Please help me build my PC!

Alright I can almost give you a list of parts you want to get (and where to get them), given you know a few of these answers.

What is most important - balance, multi-tasking, or graphics?
Are looks anything you need?

Right off that bat, spending $500 on a desktop PC, I can tell you that AMD processors will give you the best value and performance balance. Anything north of $600/700, performance is more key and Intel processors will be your choice. Now if you still want an Intel processor, you can still get one (just let me know).

 

READ: Please read all the notes I put in because those are probably more important than the parts I suggest. Also, check eBay .

You can shop around for some cheaper prices . I would REALLY suggest checking eBay because you can find some sexy deals there, but be sure they are NOT MADE IN CHINA or shipped from China. Check feedback and reputation of course .


Processor - Option 1 (AMD)

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Name: AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 3.2GHz 6 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor
Quantity: 1

Cheapest Found: link - $169.99
eBay - saw one go for $100

That's 6 cores, although they are AMD cores . Check eBay, you can find some good deals there. I think I just saw one go for $100, so if you want to spend more on your graphics card, choose this one.

Processor - Option 2 (INTEL)

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Name: Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor
Quantity: 1

Cheapest Found: NewEgg - $219.99
eBay - $190

This is my way to go because I need more computing power . Yes, it only has 4 cores vs the AMD's 6, but remember, an Intel 8-core outperformed an AMD 16-core.

Motherboard - Option 1 (AMD)

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Name: ASRock A770DE+ AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard
Quantity: 1

Cheapest Found: link - $59.99

You can shop around for more boards and find others. If you want something more high-end that really has better features, try $129.99, but this should be more than sufficient (solid reviews, DDR3, 2 PCI-Express x16 slots, supports six cores). If you are interested, here is what I found as AMD3 motherboards...be sure they are compatible with Phenom II 125W+ processors.

Motherboard - Option 2 (INTEL)

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Name: ASRock A770DE+ AM3/AM2+/AM2 AMD 770 ATX AMD Motherboard
Quantity: 1

Cheapest Found: link - $69.99

Once again, you see a lot of saving going on when you go AMD, although the benchmark for Intel just shatters AMD. The saving goes towards the graphics card, so it really depends on you.

Memory

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Name: Memory of Your Choice (ask me once you have selected something)
Quantity: 2

Memory is usually really cheap. There are 'extras' on memory like heatspreaders, that might cost more but will help spread heat (if you feel like you need it). Brand names like Kingston and Corsair will also be a little more expensive). Your motherboard supports up to 16GB so you can select what you think is good for you. I would start HERE.

For Option 2 (INTEL): You may get up to 4 memory sticks, although your limit is still 16 GB. I would usually get either 2 or 4 to fully take advantage of the dual channel. Ask me for more details.

Power Supply

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Name: Probably a modulus supply with some 80 PLUS standards
Quantity: 1

Perhaps you'd want to start HERE and then go on to check eBay. I would suggest a modulus supply, especially for novice builders. Even advanced builders prefer modulus because you don't have to deal with a shit-load of cords to tuck and neatly tie-down. When you are building, make SURE you do not block the airflow because that is the worst thing that you can do (besides not screwing in all the screws in the motherboard) - bad airflow in computer = BURNING PARTS.

Case

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Name: It really matters on your color preference and what you're looking for.
Quantity: 1

You can start HERE. Since you are not looking for 'looks', find one that has sufficient fans/airflow, and the right size. I believe you might be able to fit your parts in a Mid Tower. Not sure.

Video Card(s) - Option 1 (AMD)

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Name: Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5
Quantity: 1

Cheapest Found: link - $159.99


See more for more details once you have decided option 1 or 2.

Video Card(s) - Option 2 (INTEL)

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Name: Radeon HD 6850 1GB 256-bit GDDR5
Quantity: 1

Cheapest Found: link - $159.99


See more for more details once you have decided option 1 or 2. This might or might not fit into your budget.

Main Storage 1

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Main Drive: 30GB SSD Drive
Quantity: 1

Cheapest Found: ~$60

Main Storage 2

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Main Drive: 1TB HDD Drive
Quantity: 1

Cheapest Found: ~$55

Okay, so I still have a lot of things to ask you and what you want most, especially the AMD vs Intel. The Main Storage options 1 & 2 are optional, and the 30GB SSD might not be something that you find worth it. I personally don't feel like you need the SSD boot drive (up to you though if you want data security), so I will do a re-estimate after you make your choices of cases, power supply, and extras. I usually go in the order of finding the CPU and corresponding motherboard, then the less expensive. I see what I have left and if I need to cut some $$ for a better graphics card, I do. It's not that I don't value the graphics card, I just see how much the total is and then see if I can squeeze a nice card in there.

Some other options you might need: RAID controller, wireless network card, keyboard, mouse, monitor (I can help too)

 

Yes, those are all compatible . Now, I'm curious about the selection with AMD. Was this due to price or for graphical performance?

 

Very good choices

You are right about 'extra' performance, the Intel i5-2500k is a 2nd generation Intel i5 CPU, so the performance is one of the best. Price-wise, it is still pretty good, but it would be extra cash to those who don't need it.

Exactly how much programming? I usually have at least 2 Visual Studios + Dreamweaver + Photoshop + 8 tab Chrome + (occasional) 2k11, so I would need Intel's performance. As for gaming, this is the question. For example, what games?


Case: Good, simple choice for those that don't need the flashy lights. No concern about the ventilation, although there is only 1 fan. No worries for you unless you are planning to overclock a larger amount (if a little more than the usual, try non-stock heatsinks).

Power Supply: Great you got a modular supply. No 80 certification, which is by NO means a requirement, but if you are a long-use (5+ hours), daily user, it will help with your electricity bill.

Memory: Corsair's always reliable. May be a more expensive brand-name, and heatspreaders are a preference. Those should not matter, as long as you are happy, it's a good choice.


Please do keep me updated on what parts, so I can see if I might be able to upgrade you before you build. I almost can slip a few bucks there, a few bucks here, and you'll have better parts under $500 .

 

Depending on what you get as storage and how many drives, you might need a RAID controller. You can read up on it here.

You might also want a monitor to go along with your sexy new computer . I suggest getting a higher quality 2D monitor because of the lack of support for 3D on computers. Also, you would need to get a 3D compatible Graphics Card. Some games may support 3D, but for the most part, the only use you will find for it is watching movies. I may get 3D just for that though because I don't have a 3D TV.

Lastly, a network card might be needed if you don't have this in your room where you have cable/satellite/DSL, or unfortunately for you, dial-up, you will need to make wireless connections. Think about card-readers (should be cheap), Optical Drives, and bluetooth adapters. If your monitor does not have a built-in webcam and you don't have one, it might be cool to get one too! A lot to think of, but whenever you are building, just pop on in and let me know what you're up to. I'm on MSN a lot these days, and I can give you tips for each step .