ChappyEight
New Member
(Disclaimer: I've copied this post onto a couple other forums as well, in case you think you've seen this before.)
I'm going to be building my second machine in 2 years in the very near future. Things have already changed so much in the short time since I built my last machine that I am hoping you all can steer me in the correct direction. This machine will replace my parents 6 year old Dell and they will be reusing the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. So, this build is tower only. Also, I already have Vista Ultimate to install.
I'm looking for input on compatibility of the parts I've chosen and then maybe how I can cut the cost by about $200 without sacrificing too much in performance.
Primary uses for this machine will include basic stuff like heavy internet usage, photo/video storage, moderate Photoshop use, moderate video editing, and digital music storage/iTunes. They won't do any gaming aside from good ole solitaire and Facebook based games.
I tried to choose equipment that would give them at least a 5 year life with simple RAM expansion, maybe another HDD at some point, etc.
So, without further adieu:
CPU: Intel Pentium E6300 Wolfdale, 2.8GHz, Dual-Core - $80.99
Mobo: ASUS P5QPL-AM Intel G41 MicroATX - $64.99
RAM: Corsair XMS2 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) - $88.99
PSU: OCZ Fatal1ty 550W - $69.99
HDD (For OS/Programs): WD Caviar Black 500GB - $69.99
HDD (For Media Storage): WD Caviar Green 1TB - $94.99
DVD (x2): Sony Optiarc DVD Burner (2 for disc-to-disc copying) - $61.98 ($30.99/ea.)
Card Reader: Rosewill 40-in-1 - $14.99
Case: CoolerMaster Centurion 534 - $54.99
Total: $596.90
I'm hoping to get that total closer to $400 if at all possible.
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance for helping me out.
I'm going to be building my second machine in 2 years in the very near future. Things have already changed so much in the short time since I built my last machine that I am hoping you all can steer me in the correct direction. This machine will replace my parents 6 year old Dell and they will be reusing the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. So, this build is tower only. Also, I already have Vista Ultimate to install.
I'm looking for input on compatibility of the parts I've chosen and then maybe how I can cut the cost by about $200 without sacrificing too much in performance.
Primary uses for this machine will include basic stuff like heavy internet usage, photo/video storage, moderate Photoshop use, moderate video editing, and digital music storage/iTunes. They won't do any gaming aside from good ole solitaire and Facebook based games.
I tried to choose equipment that would give them at least a 5 year life with simple RAM expansion, maybe another HDD at some point, etc.
So, without further adieu:
CPU: Intel Pentium E6300 Wolfdale, 2.8GHz, Dual-Core - $80.99
Mobo: ASUS P5QPL-AM Intel G41 MicroATX - $64.99
RAM: Corsair XMS2 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) - $88.99
PSU: OCZ Fatal1ty 550W - $69.99
HDD (For OS/Programs): WD Caviar Black 500GB - $69.99
HDD (For Media Storage): WD Caviar Green 1TB - $94.99
DVD (x2): Sony Optiarc DVD Burner (2 for disc-to-disc copying) - $61.98 ($30.99/ea.)
Card Reader: Rosewill 40-in-1 - $14.99
Case: CoolerMaster Centurion 534 - $54.99
Total: $596.90
I'm hoping to get that total closer to $400 if at all possible.
Any ideas?
Thanks in advance for helping me out.
Last edited:
