[Lodi]

Wonderful website. Learned much just surfing around. I'm badly in need of a new PC, replacing a 5 year old Sony 430. I considered a Dell but I think I can do much better for the same $$ by building my own. In addition to the questions you asked (below), I have listed components I am considering based on some limited research (mostly reviews at newegg.com). Let me know your thoughts. I indicated a monitor below but would not expect that to be included in my budgeted price. Just curious about your thoughts with regard to a 24". The machine will be used largely for Photo, video and general at home use. Nothing crazy but I would like the best possible hardware for the dollar.

Your questions...

1. Budget: +/- $1,000 (US)

2. Brands: Best bang for the buck!

3. Multitasking: Yes, Photoshop, Lightroom, Word, etc.

4. Gaming: No

5. Calculations: No

6. Overclocking: Doubtful

7. Storage: Thinking 500 GB, possibly 2x 500 Raid Level 1 (photos and personal files)

8. Legacy Support: Nope

9. Operating System: Visa

10. Case: Any recommendations helpful

11. Accessories: No

12. Recycled Components: External HD only;

13. Monitor: 24"

14. Stores: newegg

15. Location: US

Here's what I came up with.

Pioneer 18X DVD±R DVD Burner Black E-IDE/ATAPI Model DVR-112D - OEM
Item #: N82E16827129007
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$29.99

Rosewill R6AR6-BK 0.8mm SECC 120mm Fan ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811147044
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$39.99

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM
Item #: N82E16822136073
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy
$104.99

XFX PVT84JUDD3 GeForce 8600GT XXX 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814150229
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy
119.99

Thermaltake toughpower W0117RU ATX12V / EPS12V 750W Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16817153036
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
$60.00 Mail-in Rebate
$189.99

Rosewill RCR-102 52-in-1 USB 2.0 Black Card Reader - Retail
Item #: N82E16820223073
Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$5.00 Instant
$14.99

Patriot Extreme Performance 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model PDC22G6400LLK - Retail
Item #: N82E16820220144
Return Policy: Memory (Modules, USB) Return Policy
$40.00 Mail-in Rebate
$80.99

MSI P6N SLI Platinum LGA 775 NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813130081
Return Policy: Limited 30-Day Return Policy
$20.00 Mail-in Rebate
$139.99

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Processor Model BX80562Q6600 - Retail
Item #: N82E16819115017
Return Policy: Processors (CPUs) Return Policy
$279

Thoughts?

Thanks,

Dave

 

[Doby]

I would look into crucial or corsair ram

Consider 2 250 gb hardrives that way you have the second for backing up important stuff or a clone.

You didn't include a operating system in your budget.

I am sure others will belong to give you more advise

 

[Lodi]

Any particulars on the ram?

Good point on the hard drives, for the $$ 2 320s might be the best bet!

 

[jaggerwild]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133048
$19.00 after mail in rebate
http://www.clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=CA6276805
$166.00 plus shipping (the TT have been known to have issues).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231098
DDR2 $54.99 800Mhz
Same mainboard rebate $20.00 Why are you buying SLI?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130082
http://www.clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=CA3494866&cmp=AFC-CJ_CBIT
Western Digital SATA3.0/400GB/7,200Caviar/$84.99
Video Card Always buy EVGA life time warranty $109.99/15.00 mailin rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130085
DVD+R $26.99 plus $5.84 shipping Sony NEC
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827118003

 

[Lodi]

Thanks Jaggerwild. A couple of Qs.

Case - any specific reason for the case you selected other than personal preference? I happen to like it, I was just curious.

Main board - you question my selection of SLI. I have not clue here. I was just looking for a good motherboard that was well recommended. What is SLI? What should I be looking for in a main board? Good quality, reasonable features, RELIABLE are my concerns.

Memory - The memory you suggested was out of stock. I noticed the timing was different ...5-5-5-12 yours vs 4-4-4-12 mine. What's the difference? What should I be looking for?

Power Supply - looks good. Found it at newegg same price.

Hard Drive - Why 400GB/4mb vs 500MB/8mb? Difference is only $20.

Video Card - This is probably my biggest unknown. My primary use is going to be photo editing (Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, etc) and Video editing (nothing serious here). I do have a HD video cam so I would like to be able to take advantage of that. While I don't want to spend $500 here I'm not too concerned about a $20 or $30 swing. Looking in the $130 range. I actually changed my selection to this one based on some reading. MSI NX8600GTS-T2D256E-OC GeForce 8600GTS 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Retail. Any thoughts here?