Build a dual monitor system for schooling

[cleis]

I am shopping around because I want to replace my 3 year old laptop. I want to go with a desktop with a dual monitor set-up. I don't game, I won't watch movies on it, and all I really do is school and email. I wanted to try and build it myself. I'm not a computer guru by any means but I am an avionics tech on aircraft and have confidence that I can figure it out. I just need some guidance on what parts to buy. I have the monitors picked out, just 2 cheap 20" LCD monitors for $119 each from Newegg. I need some guidance so I don't spend for bells and whistles I don't need. I do however want to make it so that it's not obsolete in a day. Someone at work told me to go with an i3, i5, or i7 processor. Basically here is what i'm looking for, any suggestions as far as a parts list? i would like to try and go through Newegg. thanks for the help.
- dual monitor so i can work on two applications at once, one on each screen
- cheap build but not so cheap it's slow and my 3 year old laptop is better
- the tower will be in a cabinet/desk so will need to make sure it cools well
- i don't game
- should i get a graphics card with two digital outputs?
- would like to upgrade to windows 7 64-bit

thank you again for any input.

 

[batuchka]

Any current DDR3 based cheapo 785G..or 880G/SB850 if u want bells and whistles like USB/SATA 3.0 would be fine Just remove w/e u dun need off below (or add for that matter hehe)
$489AR

Go to BIOS and enabled Surround View from default "Auto"

With IGP = 2 displays
> 2 displays u need to add in a Radeon class discrete (no gaming then something cheapo like HD 4350/5450 would serve just as well)

 

[cleis]

thanks for the input

 

[cleis]

so something cheap like this would work? it would allow for the two 18.5" monitors you showed?

HIS H545H1G Radeon HD 5450 (Cedar) 1GB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card

if i ordered your parts list and this card that's all i would need? no additional cables or anything?

and as far as the assembly, all hardware will be included? i could probably watch a youtube vid on the assembly and setup right? how esd sensitive is this stuff? would i need a grounding strap or just make sure i'm careful and just assemble on a table?

really do appreciate your help.

 

[batuchka]

Nah the HD 5450 is required should your need for multi displays grow beyond just 2 - the integrated HD 4250 IGP on that 880G motherboard does 2 x displays fine ^^

Ah even better a DIY Video Blog done up by one of our forum members here:

I Built My Own Computer And Saved Hundreds Of Dollars
http://www.bikebeerbbq.com/i-built-my-own-computer-and-saved-hundreds-of-dollars/

 

[cleis]

thanks

 

[batuchka]

Yep happy shopping/building and cheers ^^