My frist build... hopefully

[tonytech6]

Hello all!!!

So after a week of not having my PC running. I have decided on building a one and salvaging the hard drive 640GB WD Cavier Blue and dvd burner. I have pieced out what I what to have. I hope you some of you can give me info on my list of things. I am trying to trying to keep it really cheap. That is why i have not looked into any Intel CPUs.

I mainly use it for browsing, music with minor editing (Mixer with built in sound and turntables), watching movies and slight gaming. I might play SW: THE OLD REPUBLIC on it.

Item List:

Computer Case

INWIN IW-BK623 Micro ATX Tiny Tower, Black w/ 300W Power Supply

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX29094

CPU

AMD HDX945WFGIBOX Phenom II X4 945 Quad Core Processor

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4615717&CatId=4431

Motherboard

GIGABYTE GA-78LMT-S2P AMD 760 Motherboard - Micro ATX

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1963429&CatId=7375

Memory RAM
AMD MEMORY Entertainment Edition 4GB PC3-10600 CL9 DDR3 SDRAM (2 x 4GB)

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX36823

Video Card

GeForce GT 520 2GB DDR3 PCI-E w/ DVI, HDMI

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX34056


- I know the video card is the not the best. But I dont need the best. I play 1 or 2 games a year.

- I am also not too certain on the case. I may need to find a more customizable MICRO ATX case with fan options.

- I am also not sure if the power supply will accommodate all the parts i have chosen.

My first choice for the CPU was AMD FX- 4100 but i have just read many many disappointing reviews on the performance of it. That is why i chose The AMD 945 Phenom X4

thank you for taking your time to read this, I also want to thank those that helped me with my last post. Thank you and have a great day.

 

[geofelt]

If you will use a discrete graphics card, I would not exclude an intel cpu.
Read this article on <$200 gaming cpu's: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-gaming-cpu-core-i3-2100-phenom-ii-x6-1075t,2859-8.html

If you want to use integrated graphics, then the amd llano will give you better graphics, but be weak on cpu power.

The GT520 is an ok card, but not much stronger than the intel HD3000 graphics.

Here are the requirements for SWTOR which are probably higher than what you need for your primary usage:
http://www.game-debate.com/games/index.php?g_id=363&game=Star%20Wars:%20The%20Old%20Republic

My rule of thumb for gaming is to spend twice your cpu budget on the graphics card.

In this case, your $185 budget may be better distributed with a $63 INtel G620 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116399
and a $120 7770 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150598

or a GTX560se: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130770

The case you picked has a 300w psu. It would normally be strong enough to run a graphics card as good as a 7750.

BUT!!! I would never buy a case with an included psu from anybody but Antec.
A low quality psu will not deliver it's advertised power and if it fails, may destroy any other parts to which it is connected.

I suggest instead the antec NSK4482 case with an included 380w psu:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129071

8gb is appropriate for today's needs, but do not buy two 4gb kits. Buy an 8gb kit instead. Ram vendors will not support ram from two different kits. It most likely will work, but why chance it?

 

[tonytech6]

wow!!!! The info you gave me was actually very informative. I played around on that page for a good 2 hours. I was trying to figure out if which video video card would work for me. I am not too sure how accurate that configuration system is with the actually hardware results.

thank you very much. It seems i will have to research all my parts all over game. ha!! i like it though. cheers

 

[tonytech6]

Best answer selected by tonytech6.