I've compiled the following list of things: http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=5107608
I will be reusing a couple hard drives for mass storage, my x-fi soundcard, and my 20.1" LCD.
My current rig has an AMD 4800+ x2 @ 2.7GHz, 2Gb ram @ DDR450, and a 7800GT @ stock, with other parts suitably matched. I'm currently living in dorms that get new people straight from basic training (AF) weekly, many of whom are looking to buy a computer - and should have no trouble selling this machine (I can afford both, but have no need/space for 2 right now, and might as well lower the cost of the new one) for around $800.
So, now I'm looking for two things - Is the new computer's final cost (minus ~$800 from selling my old) worth the upgrade I'll get, and if so, does anyone have suggestions on parts? My thoughts are as follows:
CPU
I picked the cheapest model with the 4MB cache, the next step up seems like it costs too much for what it improves, and I plan on overclocking anyway.
RAM
My current selection is based on the fact that I haven't kept up with what's good for DDR2 ram, so I just picked about the only thing I know I should be able to trust as good. If anything, I'd like to spend less, and I'm up for suggestions regarding cheaper but still decent choices.
Video card
Decided to go with the 8800GTX due to it being fast - it'll last longer than any other card I can buy, and I've been thinking about getting a 30" lcd for once I move and have a bit more space (and I hate running at non-native). I chose evga due to good experience with them in the past - and possibly the step-up program.
Motherboard
I have no clue who makes the best boards. I'm open to suggestions for other boards in that price range.
PSU
I understand the importance of this component, so if there's a better choice, please tell me.
Case
I like big cases, this one looked good to me...
HDD
It's a raptor, I have other drives to stick in for mass storage, can't really do anything better without buying more, or moving to SCSI.
Other
I don't need anything fancy in a DVD drive/burner, and the input devices are just other things I was getting anyway.
I will be reusing a couple hard drives for mass storage, my x-fi soundcard, and my 20.1" LCD.
My current rig has an AMD 4800+ x2 @ 2.7GHz, 2Gb ram @ DDR450, and a 7800GT @ stock, with other parts suitably matched. I'm currently living in dorms that get new people straight from basic training (AF) weekly, many of whom are looking to buy a computer - and should have no trouble selling this machine (I can afford both, but have no need/space for 2 right now, and might as well lower the cost of the new one) for around $800.
So, now I'm looking for two things - Is the new computer's final cost (minus ~$800 from selling my old) worth the upgrade I'll get, and if so, does anyone have suggestions on parts? My thoughts are as follows:
CPU
I picked the cheapest model with the 4MB cache, the next step up seems like it costs too much for what it improves, and I plan on overclocking anyway.
RAM
My current selection is based on the fact that I haven't kept up with what's good for DDR2 ram, so I just picked about the only thing I know I should be able to trust as good. If anything, I'd like to spend less, and I'm up for suggestions regarding cheaper but still decent choices.
Video card
Decided to go with the 8800GTX due to it being fast - it'll last longer than any other card I can buy, and I've been thinking about getting a 30" lcd for once I move and have a bit more space (and I hate running at non-native). I chose evga due to good experience with them in the past - and possibly the step-up program.
Motherboard
I have no clue who makes the best boards. I'm open to suggestions for other boards in that price range.
PSU
I understand the importance of this component, so if there's a better choice, please tell me.
Case
I like big cases, this one looked good to me...
HDD
It's a raptor, I have other drives to stick in for mass storage, can't really do anything better without buying more, or moving to SCSI.
Other
I don't need anything fancy in a DVD drive/burner, and the input devices are just other things I was getting anyway.