Cheap PC Build

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I'm looking to build a computer for the first time, and I'm looking for some advice. What I want from this computer is the ability to play some games like Team Fortress 2, Left 4 Dead 2, and older strategy games. Also I have a Macbook so I need a Windows based PC to run Windows programs.

I already have a CPU, an Intel Q9450, but I'll need everything else. I don't have a specific budget but I would like to keep the price down as much as I can. So if anyone can help me out with a build I would greatly appreciate it.

Reply to redsox3553

That's a nice CPU. Should serve you a well especially if you're mainly gaming. Don't have a lot of time, but I'd go for a DDR3 mobo. DDR2/3 ram is about the same cost now, but going with the ddr3 will leave the option to upgrade later with less expense.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 3879:49633

DDR3 ram. Cas 9 at 1.5v is decent and fairly priced.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] rder=PRICE

What size monitor are you running on? For the games you're planning on, I'd say a 4850 is all you'll need upto a 1920x1080 monitor. Here they are, the interesting one is the DDR5 512mb. Should perform about the same as the 1gb DDR3 flavors.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] geSize=100

That's all I got for now. I'll try to chime in more later.

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Reply to skora

See how this works out, I included a monitor because you said you needed everything but the processor. If it’s too much money, you could try looking for a less expensive motherboard.

GIGABYTE GA-EP45T-UD3LR ($99 - $15MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128371

A-DATA 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 ($89)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820211364

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD502HJ 500G ($55)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] -_-Product

Combo: Lite-On DVD and Antec 300 Case ($74)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.435578

Combo: OCZ Modular 500W PSU and Windows 7 ($140 - $20 MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Comb [...] mbo.437121

Logitech Cordless Desktop EX 100 (keyboard/mouse) ($30)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6823126041

Acer 21.5” 1080p Monitor ($150)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6824009264

Total: $627 with the potential for $35 in MIR bringing it down to $592.

If you need a cooler, look at the Xigmatek SD964 (~28 with shipping)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233014

EDIT: Totally forgot a GPU. This HIS 5770 will provide plenty of power for what you are looking for and is one of the less expensive ones at $140.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] -_-Product

Brings the total to $767, you can save $40 by going with one of the suggested 4850s, which are still quite good, or as I said before, changing the motherboard.

Message edited by aebome on 07-28-2010 at 07:49:57 PM

Reply to aebome

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