budget PC/first build

[Brian Cassil]

So I've decided to try and build my first computer and I thought it would be good to do so on a cheap one. This will be mainly used as a family PC for my kids to play some games on and for my wife to fuel her online shopping addiction. If I could use it as a little render boost from time to time all the better. Anyway here is what I'm looking at so far:

 

CPU: Intel E2140 ($67)

MOBO: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L ($90)

RAM: ????

HD: Maxtor 80GB 7200 RPM SATA II 16 MB Cache (I already have on hand)

Vid Card: 7900GS ($100)

PSU: Coolermaster eXtreme 600w ($30)

Case: Coolermaster Centurion 5 ($28)

 

I'll add a DVD drive and OS to this and keep an eye out for a good deal on a monitor and ram. The prices here include deals that require mail in rebates but I'm willing to deal with that. I should be able to do the whole thing including the ram and OS for $500. If someone could suggest another setup that didn't sacrifice too much performance but was cheaper still I would love to hear it. I would like to play around with OCing this which should explain some of my selections here.

 

 

[ctk111]

Any updates on how the process went? I'm looking into building my first machine as well and was wondering how complicated you found it. What things should a first-timer be aware of?

[mskin]

memories...

 

i remember my first build (and embarrassed to say, a couple of subsequent builds) i neglected to install the correct drivers for the ide cables... took me forever to figure that out. it took days trying to figure out why i couldn't get my ide devices to run out of PIO mode. i'd just say... don't sweat, and at least don't drip on the mother board, make sure you assemble all the right drivers, and block out at least half a day (installing all the software takes hours). make sure your devices are compatable and you have the right ram. otherwise, there are many many here who can give you better advice than i can.... have fun.

 

it was nice for me to have a buddy or two i didn't feel stupid asking wuestions to, but im sure many here would be more than willing to help.