I've been planning a "first-time" computer build for a few months now, and can't seem to decide on a CPU. I'm leaning towards the Intel i5-661 "hyper-threaded dual core" because with its onboard GPU, I wouldn't need a separate video card (for what I do). The i3-530 sounds too wimpy, and the i7-860 sounds like WAY more power than I need ... haven't really studied AMD options. I go on other sites and the majority of people say, "get the i5-750 at that price point, it's a quad-core," etc. And will the stock cooler be enough for me, with a case with good airflow?
So, by MY calculations, I need the CPU, MOBO, RAM (4GB, presumably) and a HARD DRIVE. If I DON'T go for the onboard GPU of the i5-661, then I need a videocard along the lines of THIS .
As for a HARD DRIVE, I've been reading good things about the Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200.12. At least a 750GB WD Caviar Black, I think ... your thoughts?
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: about two weeks from now
BUDGET RANGE: $600 or so (if under, then GREAT!), exluding parts already bought (listed below) [originally $1,000 ceiling]
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: surfing the internet, watching movies, streaming movies from Netflix, ripping/burning CDs and DVDs ... that's all I do NOW.
(the following is "maybe" usage ...) Eventually I might want to try some DJ/remixing software to manipulate MP3s. I don't play games, but being able to try some simple games (nothing more than "The Sims" level) might be nice
PARTS NOT REQUIRED (New, recently purchased):
MONITOR: (Existing 32" LCD Monitor/HDTV)
CASE:
CM 690 II Advanced - $90
POWER SUPPLY:
Corsair HX650W Modular - $120
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (OEM) - $90
OPTICAL DRIVES:
Samsung SH-B083L (Blu-Ray) - $80
Samsung SH-S223L (DVD-R) - $25
TOTAL FOR PARTS NOT REQUIRED = $405
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS:
Frys.com (there's a Fry's superstore about 25 miles from where I live, and I thought about paying them the $10 they charge to assemble the CPU/MOBO/RAM to make sure it's all operational before you leave the store). Otherwise, newegg or tigerdirect
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: (me or the parts?) USA or doesn't matter
PARTS PREFERENCES: Intel CPU (but I'm open to suggestions)
OVERCLOCKING: No
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No
MONITOR RESOLUTION: N/A
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Without spending a fortune now, I would like this computer to still be viable (for ME and my basic functions) five years down the road.
So, by MY calculations, I need the CPU, MOBO, RAM (4GB, presumably) and a HARD DRIVE. If I DON'T go for the onboard GPU of the i5-661, then I need a videocard along the lines of THIS .
As for a HARD DRIVE, I've been reading good things about the Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7200.12. At least a 750GB WD Caviar Black, I think ... your thoughts?
APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: about two weeks from now
BUDGET RANGE: $600 or so (if under, then GREAT!), exluding parts already bought (listed below) [originally $1,000 ceiling]
SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: surfing the internet, watching movies, streaming movies from Netflix, ripping/burning CDs and DVDs ... that's all I do NOW.
(the following is "maybe" usage ...) Eventually I might want to try some DJ/remixing software to manipulate MP3s. I don't play games, but being able to try some simple games (nothing more than "The Sims" level) might be nice
PARTS NOT REQUIRED (New, recently purchased):
MONITOR: (Existing 32" LCD Monitor/HDTV)
CASE:
CM 690 II Advanced - $90
POWER SUPPLY:
Corsair HX650W Modular - $120
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (OEM) - $90
OPTICAL DRIVES:
Samsung SH-B083L (Blu-Ray) - $80
Samsung SH-S223L (DVD-R) - $25
TOTAL FOR PARTS NOT REQUIRED = $405
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS:
Frys.com (there's a Fry's superstore about 25 miles from where I live, and I thought about paying them the $10 they charge to assemble the CPU/MOBO/RAM to make sure it's all operational before you leave the store). Otherwise, newegg or tigerdirect
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: (me or the parts?) USA or doesn't matter
PARTS PREFERENCES: Intel CPU (but I'm open to suggestions)
OVERCLOCKING: No
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No
MONITOR RESOLUTION: N/A
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Without spending a fortune now, I would like this computer to still be viable (for ME and my basic functions) five years down the road.