Desktop for around $500-650

[Coastaltuba]

Ok, I've come to the conclusion that my MSI laptop is not working out for me anymore. Sooo...I need a desktop

Main usage: Internet, Photoshop (not really heavy), light gaming, Sibelius 5 (or Finale 2012)
Parts not needed: Cables, speakers, keyboard, mouse, and OS
Price range: $500-$650

I would like to OC everyonce in a while, just to do it. So I need a cpu and motherboard for that. AMD or Intel, does not matter. I don't need the best gpu either, just maybe a 6770? And monitor needs DVI input, and maybe led backlight.

Anyone want to help me out?

Also, where can I sell my laptop? Its a very good laptop, and can actually run Skyrim, not on best settings, but I was able to play it and mod it, so it packs a punch. Intel i3 core. If I could find a place to trade it for some of the necessary parts, that would be good too.

 

[James McKeane]

****oops didn't read all the way****

I think the budget constraints are quickly ending OC prospects...maybe not. There's a deal at tiger direct for a 2500k MSI z77 1tb 550w DIY kit. That plus a *budget* monitor should do the trick.

 

[Coastaltuba]

Well, I don't need to start overclocking right away, so stock cooler should be fine for now.

 

[James McKeane]

Well, I don't need to start overclocking right away, so stock cooler should be fine for now.

here's the link to the tigerdirect barebores http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2428851&CatId=336 (Atunzuman made this find) No gpu though. A refurb 6770 and a decent monitor shouldn't put you over too much.

 

[Coastaltuba]

Would it be cheaper to run a AMD Phenom II X4? I don't need the absolute best cpu, the X4 is plenty fast

 

[James McKeane]

Part list permalink / Part price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 960T Black 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($124.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($30.44 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill NS 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($22.99 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F3 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus Radeon HD 6770 1GB Video Card ($96.97 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($42.08 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Antec 520W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($62.98 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VH198T 19.0" Monitor ($105.83 @ Mac Connection)
Total: $666.26
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated 2012-04-16 23:02 EDT-0400)

 

[Coastaltuba]

I'd never seen that AMD Phenom, is it a newer version?

 

[James McKeane]

I'd never seen that AMD Phenom, is it a newer version?

Q4 2010 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AMD_Phenom_microprocessors#.22Zosma.22_.28E0.2C_45_nm.2C_Quad-core.29

 

[Coastaltuba]

You are very helpful, thanks!