1st Build - Budget $500

[bdok]

First off, I've never built a computer before, but tired of Dell, etc. So, should I go for it? I do have a few friends I could go to if needed and have had experience in upgrades and general troubleshooting. Intrigued by the challenge too.


APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: soon, but really whenever

BUDGET RANGE: 500 After Rebates (a little flexible)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: @Home, office, surfing the internet, watching movies, photo editing

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers (Need new OS - win7)

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com, but really anywhere else you suggest

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: US

PARTS PREFERENCES: None

OVERCLOCKING: No

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Need HDMI

Thanks!!!

 

[MadAdmiral]

CPI/Mobo: i3-530 and Asus P7H55-M Pro $200
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws 2x2 GB 1600 mhz CAS Latency 7 $120
HDD: Seagate 7200.12 500 GB $55
Case/PSU: Antec 300 Illusion and Earthwatts 430W $105
Optical: Cheap SATA DVD burner $22

Total: $502

 

[bdok]

MadAdmiral - I appreciate you taking the time to spec this out for me.

I was hoping to come in under $500 with an OS, maybe that is not possible?

Or any suggestions to get me started with the idea of adding upgrades a few months down the road as cash becomes available?

 

[MadAdmiral]

It's not that feasible. At that point, I'd almost recommend looking at some prebuilts. The OS will cost $100 (or $65 if you're a student). A $400-$435 build would be cutting a lot of corners.

I'm not saying it isn't possible, but give me a few minutes to look around...

The first thing I can think of is switching the case/PSU to this combo: Coolermaster Centurion 5 and OCZ ModXStream 500W $60 after rebates.

EDIT: Here's another cost saver: X3 435 and Gigabyte GA-785GMT-USB3 $140. After that, you'd need to decrease the RAM to a 2x1 GB kit.

 

[MadAdmiral]

Yes. The AM3 socket has a lot of upgrade potential.

 

[bdok]

Thanks for the quick reply!

If my math is correct, with the $100 for the OS that would put me right at the $500 mark. Thanks.

Would the AMD option put me in a better position for future upgrades as budget allows?

 

[bdok]

Best answer selected by bdok.