Marathon Dec. 2011: $600 PC Upgrade

[dwm273]

Hello,
After looking over Dec. system marathon I decided I would like to build a tower much like it. I have a budget of $900 to go off of though.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/core-i5-overclock-performance-gaming,3097.html

There are a some adjustements I'd like to do the the tower due to my somewhat increased budget. I lack the knowledge to just wing the purchases so I'd like some advice. On the build I want to increase the RAM and Graphics card.

Case wise I'm looking at -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129021&cm_sp=Cat_Computer_Cases-_-Spotlight-_-11-129-021

Currently I don't have a monitor. Iv been using an HD Plasma tv with my Laptop.

Hopefully this enough information. It's all I can think of at the moment.

 

[sosofm]

Memory 8gb http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104239
Video card : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125385

 

[tsnor]

Hard disk is: Hard Drive Seagate Barracuda ST3500413AS 500 GB SATA 6Gb/s $50; current price with Thailand flooding is $94.99. If you have an old drive you can use suggest you use that for 6 months to a year while prices get back to normal. Otherwise consider a 160-200 GB SSD drive for $200 vs. a 500 GB spinning drive for $100.

Good idea upgrading case.

Mouse and KB and Win7 64bit add another $150. Opinion: Wired for gaming, not wireless.

Consided Blu-ray ? vs. Samsung 22x DVD Burner SATA Model SH-222AB

re: graphics upgrade. You've probably seen this ref: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/fastest-graphics-card-radeon-geforce,3085.html The Hd6870 already in teh build is pretty strong. One thoguth, the AMD/ATI 7000 series card come out this month. The first reviews were really good. That has to give you new graphics options and move the price of the old ones. Maybe wait 3 weeks and see before committing to graphics decision. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-7970-benchmark-tahiti-gcn,3104.html

 

[andrewcarr]

Wouldn't get that 8GB memory kit, it's 1.65v you want 1.5v memory.
All of these are good but if you can buy the one kit for 20% off today I'd get that.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220570
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231416
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104231