Budget Build for ~$500

[aTator]

Hello Tom's Hardware community!
First time builder here, looking to upgrade from this sub-par dell laptop, to a slick mean machine of my own creation. I have been browsing newegg for the past couple days getting a general Idea of what I want and I came up with this:
Computer Build

What are your thought's on this?
Is there anyway I can get more performance for around the same price range?

[strike]Technically this is a $400 budget build because I have to be able to afford windows 7, but I trust your guys' expertise and hope you can help [/strike]

What I plan to use this computer for:
General Everyday use
Moderate Gaming (Counter Strike Source, Starcraft 2, Minecraft)
Programming (Using Unreal Engine, but nothing too fancy, I'm only in a first year OOP college class)

All help/ feedback appreciated, thanks in advance,
Anthony

 

[Coastaltuba]

Dude, honestly, google this: Windows 7 Repository. Download and install Windows 7 Ultimate for free and use that extra $100 for the build. I usually don't tell people to "pirate", but that hundred bucks can be used for much better than that.

 

[aTator]

Thanks.
As for my build here is the updated form thing
Approximate Purchase Date: (e.g.: this week (the closer the better))


Budget Range: <600 before rebates, preferably closer to 500


System Usage from Most to Least Important:
Home Usage
Programming
Gaming

Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers, OS


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com, any other rputable site you guys suggest


Country of Origin: USA


Parts Preferences: Again I have limited knowledge in this field, I trust your reccomendations


Overclocking: Maybe Later


SLI or Crossfire: No


Monitor Resolution: 1280x1024


Additional Comments: Thanks

 

[Coastaltuba]

Okay, let me rig something up. Be back in a minute

 

[wenqi]

freeware... try windows 3.1 or ubuntu. if your work uses windows ask them if you can buy a copy to "work at home" or see if you can buy a copy direct from Microsoft. it is much cheaper, i got windows 7 ultimate for $30 because my workplace had a license deal with Microsoft

 

[Coastaltuba]

Would you need a wireless adapter?

 

[Coastaltuba]

This is right there at you budget of $600, and there are some rebates and promo codes:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131757
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131373
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104173
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727

Also, if that GFX card is overkill, as well as the Memory, you can cut costs with a lower amount.

 

[aTator]

Yeah I need a wireless card

 

[Coastaltuba]

alright, let me find a good one

 

[Coastaltuba]

Wireless adapter: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704045

 

[Coastaltuba]

Crap, forgot that you needed a case and psu. Gimme another minute. Sorry for trouble.

 

[Coastaltuba]

Okay, call me biased, but in my opinion, Rosewill beats other case makers at the budget range, and I'm using the Challenger case. But I picked this one because my brother has the same one, and it is great. Plus, it ends up being less than $40.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147023

Power supply: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371023

Change GFX card to this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102940

And Memory to this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211409

Right at $600 before promo codes and rebates. is this close to what you were looking for?

Once again, you can skim the price even more. you can change the DVD driver and HDD to this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.679783