Help me build my 1st computer $600 - $650

How's it going guys

So here it is, first time building a computer and I'm getting very excited but at the same time it's somewhat intimidating. You always want to get the best parts for your money and the best possible set up based on what you're going to be using it for. I've heard great things about this website and all the great input you fine folks provide and share with noobs like myself. I'm self taught and have replaced cd/dvd burners, power supply units, installed operating systems... With that said - I'm ready for the next step and build my own system.

So I need your help. All input is much much appreciated

Approximate Purchase Date: month to month and a half

Budget Range: $600- $650

System Usage from Most to Least important: tons of video editing/rendering, gaming, streaming live online, watching movies and the usual online surfing and some photoshop

Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitors and operating system (already own windows 7 ultimate 64bit)

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: no preference - cheapest and most reliable

Country: U.S.A.

Parts Preferences: open to both AMD or Intel set up (looking for best bang for the buck), mid-tower or full tower case

Overclocking: not familiar with this, open to either or

SLI or Crossfire: not familiar with this either, open to either or

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Additional Comments: would like to have dual monitor set up, really looking for quick rendering times when it comes to producing videos, and would like to throw any game with high/max settings. Thank you guys for all your help and time, as I stated early - trying to look for the best bang for the buck.

Here's what I have in mind:

CPU: intel core i5/ amd quad core
GPU: radeon hd 6870
RAM: 8gb
HDD: 500gb (the more the better)
OD: any for budget
case: would like one with usb 3.0 but only if within budget
mobo: would like one with usb 3.0 but only if within budget
PSU: 550w

What do you think?

Looks good, the brands and form-factors come down to personal preference. Newegg.com is universally praised in the US, and they have some great deals. my advice would be to get an i7-2600 or better since you will be doing a lot of video encoding. The hyperthreading makes a noticeable difference.

I'f i were you i would go with a I5, if you can fit it into the budget the new 7870 may be at a affordable range. I have been eyeing this board http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131806 for a while now. The Core i5 2400 is all you need. the 2500k is good but unless your gonna Over Clock you don't need anything but the 2400. the 7870 is probably gonna be out of range for you by now. so for mid range NVIDIA seems to rule the nest. a GTX 560 1gb (EVGA) is around 189.99 at newegg. the Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811139008 or..... i recommended this one earlier today : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6811146065
a Good power supply TX 650 from corsair is a deal for 100$

Hey Jessterman21

considering the price difference i5 vs i7, to your point, is it worth the price jump when it comes to video rendering to go with the i7. Just trying to figure out if its a very noticeable performance/time difference. Afraid it will put me way over budget - so tempting

thanks

The short version is no. If you had a higher budget, it would absolutely be worth going for the i7, but at $600 it just isn't a good idea.

Also, I really like drunkducki's build. It's almost part for part what I would have recommended, as far as I see it's the best bang for your buck at this price range.

+1

Agreed. Either of these 6870s are great, too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102948

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814161396

And OP, you'd be playing BF3 at high/ultra settings depending on your sensitivity to variable framerates.

Here's an alternative from Microcenter

Intel Core i5-2500K $179.99
http://www.microcenter.com/single_ [...] id=0354589

Gigabyte GA-Z68AP-D3 $49.99 after $10 rebate and $50 bundle savings with the i5
http://www.microcenter.com/single_ [...] id=0375352

8GB HyperX DDR3-1333 $29.99
http://www.microcenter.com/single_ [...] id=0360526

500GB Caviar Blue $99.99
http://www.microcenter.com/single_ [...] id=0352164

LG 22x DVD-RW 16.99
http://www.microcenter.com/single_ [...] id=0372836

Gigabyte 6870 $159.99 after $30 rebate
http://www.microcenter.com/single_ [...] id=0364079

BitFenix Merc Alpha $34.99
http://www.microcenter.com/single_ [...] id=0382963

PC Power & Cooling Silencer Mk3 600W Modular $64.99 after $20 rebate
http://www.microcenter.com/single_ [...] id=0380192


$696.92 - $60 in rebates.

Going to an i7-2600K would add exactly $100.