What hardware for a new build?

September 21, 2009 2:17:22 AM

hey all, i'm looking to build my own pc soon. i've bought a few dells in the past, and now i want a gaming computer but it seems like there is major money to be saved by building your own. plus i like learning new things

my only big problem is get lost between all the numbers and different setups of hardware and all the compatibility, and how to maximize the hardware you have when you build.
anyway i'm looking to build something for gaming, itunes, internet, stuff like that. basically the gaming will be the toughest thing it will have to do.
i'm using a dell xps400 now, and playing world of warcraft it only runs about 30fps and scales down the detail graphics.
so basically i'd like to build something that's high end without crossing that line where you're paying 3x for that extra little bit.
so i'm thinking maybe an intel i5 or i7 920, 6gb ddr3 tri-channel ram? but that's as far as i've gotten as i get lost as to what mobo i should get or graphics card.
as far as a hard drive, i only need 500gb, 750 max, no crazy multi-tb madness.
i hope that gives enough detail as to what i'm looking for usage-wise, can you guys help me out with a detailed list of parts (and hopefully part numbers) as to what you'd suggest for a build like this?

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Twoboxer

September 21, 2009 3:34:44 AM

Assuming you do not overclock PCs, and that you like to play MMOs, and that you have not specified a budget, let's start with a "minimum" configuration and go from there:

Intel Core i5 750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail $200
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

GIGABYTE GA-P55M-UD2 LGA 1156 Intel P55 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $110
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL8D-4GBHK - Retail $80
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

PC Power & Cooling Silencer PPCS420X 420W ATX12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Retail $50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM $75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA DVD Writer - Bulk - LightScribe Support - OEM $31
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee - OEM $110
Microsoft Gift - Windows 7 Release Candidate 1 x64 64-Bit - OEM Free w/combo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?Ite...

COOLER MASTER Elite RC-310-BWN1-GP Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

NEEDS A GRAPHICS CARD, (prolly $115) but total of the above is $696 w/o shipping.

Need to know what your screen resolution, talk about an upgraded case, and decide whether you want to include more power (psu) for future expansion.

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dndhatcher

September 21, 2009 3:40:29 AM

First thing you should do is read this thread, it has example builds at different price points.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/269162-31-recommended...

then read this post and re-submit in this format once you have an idea of what you want and when you want to buy.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261222-31-build-advic...