Getting an all purpose/gaming computer

[Max Camino]

Ok, ive been doing some research about getting a computer. I would use it for schoolwork and some recent games. My budget is about $950 for the works(monitor, mouse, keyboard, ect.). The reason i came here is because there are so many choices and i dont know what would be of the most value. I was hoping to be able to keep it for quite a few years and keep it somwhat up to date. Would building a machine be the most worth it, or getting a prebuilt? In either option, what should i look for/what would be best for my needs?

Thanks a bunch in advance!

 

[cuffless]

i recomend a core 2 duo processor and 2 gb of ram

 

[Max Camino]

Any more help plz?

 

[Bobo]

Um yea, don't listen to him.

Building it yourself is definitely the best value. Where do you live? I'll slap together some parts for you.

 

[Max Camino]

Ok, cool thanks, ill look into building one. I kinda figured i didnt need 2 GB of RAM.

BTW, I live in Minneapolis, MN

 

[Bobo]

For that budget, 2GB wouldn't fit.

How big of a monitor do you want?

 

[Bobo]

Here's a build for you

Intel Core 2 Duo E6300--$191

ASUS P5N-E SLI Socket T--$130

OCZ 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2-800--$120

XCLIO Greatpower 600W--$100

XFX 7900GS--$180

LITE-ON Everything drive with Lightscribe--$36

Apevia X-Cruiser--$70

That comes to $827 for the computer, but with $62(I think) in mail-in rebates. If that's too high, it's trimmable.

 

[lhstud10]

hey just wondering why is the core 2 duo soo much better like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819115005

over this one????

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819116231

 

[kof2000]

one is single core one is dual core.

 

[Bobo]

Look at some benchies, you'll see astounding differences.

 

[Grey410]

What about his monitor, kb , and mouse fitting in the budget?

 

[leSHok]

ive noticed the day after xmas atleast 10 building threads have appeared...

 

[Bobo]

What about his monitor, kb , and mouse fitting in the budget?

He's got like $200 for that, including the rebates. A little over budget, but not bad at all.

 

[Max Camino]

Thanks a bunch Bobo, i your build seems to fit my needs well. This will be my first build, so i may come here with a bunch of questions. What would you say that the hardest part of building a machine? Again, thanks a bunch. BTW, I think a 17" monitor would be a good size. Any deals around for one?

 

[nffc10]

This one:
NU QL-711V Silver, Black 17" 8ms LCD Monitor - Retail $169.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824198001

Or this one:
AG Neovo F-417 Black 17" 4ms LCD Monitor - Retail $163.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824163115

EDIT: The lowest price, still decent 17" i could find:
SCEPTRE X7G-NagaVI Black 17" 8ms LCD Monitor - Retail $149.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16824112004

Keyboard and mouse:
APEVIA KI-COMBO-BL Blue & Black PS/2 Standard Keyboard and Optical Scroll Mouse Combo Set Mouse Included - Retail $20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16823165015

 

[Max Camino]

ok, a couple more questions. Is there a video card in the build you posted, because i couldnt find one? Also, this is coming in a little bit too far above budget, what are the trimmable parts?

 

[Bobo]

Intel Core 2 Duo E6300--$184

ASUS P5N-E SLI Socket T--$145

OCZ 1GB (2 x 512MB) 240-Pin DDR2-800--$120 (-$12)

XClio StablePower 500W--$70

Connect3D X1900GT--$169 (-$20)

Lite-ON DVD Burner--$30

Hitachi Deskstar 160GB SATA 3GB/S--$57

Apevia X-Cruiser--$70 (-$10)

Viewsonic 17" 8ms monitor--$180 (-$50)

$944 including rebates. Is that close enough??

 

[Max Camino]

Its better, but still a little bit too much. Im sorry for all these changes, I really appreciate the help though.

 

[Bobo]

How about this instead of the Asus:
GIGABYTE GA-965P-S3--$119

It would cut off $26

 

[Iluvpenguins]

to answer the guys quesiton

The P4 and C2D architecture is compeltely different,so if a C2D was only single core and clocked the same,it will still be faster,it can handle a higher fsb and again,the architecture is different for the best,P4 architecture is crap and has always been known as crap,so a C2D thats dual core and at i think its 1000mhz FSB(Please correct me,i dont think im right) + its good architecture,it makes it a winner over intel's previous P4 and over AMD's X2 and FX processors.