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When using this resource, please read FragKrag's opening post. The Tech Support forum regulars have helped create countless of desktop systems without any compensation. The least you can do is provide all of the information required for them to help you properly. |
Maybe last time I will post this before just risking doing it my self, but worth one last try!
Friend wants me to build him a computer. I can build them easily enough, but I suck on knowing what parts to buy.
So if anyone wants to help, his budget is £1000, he wants it for Gaming/Graphics and design stuff, and all parts must be bough from overclockers.co.uk!
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
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@Westy Answering some of the other questions in the OP could be helpful. Will he want to overclock or definitely will not bother with it? What is the resolution of his monitor, or does he need one? Does he need windows, or peripherals fit into the budget? What games & programs is he using?
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What is your budget?
$1000 or slightly over is the maximum, and that includes a monitor and OS.
What is your resolution?
I currently use 1280X1024, but I plan on getting a monitor that allows 1920X1080 (recommendations for a monitor would be great!)
What are you using it for?
Gaming. I will be playing mostly LoL, Dota 2, SC2, D3, and Civ 5. Other than games, I may do some schoolwork, but I won't be using photoshop or anything like that.
What is your upgrade cycle?
Probably around 5 years.
When do you plan on building it?
As soon as I can.
Do you plan on overclocking?
No.
Do you need an Operating System?
Yes.
Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?
No.
Where are you buying your parts from?
I live in the US, so I've been looking at Newegg. There aren't any in-store pickup places around where I live, so I think Newegg is my best option.
This is my first time building a computer, so I am pretty much clueless on what to do. I did some research and put together a build myself, but feel free to completely override it, as it is just based on a bunch of suggestions tossed together. Thanks in advance!
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/aqvk
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On June 19 2012 22:30 MisterFred wrote: @Westy Answering some of the other questions in the OP could be helpful. Will he want to overclock or definitely will not bother with it? What is the resolution of his monitor, or does he need one? Does he need windows, or peripherals fit into the budget? What games & programs is he using?
Ah sorry, didn't see that template. Will use the guys above me!
What is your budget?
£1000 or slightly over is the maximum, and that includes a monitor and OS.
What is your resolution?
1920x1080 (I think)
What are you using it for?
Gaming and Graphics design stuff
What is your upgrade cycle?
Probably around 5 years.
When do you plan on building it?
Soon as the parts arrive
Do you plan on overclocking?
No.
Do you need an Operating System?
No
Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?
Maybe, depends
Where are you buying your parts from?
overclockers.co.uk
Thanks!
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On June 19 2012 23:32 Icefist wrote:+ Show Spoiler +What is your budget?$1000 or slightly over is the maximum, and that includes a monitor and OS. What is your resolution?I currently use 1280X1024, but I plan on getting a monitor that allows 1920X1080 (recommendations for a monitor would be great!) What are you using it for?Gaming. I will be playing mostly LoL, Dota 2, SC2, D3, and Civ 5. Other than games, I may do some schoolwork, but I won't be using photoshop or anything like that. What is your upgrade cycle?Probably around 5 years. When do you plan on building it?As soon as I can. Do you plan on overclocking?No. Do you need an Operating System?Yes. Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?No. Where are you buying your parts from?I live in the US, so I've been looking at Newegg. There aren't any in-store pickup places around where I live, so I think Newegg is my best option. This is my first time building a computer, so I am pretty much clueless on what to do. I did some research and put together a build myself, but feel free to completely override it, as it is just based on a bunch of suggestions tossed together. Thanks in advance! http://pcpartpicker.com/p/aqvk
CPU: i5-3450 ($190) http://us.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=70543 The newer, slightly stronger version of the i5-2400.
Mobo: MSI H67 ($80, $60 AMIR) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130616 If you don't mind rebates you can get a decent board for almost as cheap as a super-budget board. By now H67 boards should have been updated with ivy bridge-compliant bios.
CPU Cooler: Stock intel heatsink.
GPU: Radeon 6870 ($170, $140 AMIR) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150521 Should easily max the games you mentioned, except perhaps Civ5 in some scenarios. Overkill, actually. Will also give you enough oomph to play much harder to run games smoothly on at least medium, probably high settings.
RAM: 2x4gb 1600mhz ram ($43) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231542
Case: Bit Fenix Outlaw ($47) http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=63255&vpn=BFC-OLW-100-KKN1-RP&manufacture=BitFenix Kind of a matter of preference. You could get a flashy z9 or z11, a standard haf 912 or cheap merc alpha, or spend $100 for a quieter case like a p280. This one is a decent budget case.
