Computer Build Resource Thread - Page 504

37652 Asus Radeon HD 5670 1GB GDDR5 74
42340 Kingston ValueRAM 4GB DDR3 1333 PC3-10600 CL9 22
44198 Gigabyte GA-H61M-D2 B3 60 60
42747 Intel Core I3 2100 3.1Ghz Box Socket 1155 98
44485 Corsair CX430 V2 430W Builder Series 42
***** Total ***** 296

Add 18% for tax and: ~350 euros

What is your budget?

Up to $1000ish. Maybe a little over, but I won't complain if it's under.

What is your resolution?

1680 x 1050
But it's the maximum resolution on my current 4 year old monitor. I'd be more than happy to take some monitor recommendations as well, either included in the budget or outside of it.

What are you using it for?

Gaming mainly, but no encoding or anything along those lines. Don't know if this is really relevant, but I do like tabbing out while gaming and browsing the net and such... and I tend to be terrible at tab management, so it's not unusual for me to have 50-60 Chrome tabs open, with a game and WMP or something.

What is your upgrade cycle?

Probably 2+ years, but I'd probably upgrade key parts, if possible, as time went along before building a new PC completely.

When do you plan on building it?

Probably order all the parts within the next week or two.

Do you plan on overclocking?

I was thinking about it, but for this build I'm fine with keeping costs down and going with the i5-2400.

Do you need an Operating System?

Should be able to get a student copy for $30.

Do you plan to add a second GPU for SLI or Crossfire?

Nope.

CrossFire and SLI are powerful solutions that allow higher performance, but in order to utilize them, we have to choose motherboards and PSUs that can support the increased demands that Crossfire and SLI place on your components.

Where are you buying your parts from?

Newegg probably. I can utilize Fry's ads should they have anything good, but generally they're more expensive.

- Case wise I'm leaning towards the Lancool K-58/60. Though if you have a better recommendation, even if it's a bit pricier, I'd consider it. Better as in the important aspects anyway, and not necessarily aesthetics. I'd probably consider using whatever case I get in my next build, unless cases change drastically in the next two years, so I'd definitely like something that will last.

- Before I thought about building a new PC entirely, I upgraded my video card based off the recommendations for my resolution in the OP. I bought an EVGA GTX 460 1GB SE. I just bought it a few months ago, so I'd definitely consider using it until a new line of cards comes out, if you guys think it will do the job. However, having read some comments in this thread the last few days, it's apparently a terrible card... so I'll take recommendations either way.

- A SSD/storage drive is recommended, right? I'd be willing to include that in my budget.


And just out of curiosity, what are the benefit/disadvantages to a modular PSU, other than cabling? My current PSU is a Corsair 620 HX and I know it's modular.