First Post, First Gaming Build

[Orangekayak]

Approximate Purchase Date: (ASAP)

Budget Range: ($600-$800, but for a good deal I can fudge a bit!)

System Usage from Most to Least Important: (Multimedia, Video, Gaming, Photos)


Parts Not Required: (I think I need everything)

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: (newegg.com)


Country of Origin: (USA)


Parts Preferences: by brand or type (None)


Overclocking: Nah

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe? Do I need it?

Monitor Resolution: (More the better, right?)


Additional Comments: I haven't built a computer in years, but now I am all grown up, and it's cool to have a desktop again. I'm sick of the Dell pre-built systems with poor components, so I wanted to build a PC that may run Diablo 3 in the future, play back some 1080p video at a decent framerate, and run basic photoshop stuff. I'm not a hardcore user, but the faster the better for the price.

The Sandybridge questions now leave me unsure of what to do. I've been reading the site furiously, but still don't feel confident making my own selections without help. I'm scared to get a bad power supply, petrified of the thing not booting, but you guys instill confidence in me to try this. Thanks for the help!

 

[WR2]

Hello OK;
Do you need a monitor included in the $800 budget? "Monitor Resolution: (More the better, right?)" Or do you already have one?

 

[Orangekayak]

I don't have one, but if we can't get it in the budget, I understand. I'm asking a lot for a budget build!

 

[WR2]

Looking to fit a monitor into the budget:
AMD Athlon II X3 450 Rana 3.2GHz CPU $80
ASRock 870 EXTREME3 AM3 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard $90
G.SKILL 4GB DDR3 1600 RAM $50
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 500GB HDD $40
LITE-ON 24X DVD burner SATA $18
XFX Radeon HD 6850 1GB GPU $180 $20 rebate

NZXT M59 Mid Tower Case $60 $15 rebate
Antec TruePower New TP-550 550W PSU $70

$588

ASUS VH236H 23" 1920x 1080P LCD Monitor $180 $20 rebate

$768 before $55 in rebates.

 

[cha0ss0ldier]

$804, only slightly over budget

AMD Phenom II X4 955 + ASUS Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.592296

A-DATA Gaming Series 4GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211409

SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

FX HD-685X-ZNFC Radeon HD 6850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150505

Antec NEO ECO 620C 620W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371031

Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153

SATA DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136177

Acer G215HAbd-1 Black 21.5" 5ms Widescreen LCD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009275

 

[Orangekayak]

Appreciate it guys! Now just to decide which build would be easier for a first time guy. Any thoughts?

 

[WR2]

Should be no difference in the build experience or techniques required.
The 'Eco' versions of PSUs come without a AC power cord so you'll need to recycle one you already have or pick one up locally if you don't order one online.

And it's OK to pick and choose from either list.
The parts are interchangeable.

 

[WR2]

Don't forget a copy of Windows.
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754

 

[WR2]

You can the HDD and Win7 in a combo pack and save a bit extra

 

[Orangekayak]

Thanks again for all the help. You guys are amazing! I'm more scared about putting the thing together, but I think I am off to a good start. Should I opt for the more expensive processor?

 

[seller417]

i like the build cha0ss0ldier posted....very similar to one i am considering. only i want to include a SSD, aftermarket heat sink, and i am going with a 560 ti.

if you are going to OC you may want to invest in a quality heatsink and thermal paste

 

[Orangekayak]

Best answer selected by orangekayak.