Please Help with $700 computer

[RoninSixshooter]

Hi everyone. I'm trying to build my own PC with around $700. I'm comfortable with changing and upgrading PC parts. I have upgraded video cards, RAM, and hard drives before. But I'm not confident with my ability to build a machine from the ground up. I do not know which parts are compatible with each other and which ones are overkill.

Here is what I need to use the computer for:
-Gaming(Nothing too heavy)
-3D Rendering (Blender)
-Music(FL Studio) (The integrated audio is fine, right?)
I mainly do these things as a hobby so its not too important to get the best of the best parts. I'm on a serious budget.

Questions:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4140383&CatId=2328
Is it true that dual core is better if I'm not multitasking as much?
[example: 3.1GHz X2 vs 2.4GHz X4?]

-Which type of GeForce 8800 GT 512MB is the best for the cost. I noticed this card was the best for the money for around $150. I didn't know there would be so many versions of the same card.

-Are any of the pre-selected parts overkill?

My PC
■Case = ? Full-Tower with good circulation
■CPU = http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4140383&CatId=2328
■Motherboard = http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...24015&sku=A455-2320&srkey=Asus M2N-SLI Deluxe
■Graphics Card = ? GeForce 8800 GT 512MB
■Hard Drive = http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2235832&CatId=139
■Power Supply = ?
■RAM = 2GB (2 x 1GB) (Don't know which brand is good for the money)
■DVD/CD Writer = ? Something cheap and decent
■Fans and cooling system = ???



Please help me fill in the blanks. I need help badly so I will really appreciate every bit of help.

 

[johnyeah]

To start things up, I'd recommend you buy things off newegg than tigerdirect (tigerdirect prices are generally higher) and newegg has great service.

For around $700, do you also need an OS? Any other peripherals? Monitor?

 

[johnyeah]

I'd love to help, but first off I need to know what you need.

 

[roadrunner197069]

When I first started out, I was a Tigerdirect guy. They suck, and I found Newegg, and they are generally cheaper, and the service is second to none.

I would go with a Asus P5Q mobo and a 4850 video card, and a e5200, or e7200 CPU.

 

[RoninSixshooter]

Sorry, I should of been more specific. Thank you for the quick replies.

I need a mid range gaming/graphics pc for around $700.
I dont need a monitor.
I have access to a student version of XP, I'll buy my own version of XP later.

Heres a layout of my PC so far.
CPU: AMD Dual Core
Motherboard: Something that can support the AMD Dual Core(Socket AM2?), can support 4 GB RAM, PCI Express, Integrated Audio
Graphics Card: GeForce 8800 GT 512MB
RAM: 2 - 4 GB depending on what I can afford

I'll also check out Newegg

I cant tell you how much a appreciate the quick answers, I know I'm asking for a lot of information. Thanks.

 

[harrycat88]

Any 2.6GHz or faster AMD X2 will work just fine. For best result's get one with 2x 1MB of cache.
All AM2 motherboards these days have dual core support and also they can support 4 to 8GB or more main memory. If your running a 32bit OS, then you only need 2GB. If your into 64bit OS's, then you need at least 4GB.
Avoid Nvidia Nforce 6 and 7 chipsets, they're buggy. Don't get me wrong. Nvidia chipset are good chipsets for gaming but when it comes to very important work, it's best to get something else. All my chipsets are ULi, VIA and AMD. Never tried a SIS chipset before.
Stay away from BIOSTAR motherboards if your doing important work.
Best 2GB dual channel kit: Wintec for $40
Best 4GB dual channel kit: Gskill for around $90.
Best Video card: Powercolor 3850 512MB for less then $100 get the 1GB version for $15 more.
You can get everything a lot cheaper at newegg.com

 

[dozer63]

if your have to have an AMD cpu get a mb with the 790gx northbridge
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128352
and you might consider a 4850 for a gpu. Below is an Intel build, for your Amd build just substitute the cpu & mb.
Antec 300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042
Samsung F1 500gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152098
Leadtek 8800gt
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814122046
PC Power & Cooling 500 watt
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703015
Muskin 4gig
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146692
gigabyte p35 mb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128337
q6600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128337
lite-on dvd
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106228
$704

 

[RoninSixshooter]

Are you sure I shouldn't get a GeForce 8800GT? In the best for the money article for this month GeForce 8800GT won for cards at $150.

I found this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130347

 

[RoninSixshooter]

Thanks Dozer63. Its a big help. Im going to look at what you put together an d then make a configuration. I'll post it here so everyone else can check it.

Thanks again.

 

[harrycat88]

Are you sure I shouldn't get a GeForce 8800GT? In the best for the money article for this month GeForce 8800GT won for cards at $150.

I found this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130347

Please read the title again.....
It says "BEST GAMING CARD FOR THE MONEY" not "the best card for the money".
If you want the best card for the money for workstation use, get a MATROX. If you want the best card for the money for light gaming and most usual tasks, get a 3850.

 

[zenmaster]

You can save about $25 on this PSU.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371007

It's just below the PCP&C in quality, but still a highly recommendable PSU.
I like the case.

Similar Mobo, but gets you a PCIE 2.0 Slot for the same price.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128347

If you don't think you need a Quad, the E5200 will save you a bundle and will seriously OC. (4.0Ghz should not bee too hard)

I really like the Antec 300 case.

 

[megamanx00]

If you're not going to overclock, aren't going to use dual graphics cards, and want a very dependable AMD board you can get this one

GIGABYTE GA-MA770-DS3 $78.99 + 8.97 shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128081

This thing supports up to 16GB of RAM . Personally I won't be able to afford that much RAM for a long time.

As for the CPU you can get the 5200 X2 for $66
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103210

As far as the video card goes the 8800GT (also known as the 9800GT) is a pretty good value card, but the 4850 offers better performance. Both the following ASUS and PALit are 169.99 with a 30 mail in rebate

ASUS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121253

PALit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814261027

 

[megamanx00]

You know, with all the new egg links we post on this site I wonder of Toms gets like a 5c commission everytime someone buys something after they click on a link from here

 

[RoninSixshooter]

Wow. This is alot of information. Thanks everyone. I'll look at all this and make a configuration. Then I'll post it and see what you think.