[M4MD]

My first time building my own. This will be primarily used for music and movies, with some light gaming here and there. Budget for this is $800 and this comes in right on target.

CPU- Intel Q9400
Mobo- Gigabyte EP45-UD3R
RAM- Gskill 2x2 GB (6400cl5d)
Video- GeForce 9800 GT
HDD- Seagate 1TB 7200.12
PSU- OCZ stealth xtream 600w
Samsung DVD drive
Case- NZXT Tempest

Total cost- $797

What do you think about this set up?

[DUSNOETOS]

looks good to me...
But in my opinion you could save money by buying a cheaper case...
did you consider getting a Blue Ray player?
did you factor in the cost of the OS??

[M4MD]

OS is taken care of won't cost me a dime (a buddy of mine has an extra copy of Vista he is going to give me ), and $79 seemed pretty reasonable for the case. Any suggestions on a lower priced case with plenty of room for future expansion?

Don't really need a blu-ray player atm. Maybe in the future but not right now.

[DUSNOETOS]

Case...build your own...

Other wise i realy dont have any ideas at this time. I often hit second hand shops and find old crap comoputers But with good cases...
just a thought

[nzaneb]

I have a Tempest... it's a pretty decent case. Easier on cable management than an antec 900. However, if you're going to use it to watch movies, get a fan controller, so you can turn them down when you need too.

[IsuckAtThis]

Originally Posted by DUSNOETOS

Case...build your own...

Other wise i realy dont have any ideas at this time. I often hit second hand shops and find old crap comoputers But with good cases...
just a thought

Lol, build your own case? That can be the case for people with hand skills that can easily work with hardware sheets or woods and things, but thats not going to happen if he doesn't have all the tools to cut the metal plates, drill holes, refine them, paint and other things if he does want the desktop to look like a real computer.

[IsuckAtThis]

Originally Posted by nzaneb

I have a Tempest... it's a pretty decent case. Easier on cable management than an antec 900. However, if you're going to use it to watch movies, get a fan controller, so you can turn them down when you need too.

And I have to agree on that

[DUSNOETOS]

Originally Posted by IsuckAtThis

Lol, build your own case? That can be the case for people with hand skills that can easily work with hardware sheets or woods and things, but thats not going to happen if he doesn't have all the tools to cut the metal plates, drill holes, refine them, paint and other things if he does want the desktop to look like a real computer.

Define what you mean by "real computer" I know a guy that makes custom computers in side of 2 old ford hubcaps. (wish I had a picture they are real cool. he uses thse tinny MB's that use the Atom CPU's)

[IsuckAtThis]

Originally Posted by DUSNOETOS

Define what you mean by "real computer" I know a guy that makes custom computers in side of 2 old ford hubcaps. (wish I had a picture they are real cool. he uses thse tinny MB's that use the Atom CPU's)

Something that looks like a rectangle with normal PCI slots and place to mount the PSU unit. I should have said normal but what you defined I think isn't a work of a 12 year old because I don't think my little brother can make custom cases.

I'm not trying to be rude by the way, and that would look cool and I would have to agree on that

[IsuckAtThis]

But something like this I would have to disagree that it looks good

[jgv115]

Don't get LGA775...

Wait for Core i5 CPUs... seriously. Early tests shows that it blows all of AMD's CPUs out of the water and the prices are bloody cheap! We're only like 2 weeks away from it. I mean if you don't care then go for the Q9400.. Just my opinion.

[ou_phidelt]

Originally Posted by jgv115

Don't get LGA775...

Wait for Core i5 CPUs... seriously. Early tests shows that it blows all of AMD's CPUs out of the water and the prices are bloody cheap! We're only like 2 weeks away from it. I mean if you don't care then go for the Q9400.. Just my opinion.

I am going to agree but would suggest AMD if he needs it now. What's the actual budget?

[M4MD]

Trying to keep it to $800 or less.

[IsuckAtThis]

are you in tax zone?

[IsuckAtThis]

Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W
AMD Phenom II X4 810 2.6GHz
SAPPHIRE VAPOR-X 100269VXL Radeon HD 4890 1GB
NZXT TEMPEST Crafted Series CS-NT-TEM-B Black Steel / Plastic ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
GIGABYTE GA-MA790X-UD4P
OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)

$806.01 Outside Tax zone

If you are inside tax zone, try to find a cheaper PSU or something...

[ou_phidelt]

CM 690
WD 640GB Black
PII 945
Gigabyte 790X UD4P
Diamond 4890
Corsair 650W
G.Skill 2x2GB 1066

Comes out tp $805. It's a much more upgradeable system than 775 and the case may not be a temptest but is a cooling machine.

[IsuckAtThis]

Originally Posted by ou_phidelt

CM 690
WD 640GB Black
PII 945
Gigabyte 790X UD4P
Diamond 4890
Corsair 650W
G.Skill 2x2GB 1066

Comes out tp $805. It's a much more upgradeable system than 775 and the case may not be a temptest but is a cooling machine.

Rawrz you beat me
I would prefer Vapor-X for 4890 though, works quite well but 4890 generally requires good chassis airflow~

[ou_phidelt]

Originally Posted by IsuckAtThis

Rawrz you beat me
I would prefer Vapor-X for 4890 though, works quite well but 4890 generally requires good chassis airflow~

I have a complete and unrelenting hate for Sapphire. They are buy far the worst GPU vendor you could ever deal with. If you ever have a problem and need am RMA prepare for the most aggravating experience of your life.