Hey there everyone, I'm looking to build my first computer with my upcoming tax refund. Thats what tax refunds are for anyway, right?
So I am looking to get a mid-range computer that will last me a few years for some gaming (mmorpg) and my usual on computer stuff (multi-tasking). The system should be upgradable in the future, without too many of the standards changing (PCIe, 939 cpu, SATA 3.0Gb, etc). I've budgeted myself to ~$1000 which is my refund and some out of pocket expense. This is not an upgrade as I am currently working off a Dell Inspiron 4000 notebook. All the components will be new, sexy, and sexily new. Overclocking is not in the current plans, but once the system is up and running for a bit I may delve into it.
Here is my current thoughts on the build, so let me know what y'all think please! Am I over killing on components that I can get cheaper for the same speed/quality? Links to newegg, although I'll buy most of it from tigerdirect because 'no tax = cheaper'
MOTHERBOARD:
ASUS A8N-E 939 nForce4 Ultra AMD - $117 tigerdirect.com
CPU:
AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice - $170 tigerdirect.com
GRAPHICS:
eVGA Geforce 6800GS 256MB GDDR3 PCIe - $175 tigerdirect.com
HARD DRIVE:
WD Caviar 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s OEM - $110 newegg.com
Add a SATA cable - $3-5
RAM: PC3200 DDR 1 gig - Should I get Corsair/Crucial/OCZ/mushkin/kingston value ram (2x512) for ~$85-90, or get the $110-120 non-value heat spreaded stuff? No generic stuff please!
CD/DVD:
Pioneer IDE DVD DVR-110 D - OEM $40newegg.com
CASE & POWER SUPPLY:
Antec Solution SLK3800B $100 newegg.com
The Antec Smartpower 2.0 400watt power supply ($56) was on my list of considerations. I found out that it is included in the Antec Solution case for the low price of $100. Now, this screams 'VALUE CASE' to me, but it is still a decent case on its own. I do intend to add a front intake fan (120mm) to assist the exhaust fan in the back. (add $5-$15 for variable speed 120mm fan)
MONITOR: 17-19 inch LCD suggestions? $250-300 most likely, of which I am crying. But a good display is a good display and that can't be fought.
KEYBOARD MOUSE: I know there is a pair laying around here somewhere. Get a wireless set later. $FREE
Total cost = $1050 - 1152
Thanks!