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Tom's Hardware > Forum > Systems > New Build > Expert Advice/Suggestions on this 600-750 StarCraft 2 Build?

Expert Advice/Suggestions on this 600-750 StarCraft 2 Build?

Forum Systems : New Build Expert Advice/Suggestions on this 600-750 StarCraft 2 Build?

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Hi,

Recently, I've been testing the StarCraft II Beta, and decided that my current 3 years old PC can't handle the Ultra Graphics settings of the game (I have to play on Low settings right now, which isn't all that great). I'm trying to save money by building a new one rather than just order one from Dell or something like that and get ripped off. I'm not fantastically rich, but I also want a computer than is decent enough to last 3-5.

So I'm asking for enthusiasts and experts alike to help me with my build. Please feel free to give two-cent opinions, critiques, advice, and suggestions. All help is appreciated.
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APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: AUGUST, 2010

BUDGET RANGE: 600-750 After Rebates

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT:
All-Purpose:
Gaming: primarily StarCraft II, and the upcoming Diablo III, World of WarCraft,
Image Processing: CGI drawings, Web Design, Graphic Designs/Photo Editing
School Work: Word Processing, Excel, PowerPoint, etc
General Web-Browsing: youtube, deviantart, and what not.

PARTS NOT IMPORTANT: Mouse, Speakers, Keyboard, Monitor. I can use my current ones. Or if need be, buy separately later. Essentially, these parts aren't important to me right now.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: TigerDirect.com, Newegg.com, Sometimes Amazon.com

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES:
CPU: AMD AM3 Socket
MOBO: AUSUS, Gigabyte, MSI or BioStar
Factor Form: ATX
RAM: at least 1333MHz

OVERCLOCKING:
No.
SLI OR CROSSFIRE:
Not right now. Maybe I'll upgrade as necessary in 1-2 years from purchase date

MONITOR RESOLUTION: Max Resolution: (1920x1080)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I can deal with noise, I only play Blizzard PC games as I have my PS3 and 360 for other games.
PLEASE GIVE SUGGESTIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING PARTS:
Motherboard Very concerned about this. Top priority.
Computer Case:
Power Supply: 600-700W??? <---I'm not too sure how much Watts, my build will need.
Graphics Card
RAM:

************


Here are some of the hardware I have my eyes on. I feel pretty confident with the AMD Phenom II X4 965 CPU but if you have any suggestions, I welcome it. All other parts, please give advice.

CPU:
$179.99
AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition AM3 CPU HDZ965FBGMBOX - 3.40GHz, Socket AM3, 6MB Cache, 2000MHz (4000 MT/s) FSB, Retail, Processor with Fan
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica [...] CatId=4431

MOBO:
$79.99
MSI 770-C45 Motherboard - AMD 770, Socket AM3, ATX, Audio, PCI Express 2.0, Gigabit LAN, USB 2.0, Serial ATA, RAID
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica [...] =M452-6062

OR

$99.99
Asus M4A87TD USB3 Motherboard - AMD 870, Socket AM3, ATX, DDR3, RAID, USB 3.0
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica [...] 4&csid=_21

GPU
$139.99
XFX Radeon HD 5750 Video Card - 1GB GDDR5, PCI-Express 2.0, CrossFireX Ready, Dual DVI, Dipslay Port, HDMI
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica [...] =P450-5750

RAM:

$109.99
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231277

Hard Drive:
$44.99
Western Digital WD5000AAKS Caviar Blue Hard Drive - 500GB, 7200rpm, 16MB, SATA-300, OEM
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica [...] SD-500AAKS

DISC DRIVE:
$19.99
HP HPDVD1260I Multiformat DVD Writer - DVD+R 24X, DVD-R 24X, DVD+RW 8X, DVD-RW 6X, DVD-RAM 12X, SATA (OEM)
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica [...] 1344%20OEM


OS:
$99.99
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 63938&SID=


POWER SUPPLY PLEASE GIVE SUGGESTIONS (keep in mind the budget is tight)

CASE PLEASE GIVE SUGGESTIONS (keep in mind the budget is tight)


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I'm most concerned about the motherboard. Ultimately, will everything work together?

I don't know what COMPUTER CASE to use, except that it have to be ATX Factor Form. I really don't want to spend too much on this at all.
POWER SUPPLY is another issue, because I'm not entirely sure how much WATT I'll need.

Thanks.

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CPU/MOBO
Phenom II 955 and GA UD3 $225 w/ $10 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.407589

RAM
Ripjaw 1600 Cas 7 $100, ends in a few hrs though
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] -_-Product

PSU/Optical
OCZ 550w 80+ and Lite on $70 w/ $20 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.418933

Case/HD
HEC Blitz and 7200.12 500gb $69
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.413256

GPU
XFX 5850 $277
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.422132

Combing Free power strip ends up $3 cheaper than GPU alone.

Total: $741 before $30 MIR and shipping

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$450 budget gaming PC. Please help! :D
By quilciri, 1 hour ago:

Here you go. the 6870 will handle medium settings @1920 60 ($30 after mail in and promo...

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