Newegg SuperCombo's - recommended for a 1st-time builder?

[pater familias]

Does anyone have experience good or bad with building pc's using a Newegg SuperCombo package?

Been getting advice on buying various components to put together my first build, but found the SuperCombos and wondered if it might be a better way to go for my first time.

 

[mdd1963]

If assembling an entire system, you can indeed save a few bucks here and there by opting for assorted MB/mem combos, etc....

 

[chesteracorgi]

Does anyone have experience good or bad with building pc's using a Newegg SuperCombo package?

Been getting advice on buying various components to put together my first build, but found the SuperCombos and wondered if it might be a better way to go for my first time.

They are often a good value. But if you have specific requirements the super combos don't offer much choice.

Newegg also offers combos on most of their product: e.g. a CPU/mobo/PSU combo. This route is often better because you can get (more specifically) what you want.

If you are doing a new build then post your proposals on this forum and ask for opinions. You will find lots of help and different viewpoints.

 

[pater familias]

They are often a good value. But if you have specific requirements the super combos don't offer much choice.

Newegg also offers combos on most of their product: e.g. a CPU/mobo/PSU combo. This route is often better because you can get (more specifically) what you want.

If you are doing a new build then post your proposals on this forum and ask for opinions. You will find lots of help and different viewpoints.

I did that a few days ago, but only one person has had time to offer guidance so far.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/311765-31-build-desktop

 

[chesteracorgi]

Sorry, I either read your request and saw that it had been answered or missed it altogether. This is a hobby for me so I don't monitor or chime in on everything.

To help I'll give you an example of what I'd build on a $750 budget.

 

[chesteracorgi]

First I'd go with the Sandybridge platform. Because you want the i5 2500 I'd suggest spend a little extra and get the 2500K . It has the superior integrated GPU (3000 series as opposed to 2000)l
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
for $225


I'd go with a low end Z68 because you can build without the graphics card now and add one later.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813138319 or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157251 $120

RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231307 $40 or 2X for $80

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156223
it looks cool for the 14yo and is only $40

PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371035 or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027
for $60

Blue Ray
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106325
$55

If you are a real music enthusiast I'd get a sound card. The Creative X-fi Titanium is often on sale for about $90.

If gaming is real important and you can leave out the sound card (and use the mobo sound chip) then
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125383
for $190

I was running low end games on the igpu on the Sandybridge chip. But for WOW, etc. you probably want the GTX 560 or, at least a GTX 460
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121390
for $150.

If your budget is flexible I'd go with the sound card and the GTX 560.

BTW I would not exclude AMD GPU cards but I am more familiar with Nvidia, and AMD is sometimes confusing in which cards are the higher end.

There we go. Now if you intend to overclock you have to get a better CPU cooler.

Good luck.

 

[pater familias]

Best answer selected by pater familias.