PSU: Antec Neo Eco 450C ($35) http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=60491&vpn=NEO-ECO450C&manufacture=Antec&promoid=1027 pretty good deal on a quality if not spectacular power supply
DVD-burner ($15) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151244
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 500gb ($65) http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=63468&vpn=ST500DM002&manufacture=Seagate&promoid=1027 You can get bigger if you want. It costs more, but not proportionally. For instance you can get 1TB for $90 (us.ncix.com) or 3TB for $177 (www.newegg.com).
Windows 7 64-bit OEM ($85) http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=45271&promoid=1027 OEM means a non-transferable license, so new computer = need new copy to be legal.
Monitor: Dell u2312hm ($222) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005LN1JEC Very good quality 23" monitor. The 24" version would be about $70 more.
Total = $902 AMIR (checkout would be $50 more due to rebates)
If you wanted to stretch a bit more for that (a little over) your budget, you could get a better video card (not needed for the games you listed), 120hz monitor (some swear by them, some consider them total gimmicks), or an SSD. Personally, I'd probably grab an SSD. (Crucial 128gb for $120) which will give you zoom-zoom load times for any program you fit on it. But it's unnecessary, and don't forget the rebates above adding to checkout. http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=60445&vpn=CT128M4SSD2&manufacture=CRUCIAL TECHNOLOGY&promoid=1027
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On June 19 2012 23:32 Icefist wrote:+ Show Spoiler +What is your budget?$1000 or slightly over is the maximum, and that includes a monitor and OS. What is your resolution?I currently use 1280X1024, but I plan on getting a monitor that allows 1920X1080 (recommendations for a monitor would be great!) What are you using it for?Gaming. I will be playing mostly LoL, Dota 2, SC2, D3, and Civ 5. Other than games, I may do some schoolwork, but I won't be using photoshop or anything like that. What is your upgrade cycle?Probably around 5 years. When do you plan on building it?As soon as I can. Do you plan on overclocking?No. Do you need an Operating System?Yes. Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?No. Where are you buying your parts from?I live in the US, so I've been looking at Newegg. There aren't any in-store pickup places around where I live, so I think Newegg is my best option. This is my first time building a computer, so I am pretty much clueless on what to do. I did some research and put together a build myself, but feel free to completely override it, as it is just based on a bunch of suggestions tossed together. Thanks in advance! http://pcpartpicker.com/p/aqvk i5-2400/Z68 are old news. 560Ti-448 was meant to be a temporary solution and isn't that good considering the HD7850 has the same performance, is cheaper and uses ~80w less.
i5-3450 $199.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116506
ASRock B75M & Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3-1600 1.5v $122.98 http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.968798
HIS IceQ HD7850 $244.99 ($224.99AMIR) Free dirt showdown coupon http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161405
Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB & PC Power & Cooling Mk III 400w Modular 80+ Bronze $137.98 ($117.98AMIR) http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.976146
DVD burner $14.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151244
Windows 7 64-bit Home Premium $99.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986
Case: Fractal Core 1000 $39.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352009
OR
Silverstone SST-PS07B $78.99 ($68.99AMIR) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163186
Tower Total: $820.91 or $849.91 AMIR Maybe me wanting the silverstone case is clouding my judgment but I believe the silverstone case is worth it since your not going to upgrade for another 5 years.
AS for monitors I have no idea. However ~$160 is enough for a good 1920x1080 monitor.
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5930 Posts
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On June 19 2012 23:40 Westy wrote:+ Show Spoiler +On June 19 2012 22:30 MisterFred wrote: @Westy Answering some of the other questions in the OP could be helpful. Will he want to overclock or definitely will not bother with it? What is the resolution of his monitor, or does he need one? Does he need windows, or peripherals fit into the budget? What games & programs is he using? Ah sorry, didn't see that template. Will use the guys above me! What is your budget?£1000 or slightly over is the maximum, and that includes a monitor and OS. What is your resolution?1920x1080 (I think) What are you using it for?Gaming and Graphics design stuff What is your upgrade cycle?Probably around 5 years. When do you plan on building it?Soon as the parts arrive Do you plan on overclocking?No. Do you need an Operating System?No Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?
Maybe, depends Where are you buying your parts from?overclockers.co.uk Thanks!
