[New System Build] Decent computer for college student.

[decipherfreak]

Hi, I'm new to building computers, and looking for suggestions on anything from compatibility and tutorials to parts and suppliers. I am looking to build a decent computer on a limited budget, something that I can improve on in the future.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: next few months; BUDGET RANGE: ~700 max

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: surfing the internet, watching movies, gaming (not cutting edge), ms office

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: mouse, speakers, OS? (I have a burned copy XP home that I use for reformating)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: not familiar with those sites yet

PARTS PREFERENCES: no preferences

OVERCLOCKING: No; SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: no preference (I'm currently using laptop with 1024x768)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Just looking to upgrade from my 4 year old laptop; looking for decent performance, not running 3D games on highest res



All the parts are just random picks because of my lack of knowledge about hardware and brands

Case:
COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119137

CPU:
Intel Pentium E5200 2.5GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116072

Motherboard:
GIGABYTE GA-EP43-UD3L LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128380

Memory:
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122
or
CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184

Graphics:
HIS Hightech H467QT512P Radeon HD 4670 IceQ Turbo 512MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161252

HD:
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148395
or
Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319

PSU:
PC Power & Cooling Silencer PPCS500 500W ATX12V
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703015

Optical:
LITE-ON Black 18X DVD-ROM 48X CD-ROM IDE DVD-ROM Drive Model iHDP118-08 - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106275

Monitor:
Hanns·G HW-191DPB Black 19" 5ms Widescreen LCD Monitor
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254005

 

[hunter315]

Switch the DVD burner to a SATA one, just get the cheapest one in stock that burns what you need they all cost ~30. Also go for the Caviar black, its a bit more expensive but also faster and larger.

I would swap the case and PSU out for the two in this combo, saves you 45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.208561

I would also swap out the motherboard and CPU for the ones in this combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.205337
And thats a DDR3 board so you will need different ram
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231193

Overall it costs $35 more, gives you a faster processor with a third core, better upgradability and onboard graphics which i would suggest using until you can spring and extra $40 for a 4850 which is significantly stronger than a 4670
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150337

 

[astrodudepsu]

that is a fine build.

but I would give the nod to the triple core AMD combo posted above. it IS worth it over the 5200.

if you NEED to shave off the extra 35$ just do the case and PSU combo swap mentioned above (although personally I would stick with your original picks if you can afford it)

 

[decipherfreak]

I still need the separate graphics card right?

 

[astrodudepsu]

yea you would most likely want one. the one you have chosen is fine for your application.

 

[hunter315]

nope the 790GX chipset has an HD3300 gpu built in, it will handle 1440x900 acceptably for games if you turn the details down and is plenty for videos and school work. It should hold you over until you can scrape together enough for a midrange discrete card like a 4850, whose prices should plummet in october when the new 5xxx line comes out.

 

[decipherfreak]

I think I will need a wireless adapter because I will be relying on wireless internet. Are there wireless adapters specific to desktops?