building a low budget computer

[wblades]

I am looking to build a computer with my dad as my christmas present. We are tyring to build a gaming computer for under $1000.00. I would like the computer to be able to run games such as Call of Duty 5 and a few other mmorpgs (not very big games). A user on another site (cnet) recommended these items

mobo: asus p5q se plus, $104
cpu: core2duo e8300 3ghz, $165
ram: 2x2gb ocz ddr2-800 cl5, $43
video: sapphire radeon hd 4850, $156
hard drive: 500gb hitachi deskstar, $55
optical: lite-on 20x dvd burner, $30
case/power supply: antec sonata iii w/500w earthwatts, $117

I just wanted to run this with another site to get some more opinions, we already ahve the mouse/keyboard, monitor, and the operating system.

 

[kurtyboh]

since you'd have a chunk of change left over using that build, there are a couple of choices i'd upgrade, like p5q-e add $30 or p5q deluxe add $80.

hdd, go with larger, 640-720 gets you the most bang for your buck like a http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218&Tpk=WD6400AAKS

alot of the antec cases are combo'd with any of their psu's right now so you can kind of search through and find the style that fits you best but its a nice psu if you want to run crossfire in the future id put a little bigger one in there now though like a 550-600.

what was suggested is a nice build, just could be a little better since you have money left over

 

[lunyone]

The build isn't too bad. If you want to spend a bit more than I'd consider:
* upgrading the GPU to a 4870 for about $215 after MIR's. It'll give you more gaming power, especially if you run with higher resolutions (>24"). If your running on a 22" or less monitor than the 4850 will do just fine.
ASUS EAH4870/HTDI/512M/A Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail
* Upgrade the CPU/mobo combo to an e8400 (3.0 gHz) and an Asus p5q pro moob for $260 - $15 MIR = $245!! That is about $25 less than your slower CPU and lesser mobo!!
4th combo from the top of the page!!
* consider getting some faster RAM for less!! Also runs at stock voltage, so no messing with the BIOS to get the right voltage settings for your RAM!! $58 - $20 MIR = $38!! Timings of 5-4-4-12!!
mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
* upgrade the HD to a faster and bigger drive over the Hitatchi one! $75 shipped!!
Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
* Make sure you get a RETAIL version of a DVD burner, so you'll get the software to read/burn DVD's! $30 shipped!
LITE-ON Black 20X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 20X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe - Retail
* The Antec Sonata III case w/PSU is a good buy. The PSU is >80% efficient and has 34A on the 12v rails, so plenty of power for most peoples needs. Just make sure you buy it at Buy.com for the good guy price, Newegg is $130 shipped!
Antec Sonata III Chassis

Total adjustments are about $115 or so over your initial build. So it'll be about ~$850 or so, depending on when you buy and what deals are in place.