case: Antek NSK4480B
RAM: OCZ 4GB (4x1GB) DDR2 1066
Fan: 80mm (120mm included in case)
Sound: N/A (onboard)
HDD: Already have...
Optic: Already have...
PSU: Already have...

Subtotal: $457.74

Possible GPUs... What do you think?
Radeon HD 4850 brings subtotal to: $502.74
GeForce 9800 GTX brings subtotal to: $504.74

Mind you the reason I went with some of these is combo deals at Newegg... I will probably wait until the August GPU article before I order it.

And no I will not go with Intel. Sorry. Thanks to anyone taking interest!

 

[Noya]

Buying an AMD processor is like giving to charity without the tax write-off.

 

[invisik]

how much is the 4 gig costing u? ddr3 is overkill.

 

[shadowthor]

I would go with an intel build since you have about a grand to spend.

CPU: E8400
Mobo: P5Q Pro or P5Q-E
Case: Antec Sonata 3
Ram: G. Skill DDR2-1100 Pi Series
CPU Fan (If you plan to overclock): S1283 Xigametek
HDD: WD 640 or the one you have
GPU: ATI 4850 or ATI 4870 or Nvidia GTX 260 (thats if you are an nvidia fan)

 

[zeroyb]

Do you work for AMD/own AMD stock? I can think of no other reason for refusing Intel builds in this current market.

 

[dirtmountain]

We all benefit from AMD being in the marketplace. They still make a decent product at a good price.
Get 2X2 RAM instead of the 4X1, it's faster, uses less energy and can be used later to upgrade to 8GB if needed.
I'd vote for the HD4850

 

[Shadow703793]

My recommendations:

If really on a budget and willing to OC:
P35-DS3L (good OCing) $85
E2180/E2160 (OC easily to 3-3.25Ghz; upgrade later to E8x00 or better) $60-70
ATI 4850 $175-220
XIGMATEK S1283 (+ bolt in kit) $40
2*1GB DDR2 800 ($25-30)
Corsair 650TX ($80 after MIR, good quality) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005&Tpk=Corsair%2b650TX

Total cost for above parts: $~400-420

That leaves ~$120+ for HDD and DVD RW,etc. for a $500 budget. Since you have a higher budget you can get a better CPU, more RAM,etc.

edit: I see you MUST have and AMD :lol: May I ask why?

 

[Velamar]

http://breakfree.amd.com/ I believe it, I know Intel performs better. Maybe I like the concept of keeping competition alive.

Anyway I think I'm going to go with the Phenom 9950 (if I am sticking with this, I might as well go with the best)
And how badly would someone slap me if I said I was thinking about an SFF case? In that case I really need to stick to a one-slot graphics card right?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163116
(-$50 combo deal with mobo and phenom / microATX / can fit 12" GPU)

So that knocks most worthwhile NVIDIA cards...
I am really liking the Radeon 4850 the more I look at it...
And Dirtmountain, I think I will look for some 2x2GB RAM, upgradability is good to keep in mind.

CPU: AMD Phenom Agena 9950 2.6Ghz
Mobo: BIOSTAR GF8200
Case: SILVERSTONE Sugo SG01B-F
RAM: OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB)
HDD: Already have (200GB)...
Optic: Already have (DVDRW)...
PSU: Already have... (500W)

With this, including shipping and subtracting the rebates, I'm looking at $637.