$1,150 build

[DannyR]

Hey guys

I'll be purchasing a new pc next month; I'd appreciate all the advice. Please, note that I live in Beirut, Lebanon. Computer parts are really expensive and you can't find exactly what you want. I won't be buying anything online either, cuz that's too expensive as well.

Just for the record, here are my current system's specs:

- Intel C2D E6750 (2.66GHz - stock)
- Intel DP35DP
- 3 gb DDR2-800
- Gecube ATI Radeon 3870 512mb GDDR4 (811MHz/1126MHz - factory overclocked?)
- WD 500 gb 7200
- LG DVD-RW
- Cooler Master Extreme Power Plus 500W

The new system's gonna replace my so-called 'gaming rig'. I won't be using any parts from the old system.

I'm really confused about the CPU/motherboard setup, due to the budget. Here's what I gathered - local prices provided in USD:

- Intel i3-530 ($142) on a Gigabyte GA-P55-USB3 ($226) board OR an Intel i5-661 ($238) on an Intel DH55HC ($116)
- 4 gb DDR3-1333 ($132)
- Sapphire Radeon HD5770 1GB DDR5 VAPOR-X DPOC ($248) - I'd love a Radeon 5850, but that's for $498
- WD 500 gb 7200 ($60)
- LG DVD-RW ($55)
- Cooler Master Extreme Power Plus 500W ($70)
- Cooler Master Gladiator 600 case ($77)
- LG 19" wide W1953S $141

The i3/GB setup costs $1,151 and the i5/Intel costs $1,137. Both are exactly my budget. I don't think I can squeeze anything more.

I've never overclocked a CPU before, however, I'd really like to give it a try. That's not possible on the Intel DH55HC board though. Since the Gigabyte motherboard already costs $226, I don't think I can get the i5 in that case. Would it be a wise choice if I took the i3 mated with the Gigabyte board - keeping in mind that I'll try to overclock the CPU. Or should I just stick to a stock i5, with a stable Intel board?

Thanks in advance.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

The i3 530 + Gigabyte board would be a much better combo than the i5 + Intel combo. Gigabyte boards are higher quality than Intel boards. The dual-core i5 chips are way to expensive for the performance they offer. The i3 offers a much better bang for the buck.

 

[DannyR]

I was thinking about the i3/GB setup too. I really wanna try overclocking the CPU. I don't think I'll be changing the cooler or anything though.

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Using an aftermarket cooler will allow for a higher overclock, but you should still be able to get a very respectable overclock using the stock cooler. Anandtech sure did. 4GHz on the stock cooler.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/2921/5

 

[DannyR]

4GHz... that's very impressive. I wouldn't mind hitting such frequencies!

 

[enzo matrix]

Everything looks good to me. and +1 for the core i3 and GB motherboard. Gigabyte makes good motherboards. I'd trust one of theirs over an intel any day.
At the very least Hard drives are reasonably priced where you are. And a western digital too.