First attempt to build my own PC (Help please)

[Mosley6]

Hello Everyone!

I am planning on building my own computer after a horrible string of PC's from dell. I am a bit timid in attempting to build my own, as if anything goes wrong I wont have more money to buy additional components. I am looking at $1,000-1500 price range for components, excluding the monitor. I will have additional money to spend on a 22-24" Monitor. The only thing I really know, is the case I would like:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156078

Would anyone with much experience, be so kind to suggest a build within my price range? I will be using this computer for gaming (WoW, EQ2, WAR maybe..) and graphic design, in addition to the general use. I would be very greatful for any help.

Thank you!

 

[dirtmountain]

Graphic design is quadcore optimised and RAM intensive (iirc). So a Q6600 is low cost CPU and 8GB of RAM along with Vista 64bit Operating system. None of this will hurt your gaming, so it's a good place to start.

CPU - Intel Q6600 retail $190 Good CPU, good price
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017
Motherboard - a P45 Asus P5Q E $160 reasonable price, stable, has 8x/8x crossfire as an option if you want it, up to 16 GB RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131296
RAM - Mushkin DDR2 800 1.8v 8GB 2x2x2x2 $154 (1 rebate, 1 no rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146731
Power supply - 610w PC Power and Cooling $90 after rebate and an additional 20% off with promo code "PCP20" (ends 9/17) a quality power supply sufficient to run this system and possible crossfire in future.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703005
Hard Drive - Western Digital SATA 640GB $85 good speed, good amount of storage.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218
DVD burner - Lite on SATA retail $29 comes with a cable and software
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106264
Graphic card- HD4850 Sapphire $150 after rebate Good cooling solution, cheap
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102770
Operating system - Vista home premium 64 $100 will use all that RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488

About $1000 depends on shipping and taxes (if any) not including case can add another HD4850 for better gaming performance
Could also substitute a Q9550 for the Q6600 if you want, it's supported by the motherboard

 

[dirtmountain]

I should have added that if you don't intend to Overclock (from your post it looks like no) The Q9550 at $325 might be a better option for you.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115041
get this FREE!!! with that purchase! whoopee
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16800995056
alternative graphic card HD4870 $260 although i'm a bit hesitant about crossfiring 2 4870s with a 610w power supply and 8x/8x socket.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129113

 

[Legless Ethiopian]

Since you're gaming I would recomend the e8500 cpu.

 

[Mosley6]

I appreciate your help dirtmountain! I know a little bit about various components and have opened up and moved around video cards and ram. Aside from that, I have never attempted to build one. It was suggested I do so in several forums I have visited inquiring about a new PC. I have grown frustrated with ordering computers from Dell, and other companies, so Im throwing caution to the wind. I have a co-worker who has built systems himself, and I may get his assistance to assure I dont make any fatal mistakes.

I definatley think I want to go with the Q9550. I also think I want to spend a little more money in other components to add to what you had suggested. Here are some items I have set aside at Newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021
This case looks good (least I think so) and it looks like it could keep things cool. Your thoughts?

The Q9550 CPU looks like ill go with that.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131319
This Motherboard has received several good reviews and I was curious what you all think of it?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139006
I was wondering if this would be a good choice for SLI / Crossfire? (should I go that route)

I have also selected the DVD Burner you had suggested for my optical drive.

Also, I am interested in crossfire with the HD4870 cards you had suggested. Do they match the above mentioned MB well enough, and is there a bridge I would have to buy seperate to crossfire? (sorry I am a newbie)

I also selected this corsair ram and was wondering your opinion on it?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184

I also was considering this harddrive and was wondering if it would be a waste of money or worth it?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136260 Due to being involved with graphic...2000 would be sufficient for components.