Computer Build suggestions

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TigersEye

New Member
Hello Forum community,

I was recommended to using this forum from a friend. I’m currently attempting to build my first PC. My knowledge of PCs and PC parts is just a notch above basic/average knowledge but nowhere near technically skilled/advanced. I know enough to know what parts I need, but what I don’t know is what quality of parts to invest in. I would like to build a medium-high to high performance pc on a limited budget (around $700) that will last a couple of years without major upgrades.

The three big questions are processors, motherboard, and video card. The major programs I want to run are Adobe Photoshop CS5 as well as able to play current PC games (Left 4 Dead, Battlefield Bad Company, etc.). I know a quad core processor would be sufficient enough but I want to make sure I get a good one and one that could last me a while. I’ve noticed some of the quad core processors are very close to the 6-core processors in price so am not sure what would be a better option, to go with a high end quad core or go with a lower end six core? I also want to pair it with a good motherboard and video card.

If anyone has any recommendations on parts or a good build within the $700 range I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks!
 
Welcome

:)
TigersEye said:
If anyone has any recommendations on parts or a good build within the $700 range I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks!
Click to expand...
What do you need? The chassis and it's components, and Windows 7?
When is purchase?
Do rebates count?
What country are you in, to know where you can buy from?
　
See if you can manage something like this:
The 2 gift cards take 3-4 days to be emailed, but you could leave 1 item out and purchase it separatly if need be. Rebates would also have to apply.

$357 - 955 +
SAPPHIRE 100312SR Radeon HD 6950 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

$28
XIGMATEK Intel Core i7 compatible Dark Knight-S1283V REV.W with ACK-I5361 120mm Long Life Bearing CPU Cooler I7 i5 775 1155 ...

Nice board for $90
ASRock 870 EXTREME3 AM3 AMD 870 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard

Power supply:Choose a reputable brand. See Power Supply (PSU) Tech Guide

$50
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7D-4GBRM

Since the 955 can be clocked up to the other x4's - the 1090T would be the next substancial leap.
 
Last edited:
Many thanks for all the suggestions so far guys! I think I may have a potential build based off on some of the recommendations.

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition
Mobo: MSI 790FX-GD70 AM3 AMD 790FX ATX AMD Motherboard
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333
GPU: Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI
Optic Drive: ASUS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EARS 1TB
Case: Rosewill Blackbone Black Steel Mid Tower
Power Supply: Raidmax Hybrid 630W

Total: ~$680

Benny Boy said:
:)

What do you need? The chassis and it's components, and Windows 7?
When is purchase?
Do rebates count?
What country are you in, to know where you can buy from?
　
See if you can manage something like this:
The 2 gift cards take 3-4 days to be emailed, but you could leave 1 item out and purchase it separatly if need be. Rebates would also have to apply.
Click to expand...

1) Need everything except software and externals (I have OS, keyboard, mouse).
2) Purchase this month.
3) I'm all for rebates (as long as vendor can supply product in enough time for rebate)
4) USA, looking at a few retailers (Newegg, Tigerdirect...etc)
 
Since you have 7 etc already, you willl do pretty will with AMD. Intel may also be an option.
Get Samsung F3/F4 or WD black - faster for os partition.
Raidmax no good fro PS. Look at the sticky PSU Guide. First choose from reputable makers, then the watts needed, the price will be what it is. In other words, don't pick by price unless all the choices are reputable.
DDR3 1600 is the best value, usually just a couple bucks more than 1333. And 4 gb should do nicely.
If NE, sign up for eblast specials. Right now is 4gb GSkill 1600 C7 for $50. Free ship on burners, and some other deals.

Consider newer chipset/more features.
 
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