Well I'll assume you don't actually need a monitor & windows given you said no on an operating system & gave a resolution. I'm recommending an i7, but if you just toy around with graphics design rather than pursue it seriously, a cheaper i5-3450 should do just about as well. Numbers in parentheses are pounds.
CPU: i7-3770 (£249) http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-405-IN&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=
Motherboard: Gigabyte H77 (80) http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-392-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2265
Cpu cooler: Intel stock heatsink (comes with cpu)
Ram: 2x4gb 1600mhz (44) http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-132-CR&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517
GPU: EVGA 670 (306) http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-185-EA&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=2294 One of the best GPUs available today, with max almost any game on a 1920x1080 monitor. The hardest to run games will probably max with just turning off AA.
Case: Fractal Design r3 (80) http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-008-FD&groupid=701&catid=7&subcat=1556 Also available in white.
PSU: XFX Core 450w (42) http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-006-XF&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1497
DVD-burner (16) http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CD-099-SA&groupid=701&catid=10&subcat=
HDD: Barracuda 1TB (70) http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-257-SE&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=1279
SSD: Crucial m4 128gb (90) http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-009-CR&groupid=701&catid=2104&subcat=1427
Total: 977 pounds.
There are a number of ways to reduce the total, the most significant being replacing the CPU with an i5-3450, eliminating the SSD, or getting a cheaper video card (such as a 7850 (100 pounds less) or even a 6850 (220 pounds less). The 7850 would play most games on high graphics, some of the hardest on mid-high, and will still max many games that aren't super-demanding. The 6850 will max easy to run games like Diablo 3 or other blizzard titles and will play harder to run games smoothly on mid-low graphics settings. Pick one of those options if you need to spare money for peripherals or a monitor.
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On June 20 2012 01:00 MisterFred wrote:Show nested quote +On June 19 2012 23:40 Westy wrote:+ Show Spoiler +On June 19 2012 22:30 MisterFred wrote: @Westy Answering some of the other questions in the OP could be helpful. Will he want to overclock or definitely will not bother with it? What is the resolution of his monitor, or does he need one? Does he need windows, or peripherals fit into the budget? What games & programs is he using? Ah sorry, didn't see that template. Will use the guys above me! What is your budget?£1000 or slightly over is the maximum, and that includes a monitor and OS. What is your resolution?1920x1080 (I think) What are you using it for?Gaming and Graphics design stuff What is your upgrade cycle?Probably around 5 years. When do you plan on building it?Soon as the parts arrive Do you plan on overclocking?No. Do you need an Operating System?No Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?
Maybe, depends Where are you buying your parts from?overclockers.co.uk Thanks! Well I'll assume you don't actually need a monitor & windows given you said no on an operating system & gave a resolution. I'm recommending an i7, but if you just toy around with graphics design rather than pursue it seriously, a cheaper i5-3450 should do just about as well. Numbers in parentheses are pounds. CPU: i7-3770 (£249) http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-405-IN&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=Motherboard: Gigabyte H77 (80) http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-392-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=2265Cpu cooler: Intel stock heatsink (comes with cpu) Ram: 2x4gb 1600mhz (44) http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-132-CR&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517GPU: EVGA 670 (306) http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-185-EA&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=2294One of the best GPUs available today, with max almost any game on a 1920x1080 monitor. The hardest to run games will probably max with just turning off AA. Case: Fractal Design r3 (80) http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-008-FD&groupid=701&catid=7&subcat=1556Also available in white. PSU: XFX Core 450w (42) http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-006-XF&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1497DVD-burner (16) http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CD-099-SA&groupid=701&catid=10&subcat=HDD: Barracuda 1TB (70) http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-257-SE&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=1279SSD: Crucial m4 128gb (90) http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-009-CR&groupid=701&catid=2104&subcat=1427Total: 977 pounds. There are a number of ways to reduce the total, the most significant being replacing the CPU with an i5-3450, eliminating the SSD, or getting a cheaper video card (such as a 7850 (100 pounds less) or even a 6850 (220 pounds less). The 7850 would play most games on high graphics, some of the hardest on mid-high, and will still max many games that aren't super-demanding. The 6850 will max easy to run games like Diablo 3 or other blizzard titles and will play harder to run games smoothly on mid-low graphics settings. Pick one of those options if you need to spare money for peripherals or a monitor.
Thanks, thats pretty much perfect!
I have one concern though. Although you obviously know more about this than me so it should be fine. Are you sure a 450w psu is enough for all that?
