First Build, Medium priced budget

[clayton_95]

Hey guys, I'm new to this site and to building computers in general. But my computer is an 80 gb HDD and like 490 mb RAM piece of fine machinery ha. Oh the hatred. I will be assisted by a more experienced builder on this project, if it all works out.

I don't have a specific date of purchase, probably a month. I'd like the most performance for the dollar, but also stability. I would like it to last for a bit, not become obsolete immediately. So I would like to keep it under $1000, unless there is an absolute necessity.

I use my computer for: iTunes collection, web surfing, and I want to get into some recording software such as Pro Tools, and home theater. I am limited from that stuff with my current computer. I don't do computer games, I have always been a 360 guy, but there is nothing wrong with them. I want to play like high definition/blu ray movies on my computer, and I don't think that requires the graphics card that gamers need.

I have the mouse and keyboard and speakers, but will probably want a better monitor.

www.newegg.com please

I have my eye on:

Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036

Gigabyte GA - EP45 UD3P mobo - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115036

WD Caviar Green 640 GB - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136298

I will want 4 GB of RAM, I guess?

After this, I am open to suggestions. I would like to keep things efficient and cool and all. I am wondering if I really need Vista, I hear quite a bit about its reliability issues.

Thanks a LOT guys, you are the experts here

 

[Lavarin]

Hey clayton, may I suggest you try the Caviar Black? The Green consumes less power, but at a cost of running more slowly on average. I wouldn't want you to wait longer than you have!

With your budget, you honestly have a lot of room to work with. This is some lazy advice, but the $600 system in Tom's last SBM is very very nice. It gives more than what you're looking for, leaves lot of cash for a nice display, and is relatively portable to boot!

 

[clayton_95]

Is the Green that slow? I was told that the more effecient hard drives weren't that far behind the other drives. I could deal with the Black though heh. Faster seems sooo good right now.

That system looks good, but the case looks too small for any upgrades. Like if I want to keep this system up to date with the times and changing tastes (if I start playing games), I imagine a bigger case with more room is better. That would also apply to the processor I guess. I'm not sure on my requirements for a processor with pro tools.

 

[mdale13]

the green will be a hell of a lot faster than what you are using now. its not like the green is unusable by any means. its just not the fastest. the green would be perfectly suitable for your needs

 

[mdale13]

the green will be a hell of a lot faster than what you are using now. its not like the green is unusable by any means. its just not the fastest. the green would be perfectly suitable for your needs

 

[hunter315]

DVD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151188

Memory Gskill 2x2 CL8
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231180

HDD 640GB Caviar Black
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

Keyboard/mouse
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109156

PSU Antec EA500
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371007

Case Antec 300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

Processor AMD 720 x3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649

Motherboard ASUS 790GX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131366

You can combo the case with the power supply to save 30 and the motherboard with the processor to save another 54

Before MIR or combo deals it comes up to be $570, after MIR its $555, and after combos you drop down to $471 leaving you plenty left over for a ncie monitor

 

[clayton_95]

Will DDR2 800 RAM work with the Gigabyte motherboard?

G.Skill 4 GB RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128359&Tpk=gigabyte%20ga-ep45-ud3r