Hi all,
Long time Mac user looking for advice on his first PC build. Been used to all-in-one since 1995 (first computer was a Performa 5200CD!). Now need to replace my 4.5 years old iMac, mainly for some moderate gaming. Must say I'm very nervous about breaking anything (or everything for that matter) in the process, but at the same time it should be more satisfying than buying pre-assembled.
Approximate Purchase Date: This week
Budget Range: $1200 CAD more or less - need to buy monitor, OS, and keyboad
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Some moderate gaming, mainly Eve Online MMORPG (link to system requirements) that I've been playing on my iMac. Since the Mac isn't a serious gaming platform, I'll probably want try a lot of new games on Windows, mainly strategy games and some RTS (I'm not into First-person shooters), some movie watching. I'll keep the iMac for Office stuff, music and such.
Parts Not Required: Speaker set
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: (e.g.: newegg.com, ncix.com -- to show us selection & pricing)
Country of Origin: (e.g.: Grand Fenwick)
Parts Preferences: Not any really, except for quality ones (I'm a noob). 23-24 inches screen is a big plus.
Overclocking: No
SLI or Crossfire: Probably not needed
I've come up with this build that seems reasonable, but I'm not sure (might be overkill for current use). I also need to know if there's compatibily issues. I'm looking for some upgradeability potential, hence the AM3+ motherboard. Really need input from the experts.
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz - $115
Motherboard: ASUS M5A97 EVO AM3+ - $120
RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 - $45
HDD: Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM - $65 (MOBO only support 6.0Gb/s)
PSU: CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V -$80
GPU: EVGA 01G-P3-1467-AR GeForce GTX 465 (Fermi) Superclocked 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express - $170
Optical drive: ASUS 24X DVD Burner - $20
Case: Rosewill DESTROYER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $50
Monitor: ASUS VH236H Black 23" 2ms Full HD Widescreen LCD Monitor w/ Speakers - $170 (deal ending tomorrow)
OS (Windows 7 retail French) and Keyboard/mice: will buy at local retail store. Around $300
Total: $1135
I'm not absolutely sure the PSU will yield enough power for this build.
Oh, and one last note: Hope my English ain't too bad. It's not my primary language.
Thanks in advance!
Long time Mac user looking for advice on his first PC build. Been used to all-in-one since 1995 (first computer was a Performa 5200CD!). Now need to replace my 4.5 years old iMac, mainly for some moderate gaming. Must say I'm very nervous about breaking anything (or everything for that matter) in the process, but at the same time it should be more satisfying than buying pre-assembled.
Approximate Purchase Date: This week
Budget Range: $1200 CAD more or less - need to buy monitor, OS, and keyboad
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Some moderate gaming, mainly Eve Online MMORPG (link to system requirements) that I've been playing on my iMac. Since the Mac isn't a serious gaming platform, I'll probably want try a lot of new games on Windows, mainly strategy games and some RTS (I'm not into First-person shooters), some movie watching. I'll keep the iMac for Office stuff, music and such.
Parts Not Required: Speaker set
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: (e.g.: newegg.com, ncix.com -- to show us selection & pricing)
Country of Origin: (e.g.: Grand Fenwick)
Parts Preferences: Not any really, except for quality ones (I'm a noob). 23-24 inches screen is a big plus.
Overclocking: No
SLI or Crossfire: Probably not needed
I've come up with this build that seems reasonable, but I'm not sure (might be overkill for current use). I also need to know if there's compatibily issues. I'm looking for some upgradeability potential, hence the AM3+ motherboard. Really need input from the experts.
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz - $115
Motherboard: ASUS M5A97 EVO AM3+ - $120
RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 - $45
HDD: Seagate Barracuda ST31000524AS 1TB 7200 RPM - $65 (MOBO only support 6.0Gb/s)
PSU: CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V -$80
GPU: EVGA 01G-P3-1467-AR GeForce GTX 465 (Fermi) Superclocked 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express - $170
Optical drive: ASUS 24X DVD Burner - $20
Case: Rosewill DESTROYER Black Gaming ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $50
Monitor: ASUS VH236H Black 23" 2ms Full HD Widescreen LCD Monitor w/ Speakers - $170 (deal ending tomorrow)
OS (Windows 7 retail French) and Keyboard/mice: will buy at local retail store. Around $300
Total: $1135
I'm not absolutely sure the PSU will yield enough power for this build.
Oh, and one last note: Hope my English ain't too bad. It's not my primary language.
Thanks in advance!