Sub $800 computer with lots of multitasking speed

[meganreeves]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Not quite sure, probably won't be until Summer 2010.

BUDGET RANGE: $800 or under After Rebates

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Multitasking with browsers, streaming netflix, watching itunes movies, minimal casual gaming (Bejeweled etc.)

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: I need everything.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com, generalnanosystems.com, amazon.com.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: Crucial RAM.

OVERCLOCKING: Probably.

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: What are these?

MONITOR RESOLUTION: Doesn't matter to me.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I'm looking for lots of speed for multitasking and running background programs. I like the prettiness of Windows 7, but I don't play any other games really besides the Bejeweled type.

 

[blackjellognomes]

Honestly, for your needs, it's best to buy a pre-built system; also, you won't have to overclock anything on a PC that only needs to play Bejeweled.

This would serve you well:
http://www.frys.com/product/6139429?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
$499.99

Or if you prefer Intel:

http://www.frys.com/product/6059168?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
$429.99
or
http://www.frys.com/product/6054108?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG
$529.99

Any of these systems would be more than sufficient (none come with a monitor, but it would be better for you to buy one locally).

 

[anonymousdude]

If your not going to buy it until the summer then I suggest you wait. Prices will drop on some parts. Also since this is not a gaming build you may want a prebuilt like balckjellnogor suggested.

 

[ekoostik]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Not quite sure, probably won't be until Summer 2010.

It sounds like your needs are fairly mild. And if you're not getting the PC until the summer, you're better off waiting until closer to the time you'll make the purchase. Hard to predict what prices will be like 5 or 6 months from now.

 

[meganreeves]

Right now I'm looking at general recommendations for the different categories to see a price range so I know how much money I need. If I get more bang for my buck by spending a little more now, then I might start buying parts early, and buy things one by one as I have the money and as I find the best prices. I care about price, but I want to find some reviews and advice on things first.

I like the AMD office system below. I'll probably end up putting in 2-3 separate drives of smaller sizes, instead of the 1TB single hard drive. What else do you need with this, other then the monitor? Cords, screws, mounting stuff, accessories, etc.

http://www.tomshardware.com/system-configuration-recommendation-51.html

 

[ekoostik]

The link you posted has good components. However, I have that harddrive and while it's great as a secondary storage device I wouldn't look at the Seagate LP (or WD Green for that matter). The Samsung F3 500 GB uses one fast platter. Or the Western Digital 640 GB is very quick on two platters.

You shouldn't need too much extra stuff along the lines of cords, screws. Your case should come with most of the hardware you need. The exception will be cables to connect components. It looks like the motherboard in your link comes with one SATA cable so if that goes to your main hard drive, you'll need one more for the DVD player and one more for each additional harddrive you plan on installing. Also keep an eye on the plugs available on the PSU. It looks like the one in the guide has 4 SATA connectors, which means for example 1 DVD drive and 3 harddrives.

Last comment I've got - watch the DVD drive prices. You can probably save $10-$15. Sony and Samsung each usually have one in the $25-30 price range.