would like some advice on a new build

[Chris27]

My brother wants a desktop. I was leaning towards just recommending him a prebuilt but when I saw his options ... D:

I've been out of the loop for desktop components for a bit. Does something like this look sane?

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/PublicWishDetail.aspx?WishListNumber=14060692

Also, what's a cheap case that offers decent aircooling with a removable motherboard tray?

 

[Sp12]

PLEASE when you POST threads asking for input on system builds tell us...

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with.

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?

 

[Chris27]

Aye Aye! Responses in italics

PLEASE when you POST threads asking for input on system builds tell us...

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

College work and some gaming

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread

Willing to drop $2k though obviously cheaper is better so looking for bang/buck for something that will last a few years

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.

USA

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.

no

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.

no

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.

yes

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

default

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with.

flexible

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?

soon

 

[Sp12]

Do you need monitor/OS?

 

[Gigantopithecus]

Intel i5-750 system w/ 24" monitor. List. Note that doesn't include the OS but you should be able to get all the software you need either free or very inexpensively from your college.

It has an 80gb Intel SSD for OS/apps/games and a 1tb low power drive for file storage.

This does NOT include a video card - personally I think dropping $300-400 on a video card is for people with a lot more money than college students, ha. I'd recommend a 5770 to start. You can add another in Crossfire when they get to less than $100 in a year. I recommend that larger case in the event you end up with two video cards and multiple hard drives over the years.

 

[Chris27]

Do you need monitor/OS?

Don't need an OS as I have a few Windows 7 Pro keys through MSDNAA. I have a high end 19" CRT that is currently collecting dust else I was looking at this

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...768f9fp0c0s441

Gigantopithecus, I can't see your list. What is the list ID? is it public?

 

[Gigantopithecus]

That is a really nice monitor, friend of mine has one. I double-checked my link & that the list is public. Not sure what the problem is...? ID is 11931551.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

I'd switch that drive for a Samsung F3 1Tb

 

[mfenn]

Don't need an OS as I have a few Windows 7 Pro keys through MSDNAA. I have a high end 19" CRT that is currently collecting dust else I was looking at this

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/p...768f9fp0c0s441

Gigantopithecus, I can't see your list. What is the list ID? is it public?

The U2211 is a very nice monitor, but I think you should look into the U2311 which is a bit bigger and only a few bucks more.

Regarding the build itself, it looks pretty decent to me. A couple of points:

• A 1TB Samsung F3 has performance on par with the WD Black and is the same price as your WD Blue storage drive. You can also get 2TB green drives for about $110 which is a bit better cost per GB.
• Speakers seem a bit high for what they are, you could probably get a nice T-amp and some bookshelf speakers for less
• Not a fan of WiFi for gaming

 

[Chris27]

The U2211 is a very nice monitor, but I think you should look into the U2311 which is a bit bigger and only a few bucks more.

Regarding the build itself, it looks pretty decent to me. A couple of points:

• A 1TB Samsung F3 has performance on par with the WD Black and is the same price as your WD Blue storage drive. You can also get 2TB green drives for about $110 which is a bit better cost per GB.
• Speakers seem a bit high for what they are, you could probably get a nice T-amp and some bookshelf speakers for less
• Not a fan of WiFi for gaming

Well my brother is currently living with my parents and with the way the computers in the house are setup across the basement + 2 floors, wifi is kind of necessary. With my dad's office and the ps3 in the basement, that's where the dsl modem/router is. My brother will likely want his computer in his room, two floors up hence the wifi extender. I suppose the modem could be moved to be closer to his room and the wifi extender could be used to amplify the wifi strength from the 1st floor to the basement.

Do you have any specific speakers you would recommend?

-edit

would something like this and this work?

 

[mfenn]

Well my brother is currently living with my parents and with the way the computers in the house are setup across the basement + 2 floors, wifi is kind of necessary. With my dad's office and the ps3 in the basement, that's where the dsl modem/router is. My brother will likely want his computer in his room, two floors up hence the wifi extender. I suppose the modem could be moved to be closer to his room and the wifi extender could be used to amplify the wifi strength from the 1st floor to the basement.

Do you have any specific speakers you would recommend?

-edit

would something like this and this work?

:thumbsup:

That will be a much higher quality setup than those Logitechs. Plus, computer speakers are somewhat "disposable" whereas good gear will last a lifetime.