Hey guys,
I'm a college student and I'm thinking about building my first computer. I have a budget of $700 dollars max (definitely preferably less). What I will be doing the most on my computer is productivity. Obviously, the usual web browsing, word processing, etc., but also compiling software, running IDEs, and running some large programs like Matlab and SolidWorks. I also want to be able to game (starcraft 2, COD) to a certain degree without lag, but I am fine with medium quality graphics.
My other goal is to build this computer to last. I want it to be upgradable, and I hope its parts (with some upgrades in the future, obviously) will last me for 3-4 years, at least until the end of college.
Processor: I would LIKE to get a corei5 or core i7, but I feel like an AMD Phenom II X4 will get me more power for the same cost. From what I hear, the difference is only apparent when heavily multi-threaded programs are running, right?
RAM: Obviously DDR3 RAM, how much is enough? I was thinking 6GB...to last me for a while. 4GB if costs are too high.
Graphics: need suggestion. maybe a GeForce 9800 GT. is there one that easily supports dual screen? thats more important to me than good gaming performance actually...
Mobo: I'm a little sketchy on what the we should consider here, besides obviously getting a cheap one that's compatible with everything. something like this one?
HDD: fast, but doesn't have to be waay spacious. i have a few 1TB externals lying around. maybe a 500GB Samsung SpinPoint?
Fans & Case& Power Supply: i don't plan on going nuts with overclocking or looking good, anything that will power the box fine, doesn't look too ugly, and not blow up (more like slow down..) my computer.
did i forget anything? suggestions are welcome
thank you
I'm a college student and I'm thinking about building my first computer. I have a budget of $700 dollars max (definitely preferably less). What I will be doing the most on my computer is productivity. Obviously, the usual web browsing, word processing, etc., but also compiling software, running IDEs, and running some large programs like Matlab and SolidWorks. I also want to be able to game (starcraft 2, COD) to a certain degree without lag, but I am fine with medium quality graphics.
My other goal is to build this computer to last. I want it to be upgradable, and I hope its parts (with some upgrades in the future, obviously) will last me for 3-4 years, at least until the end of college.
Processor: I would LIKE to get a corei5 or core i7, but I feel like an AMD Phenom II X4 will get me more power for the same cost. From what I hear, the difference is only apparent when heavily multi-threaded programs are running, right?
RAM: Obviously DDR3 RAM, how much is enough? I was thinking 6GB...to last me for a while. 4GB if costs are too high.
Graphics: need suggestion. maybe a GeForce 9800 GT. is there one that easily supports dual screen? thats more important to me than good gaming performance actually...
Mobo: I'm a little sketchy on what the we should consider here, besides obviously getting a cheap one that's compatible with everything. something like this one?
HDD: fast, but doesn't have to be waay spacious. i have a few 1TB externals lying around. maybe a 500GB Samsung SpinPoint?
Fans & Case& Power Supply: i don't plan on going nuts with overclocking or looking good, anything that will power the box fine, doesn't look too ugly, and not blow up (more like slow down..) my computer.
did i forget anything? suggestions are welcome
thank you
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