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Tom's Hardware > Forum > Systems > New Build > I5 budget build for $800

I5 budget build for $800

Forum Systems : New Build I5 budget build for $800

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Hi everyone,
I am building my first computer and have a budget range of about $800. I have tried to do my research and wanted feedback on what I am looking at purchasing.
I will use the computer in this order: surf web, light gaming (bought Oblivion about 2 years ago but would not play on my current system), MS office with several applications open, light video editing of home videos.
I currently have a monitor (1440x900 resolution), keyboard, speakers, and mouse and I need everything else.
Plan to purchase in about one week (~Oct 20) and would like to get most or all components from Newegg.
I have no plans on overclocking, SLI, or crossfire.
Here is what I have picked out:

Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115215

ECS P55H-A(1.0) LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813135244

COOLER MASTER Centurion 534 RC-534-KKN2-GP Black Aluminum & Mesh bezel / SECC Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811119106

CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139005

Western Digital Caviar Black WD6401AALS 640GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822136319

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBNQ - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231193

XFX PVT95GZAFG GeForce 9500 GT 1GB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Video Card - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150322

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
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827106333

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 64-bit for System Builders w/ Tech Guarantee - OEM Includes free Windows 7 upgrade coupon
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6832116677

I picked the motherboard because it is a combo deal but it does not have many reviews and this concerns me.
The video card and memory are also a combo deal.
One other item that I have not found a clear answer on is what cables I will need that do not come with the components listed. I believe I need a Sata cable...anything else?
Thanks,
Dean
PS, this is fun!

Reply to deano4
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I hope you're not planning on overclocking with that motherboard. That can not handle overclocking. Tom's Hardware did a review on the homepage in budget P55 boards and that board couldn't handle the extra voltage needed to overclock. You should deffinitly read that article and consider dishing out a few more dollars for a Gigabyte board. Unless you have no intentions on overclocking.

Other than that you have a good build for your budget. You're probably going to want to upgrade your GPU when you get the money but overall, for the $800 budget, she looks good.

edit* You can buy a SATA cable to be safe but your motherboard should come with 2-4 SATA cables.


Message edited by BohleyK on 10-11-2009 at 08:29:08 PM
Reply to BohleyK

I would like to save some $ on the MB with this:
ASRock P55 Pro LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813157171

The other option I see is this:
GIGABYTE GA-P55-UD3R LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128401

Any thoughts on this?
Thx,

Reply to deano4

Go for the gigabyte board or an ASUS board. ECS is notorious for poor QA on their boards (google). I'd bypass that manu.

Have you ever considered the thermaltake refurbished store too? For some things (like cases) should be an issue that it had a side replaced etc. For all other components - newegg all the way.

Check this case out - $40 delivered! http://www.thermaltakestore.com/soprano-rs-101.html

Reply to PunjabiMC

I wanted to update this entry. I purchased the original components except went with a Coolermaster CM 690 case. Received all from Newegg in 3 days and put all together and it works great. The only minor issue was the mother board auto install on the CD did not work on a 64 bit system. Contacted ECS customer support and they had an answer to me the next day. I am satisfied with the build.
Dean

Reply to deano4

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/271492-31-core-help you should have check my budget core i5 build ...

had a gtx 260 on that one and roughly the same price as yours


Reply to ericvas
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1400-1800 range, first build, need feedback
By Hopz, 9 hours ago:

I would keep the 750W for future upgrades and possible SLI in the future. Will save you...

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