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hah. there are a million. didnt notice that before. They all seem about the same still though.
Thanks for the input
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On June 20 2012 03:08 Westy wrote: I have one concern though. Although you obviously know more about this than me so it should be fine. Are you sure a 450w psu is enough for all that?
Yes. If you heavily overclocked the 670 and ran computer torture tests, you might come close to 450w demand. But in practice it'll be much lower than that. According to anandtech.com, a system with a 670 will demand about 320w during a gaming session, give or take a little depending on the CPU it's paired with (the i7-3770 is a power sipper, not a glutton). This is a common question though because most wattage calculators easily found through google assume the end user can't tell a quality PSU from a terrible PSU, and a depressingly large number of PSUs are from shitty companies that outright lie about the wattage their power supplies deliver.
Ye Olde 450w Diablotek* might genuinely be a problem. But the xfx core 450w is a high-quality unit that can actually deliver what it claims, so no worries!
*Actual shitty PSU brand name. I advise staying away from Satan-related companies.
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On June 20 2012 04:33 MisterFred wrote:Show nested quote +On June 20 2012 03:08 Westy wrote: I have one concern though. Although you obviously know more about this than me so it should be fine. Are you sure a 450w psu is enough for all that? Yes. If you heavily overclocked the 670 and ran computer torture tests, you might come close to 450w demand. But in practice it'll be much lower than that. According to anandtech.com, a system with a 670 will demand about 320w during a gaming session, give or take a little depending on the CPU it's paired with (the i7-3770 is a power sipper, not a glutton). This is a common question though because most wattage calculators easily found through google assume the end user can't tell a quality PSU from a terrible PSU, and a depressingly large number of PSUs are from shitty companies that outright lie about the wattage their power supplies deliver. Ye Olde 450w Diablotec* might genuinely be a problem. But the xfx core 450w is a high-quality unit that can actually deliver what it claims, so no worries! *Actual shitty PSU brand name.
Apevia is also horrendous. Don't forget the calculators that assume stupidest case scenarios to sell big PSUs, like Newegg's.
The brilliant part is that even a good PSU calculator is only really worth a damn if you know enough that you barely need it.
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So I'm planning on putting a new computer together since my current one is way too old and I'm wondering if someone could help me with a couple of questions. I'll be using it for gaming, don't really plan to overclock (if I do it won't be much, so most likely not at all) but I'd like the option to go with SLI (I'd most likely add in SLI after I get everything up and running in this case). I also don't plan on getting a new computer anytime soon after this (3-4 years maybe?), so I'm looking to spend quite a bit on this one.
I was looking at something like the Intel DZ77GA-70K but I realized the Z77 don't have x16/x16 PCI-E. Should I instead be looking at a X79 if I'm planning on getting a high end card for SLI (I'm thinking something like the GTX 680 here, would that be just throwing away money if you're on x8/x8?). The processors for the X79-line seem somewhat overpriced though, is it worth it? Could use some tips on what MB/CPU to go for if that's the case.
If I should just stick with the Z77, what GPU should I be looking at, and should I just skip SLI altogether (IE would it be better to get a really high end card instead of two not-so high end)? Also, what's the difference between i7-3770 and i7-3770K?
Also wouldn't mind some tips on the PSU, I know absolutely nothing about power consumption.
I think I can handle all the other parts, but since I feel I have more money than brains right now feel free to add anything else I should think about. Thanks!
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On June 20 2012 04:39 Kerence wrote: So I'm planning on putting a new computer together since my current one is way too old and I'm wondering if someone could help me with a couple of questions. I'll be using it for gaming, don't really plan to overclock (if I do it won't be much, so most likely not at all) but I'd like the option to go with SLI (I'd most likely add in SLI after I get everything up and running in this case). I also don't plan on getting a new computer anytime soon after this (3-4 years maybe?), so I'm looking to spend quite a bit on this one.
I was looking at something like the Intel DZ77GA-70K but I realized the Z77 don't have x16/x16 PCI-E. Should I instead be looking at a X79 if I'm planning on getting a high end card for SLI (I'm thinking something like the GTX 680 here, would that be just throwing away money if you're on x8/x8?). The processors for the X79-line seem somewhat overpriced though, is it worth it? Could use some tips on what MB/CPU to go for if that's the case.
