1-1500$ish USD, Standard use Computer build

[roundar]

I've considered buying a computer from somewhere like dell or something, built and ready to go, but I've been advised otherwise. I'm not that familiar w/ building a computer but am comfortable doing so. I don't do much gaming although I would like to be able to without pushing up the price redic.

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: As soon as I get a clear picture of everything I'll need, (within the next week or so. Today if it happens that fast however.)


SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: As I've stated, I would like to be able to watch movies and things as well.


PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Not much comes to mind, I have a Keyboard, mouse and monitor that I can use, and get new ones later (like wireless mouse/keyboard...) so those aren't necessary right now. The monitor I have is small and I will be getting a new one, so suggestions are welcome and I really like the Idea of duel monitors


PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Anywhere that ships US that you guys trust.


OVERCLOCKING: SLI OR CROSSFIRE: Not really familiar with either :S


ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Again, not a lot comes to mind. I would like a TV Tuner. And anything that seems like I might be interested in, but not aware of(since I'm not familiar w/ a lot of this) I do hope you'll suggest it.


Thanks in advance for taking the time to take a look.

 

[hunter315]

AMD 720 $120
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103649

ASUS 785G $95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131406

1TB WD Caviar Black $95
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

Gskill 1600MHz CL9 Ram 4GB $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231193

OCZ ModxStream 500W $60-20MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016

Antec 300 $60
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

Samsung DVD burner $27
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151187

This is the turner card i have, it isnt in stock any more
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815144018

Someone can probably give you advice on an in stock tuner card

Total $537 before $20 MIR

 

[roundar]

Because this does fall so far below my expected spending limit, what would you suggest I get if I would like to increase my ram and get a better processor?

EDIT: Should I get a intel quad core i7 cpu ?

 

[jonsy2k]

Well honestly, the things that you are looking to do with this computer aren't exactly the most demanding things in the world, so I don't really think your movie watching or internet surfing would benefit much from the extra core/Hyperthreading. Plus from the sound of it, unless you get into some pretty demanding games at a fairly high resolution, a decently priced 4850 or 4770 would be more than your needs.

Why spend the extra money, when you most likely wont need it.

Plus with the extra money, you could probably get yourself a very nice monitor for your movie watching please, and a nice set of wireless keyboard+mouse.

 

[hunter315]

Unless you want to do heavy photoshop work or overclock to do high end gaming at 1920x1200 you dont need an i7, if you add a 4870 to the build you can do your gaming at pretty good settings and frame rates at 1920x1200.

If you speed $600 on a computer every 2 years you will spend 1800 over 6 years and when you buy that third computer it will perform a lot better than if you had spend 1800 on a computer to start with. There is no need to spend all of your budget when less than half of it will get you one that does what you need, i agree with spending it on a nice large monitor and a nice sound system, those will be more helpful than adding an extra $500 worth of components to the build and you can keep them for a long time.

 

[roundar]

Alright cool, and does anyone know about the tuners? I've looked at a few, but really don't know enough about them to make sure I get what I need.