Hello all, now that summer is finally here I have some free time to build myself a new computer. So, I need recommendations on parts; my goal is to spend no more than $1000, but I should be able to afford a bit more than that if I think it's worth the cost.
I need a desktop for general use. I'm putting Vista on it, some of the programs I run tend to be fairly CPU- and memory-intensive, and I'd like it to last a long time, so it needs to be fairly powerful. I may also decide to use it for games (like Halo 2) but that's a much lower priority. My only thoughts on specific hardware so far were preferably 2GB of RAM and a Core 2 Duo processor (I don't know much about the specific models though). I have a copy of the operating system already (hurray MSDNAA), but I need everything else, including a monitor.
I've also never put together a computer before, so any advice would be more than welcome.
There's some play in the pricing on some items. I went with a DX10 video card for the HD decoding abilities, but you could save a about $50 by going to the 8500GT if you really aren't going to game on it much at all. There are a few other components that you could shave a few dollars off of if you need to (CPU, hard drive, optical), so we could probably get this under a grand if you need it there.
The Dell E207WFP is a very solid monitor. It has DVI, a good response rate, and at $219, it's not too expensive.
It might be difficult to stay under $1000 if you want a good monitor. However, to start off: Motherboard: The canonical recommendation is the Asus P5N-E, or the P5N32-E. The P5N line offers luxurious overclocking options at a very reasonable price, and has all the ports and sockets you're likely to need.
CPU: Core 2 Duo, like you said. I have the E4300 (bottom of the line) and it does everything I want, but performance scales pretty evenly with price until you get to the really REALLY expensive ones. Newegg's offering a free Intel mug with the E6300. Oooh!
RAM: G.Skill is reliable and has great prices. For example, 2 GB of decently-fast RAM for $85. Mama Mia! Lower timings are available for a little more, but may not be worth it to you. Corsair and Kingston are also good brands.
HDD: Seagate, Maxtor, or WD. Seagate's perpendicular-recording drives are very very quick. Seagate Example, WD Example.
I'm not aware of much innovation in optical drives since about, oh, 1704, so you should be able to handle yourself there. They're available in SATA now, but it's not really worth it IMO.
Case selection will vary depending on what you want: airflow, aesthetics, price, compactness, etc.
PSU: Hiper is a good brand; you probably want 500+ watts. It's never a bad idea to splurge here, as I'm sure you're aware already. Look for models offering modular cables, as they make setup and cable-management easier. I have this dapper gentleman and I've been satisfied from day 1. This one has a hefty rebate attached, but I can't vouch for it.
nVidia dominates the video card field right now. You have the option of the 7000 series or the 8000 series; the 7000s are very decent, but aren't as future-proof, since they don't support dx10. The 8000s are also more powerful. From slowest to fastest, cards go: GS, GT, GTS, Ultra, GTX. I have a 7900GS that runs FEAR at 1280x1024 (monitor's best resolution) with a minimum of 25fps and an average of 40. Asus, BFG, Gigabyte, and PNY are going to be your go-to brands. Get 256-320MB of card memory; more would be superfluous.
I don't know much about monitors, so I can't help there. I can say from experience, however, that 400:1 is not an adequate contrast ratio.
computers are like legos, they're supposed to click together, and easy for a two year old, but once you get to be an adult it can be a mind melting experience
Well, there's this Scepter 20.1" LCD. All the same specs, but larger and higher res, and for $10 cheaper. Is there anything specific about the HP monitor that makes it better?
After looking at some reviews, I knocked your video card down to a 7300GS. Driver support for Vista is just not there yet with the 8000 series cards, and since you won't be gaming anyway, system stability is more important than performance.
That card knocks almost $100 off your build price, and you would still be able to throw a game on there if you wanted to. You wouldn't get awesome framerates, but most current titles would be playable. By the time you want to get serious about gaming, more DX10 titles will be out with better deals on DX10 hardware and better driver support. I'd save the cash for now.
Or, you could get something nice for your girlfriend to distract her while you're playing with your new rig.
I'll probably buy the parts and Dell monitor listed above, unless there are any other suggestions.
Do Newegg and Dell change their sales at the end of the month (in other words, if I wait another week or two to buy things will some of them not be on sale any more)?
Dell, Most likely will, but Newegg probably will have the same prices. And I have been a big fan of Sceptre ever since my friend got a 17in about two years ago. Just spreading the word about a great monitor at a great price. BTW we do a lot of FMV work on these monitors and need good Picture Quality and not many other monitors offered such a great picture at such a great price.
take a look at acer monitors... often they have the cost of no name trash with a 1 year warranty, but usually they come with 3 year warranty, have decent contrast and response rates, and actually are good deals.