If I should just stick with the Z77, what GPU should I be looking at, and should I just skip SLI altogether (IE would it be better to get a really high end card instead of two not-so high end)? Also, what's the difference between i7-3770 and i7-3770K?
Also wouldn't mind some tips on the PSU, I know absolutely nothing about power consumption.
I think I can handle all the other parts, but since I feel I have more money than brains right now feel free to add anything else I should think about. Thanks!
If you're not interested in overclocking, X79 would be such a painful waste of money. And SLI doesn't make much sense either, unless you're planning insane resolutions, since you're obviously not planning to tinker and benchmark for shits and giggles if you won't OC.
Multi-GPU is usually only good for benching, tinkering, or huge resolution. X79 is an enthusiast socket, it's only worth buying for extra memory or extra cores, neither of which is useful for gaming alone.
The -k on the CPU designates an unlocked multiplier for overclocking.
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Hi! I would love to get a list of stuff as well as questions about the computer I'm going to buy. I'm going to use the template in the OP. Please ask questions and question my thoughts. I built my old computer and used to be up-to-date back then. I've been stuck with laptops since then and is clueless when it comes to stationary computers.
Thank you!
What is your budget?
Between 1500 and 2000 dollars, 1200-1600 euros, and for my fellow swedes, 10000-14000 SEK. I'm aiming for something in the middle of those numbers but to be honest, the cheaper the better. The most value out of the money between those numbers is maybe the best way to put it.
What is your resolution?
Dont know, will update asap!
What are you using it for?
Gaming and obvious stuff like writing papers. I would love to be able to play the newest games on as high graphics as possible, but my main game is DOTA2 which obviously isn't as demanding. Being able to stream Dota2 might also be interesting but is not something I've thought about since my current computer couldn't handle it.
What is your upgrade cycle?
I would love to be one of those guys who continuesly upgrades his computer in a smart way. Maybe I will after the huge research I will put down for this buy. However, so far in my life, I've only bought complete new PCs once every 3 years or so.
When do you plan on building it?
As soon as possible. I would buy the parts tomorrow if I was happy with them.
Do you plan on overclocking?
Maybe, but don't put any extra coolingstuff in it. I might overclock it, but as you can tell, I'm not too much into hardware.
Do you need an Operating System?
Yes.
Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?
Yes, it would be nifty to in the future have an easy upgrade of the computer by just putting in an extra graphiccard.
Where are you buying your parts from?
Whereever it's cheapest. Example of swedish sites is "komplett.se", "inet.se", "webhallen.se". But put it together from anywhere and I'll look for whereever I can find that part the cheapest myself!
Thanks alot guys! <3
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Ok, finally ready to get a decent build together as playing sc2 on my xps laptop works, but is not ideal.
So, without further ado, here are my list of requests (thanks in advance for all the help you give to people)
What is your budget?
Around 1000-1500, It is not firm at all though- I have plenty in the bank if needed if it was worth the increase in price- but I think this will likely be the range I am looking at for what I want the build to do. (I do need a monitor and a OS with this build)
What is your resolution?
I need a monitor- but I am assuming it will end up 1980x1020
What are you using it for?
Gaming- SC2 mostly, Photoshop, that will be about the most demanding I will be using it for. I am sure I will pick up some other games as well- but I game a lot less than I used too (still have most of skirm to go through)
What is your upgrade cycle?
Long- I am lazy and do not push things to their limit- and currently play SC2 on lowest settings to not overtax my laptop. I would say 5ish years
When do you plan on building it?
As soon as I have the parts.
Do you plan on overclocking?
Nope- I am not that smart
Do you need an Operating System?
Yes.
Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?
Dont think I will need to
Where are you buying your parts from?
Anywhere I can- unfortunately no fry's around me, so will be using the world wide web for most of it.
As I said I do need a monitor- but I have a power supply (Antec 400w 80 bronze unit- So I hope that will work)
Again, thanks for your time
Matt
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Hey guys I'm getting a macbook air for college. I tried so hard to find a comparable windows system @ 1,500 (with a 3yr warranty or similar) and it basically is only worth it to get a windows ultrabook @ sub $1000 and $1700+ (zenbook prime, samsungs, etc.) - Just noting that so people don't flame, haha.
Anyways I have the option for 4gb or 8gb of memory, $90 upgrade.
I plan on using the extra $500 to upgrade my PC (I was given $2000 to spend)
Is that $90 (that could be used towards better PC) worth it for the memory upgrade for the future because the MBA isn't upgradable past that?
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