Sub-400 dollar First time build

[flaxed]

Need help finalizing the parts list for my computer!

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: next three weeks

BUDGET RANGE: 0-400 USD not including graphics card, the lower the better

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: School work, internet, movies, games

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor (already bought asus 1080p 21.5 inch), hard drive, dvd burner


PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg.com, Tigerdirect.com

OVERCLOCKING: Maybe later if it starts to get slow

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This is my first build and I want it to last for 3-4 years for general tasks like word processing, internet, and movie watching as play games well with no upgrades for the next two years. For graphics I'm leaning towards the ATI 4870 and the GTX 260, not sure which one is the better card. Might increase ram later. Just looking for any opinions on how to make the computer better/trim cost some more.

Parts list:

Case: Rosewill conquerer mid-tower with 500w power supply $80, including S&H
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147118

RAM: Crucial 2gb(2x1gb) $30
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148194

Heatsink and Fan: Scythe Katana 3 $27
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185096

Motherboard and CPU: AMD Phenom x2 545 + Asus M4A785TD-V EVO 785g am3 $170
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.237631

Thermal Grease + thermal grease remover: Tuniq tx-2 and tr-1 $12($5 rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154003
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835154006

total: 329.71 including S&H

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[flaxed]

Forgot to ask, should I wait a little till i5 is released? Most of the AMD cpus I saw on Newegg seemed to have had major price cuts recently probably to help them compete, would those prices be slashed even more when intel releases the cheaper i5? Also is it worth it to wait for an affordable dx11 compatible card or is it better to just buy now?

 

[hunter315]

No, i highly doubt the i5 will even fall into your price range. Stay clear of rosewill PSUs its just a bad idea. Get this case/PSU setup, it will do fine for your needs
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006&Tpk=ea430
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147110

If you are considering a GTX260 or a 4870 you will need a 550 watt PSU or better so if you intend to play games definitely get this one, it costs the same as the 550vx
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005&Tpk=650tx

 

[flaxed]

Wow that was a quick reply, will that case have good cooling, it says it only comes with 1 fan (1 extra optional)?

I didn't mean that the i5 would fall into my price range I just thought that since many of amds cpus are priced very closely to each other that they'd reduce the most expensive ones to compete. Which would end up lowering the price of their cheaper cpus to maintain the price difference.

 

[hunter315]

Eh, the cooling wont be great but i was trying to keep you in budget, personally i like my antec 300, provides decent cooling and i still havent added the extra 3 fans, it costs $35 more
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

We dont know where the i5 will fall performancewise, nor do we know what it will do to the pricing scheme, the AMD processors are a pretty good value right now and they may stay the same if they perform on par with the i5's.

If you have a bit extra to spend, most things will appreciate a jump from 2GB of ram up to 4GB.

 

[flaxed]

will
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.216930
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129065
be able to support a 260 or 4870?

 

[flaxed]

Sorry forgot one,
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.231698
this?

 

[hunter315]

No, the basiq line from antec isnt that good, their earthwatts series is signficantly better. If you want a fairly cheap reasonably well powered PSU check out the OCZ modxstream line, this one is currently the best value after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341018
If you really need to cut costs you can get this one instead, both are really good values especially after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016&Tpk=modxstream%20500