Alright so I've recently become fed up with prebuilt computers and as my current computer is on its last legs I decided that its time for me to get a new one. As I am an average level gamer, I want a semi powerful system but Im not willing to fork out an incredibly large sum of money. (Im looking for the $700 area however as I want to be able to play blu-ray the price gets knocked up a bit from that.)

Now as I go and say that I want the computer to be slowly upgradeable. Which for me, is the hardest part as Im not quite sure how to make sure that that would be the case. These are the parts that I have looked into so far (still wandering around for a soundcard atm).

I have a case already Full size no PSU but it has an MSI motherboard in it so unless I buy a new case then Im limited to MSI motherboards (or so I think if I understand it correctly)

Motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813130172

Video Card: (I had this one recommended to me by a friend but if there is a better one for not much increase in price I'm all ears potential later crossfire is something I am interested in though) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102733

CPU: (Once again recommended by a friend but Im willing to bet there is a better choice.) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103254

Memory: (Know nothing about memory so thisll probably be changed by one of you) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231144

HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136218

Disc Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827136133

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817152035




As I said I have a tower. This is all a little over 700 but Im not a stickler on the budget as long as it doesnt go way over. I think I am going to stick with XP at least for a while as this is the first build I am making and Id rather not have to figure out a new OS at the same time. I have a monitor (not quite up to par with the Vcard but Ill be buying a new monitor in the future).

Any changes are welcome but please explain any changes. I would like to learn a bit in the process (already have learned a lot). Also any tips or suggestions for the building process would be nice as well.

Thank you

First, get the HD 4850, it is only like 30 bucks more if that.
Second, if you plan on upgrading to crossfire, get a better PSU. Look at a tx700

1.4850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102747
2.PSU 750W 80+ and you don´t neet to worry...

Make the card a HIS HD 4850 for $155. It's a lot more powerful than the HD 3850 and almost the same price.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814161235

Make the PSU a 750TX for $100. It's a lot better quality, single-rail design makes life simpler when building, and it supports Crossfire better because it's more powerful.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] &Tpk=750TX

Excellent choice of HDD (WD6400AAKS) and motherboard (K9A2 CF-F).

The RAM is fine, but PC2-8500 is overkill. You're paying $47 for 2GB, including shipping and the combo deal for combining it with that CPU. You could get 4GB for $67 for example:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820146731