Help Building a New System

bp_

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Jan 30, 2011
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It was suggested to me in another thread that I look into building a system rather than buying a prebuilt. So, I got to looking and I think I can do it for under $600 but I need advice/help.

Approximate Purchase Date: maybe soon


Budget Range: $600 After Rebates (not including a monitor)


System Usage from Most to Least Important: I'll use this for web, word processing, excel, playing text based sim game and maybe some browser based games, watching MLB.TV and maybe Hulu, etc.


Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, maybe OS (I have a Win 7 upgrade here that I can maybe use to install the operating system?)


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg or amazon


Country of Origin: USA


Parts Preferences: I've got some stuff picked out (UPDATED AFTER FEEDBACK IN POST #2)

a. CPU: Intel Core i5-2500 Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500
b. Mobo: ASUS P8H67-M LE LGA 1155 Intel H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
c. GPU: On board
d. Hard drive: Western Digital Caviar Black WD1002FAEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive
e. Ram: CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model TW3X4G1333C9A G
f. PSU: Antec EarthWatts EA-500D Green 500W ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply
g. Case: COOLER MASTER ELITE 335 RC-335-KKN1-GP Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
h: Optic (CD/DVD/Blu-ray): Sony Optiarc Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA CD/DVD Burner - OEM


Overclocking: No


SLI or Crossfire: I don't know what this is


Monitor Resolution: SAMSUNG 2333T High Glossy Black 23" 8ms Full HD WideScreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 DCR 50,000:1 (CR 4,000:1)


Additional Comments: I would like my machine to be quiet as it can be without paying a ton extra to make it so. I think I have a good start here. I want to have some USB 3.0 along with an HDMI out so I like the looks of the Asus board, assuming it works with this case and the PS works with this case. This would be a total of $557. I need help figuring out if anything here seems wrong/unnecessary. I assume a pre-built could not touch this price w/ these specs?
 
You can check out the sight in my sig :D

But here's all my critiques then my suggestions.

1) Your not overclocking, you don't need an i5 2500K. Get the 2500 and save some cash.
2) Don't get the WD Black's, they're expensive and not worth their cost. Get the Samsung F3 1TB. So check em out on my site or at newegg. 60$. 30$ less than the WD Black for practically the same perf.

Suggestions
1) GPU, There is two options here, you could get a 6850 or a GTS 450 and be fine since I see no major gaming but I guess sim games would need some better graphics. But..... Another option which makes you not need to get a dedicated card (as it seems like you don't need it) you could pick up an H67 board instead and use the APU on the 2500 which is pretty decent and allow quick sync in the future if you ever need it.
2) PSU you could get this one. Really GREAT! Deal. I suggest getting this one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371035&cm_re=earthwatt_500-_-17-371-035-_-Product
3) Case, any is fine. I like the Antec 300's but the HAF 922 is ok too. The Cooler Master Scout is decent as well.
 

bp_

Distinguished
Jan 30, 2011
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18,510
I guess I need to wait on my Intel Chip! http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/intel-finds-sandy-bridge-chipset-design-flaw-shipments-stopped/