I am looking to build my own computer in the near future but this being my first time I am unsure of what components to put in. Please if you have recommendations would be great.
First of all This computer is for gaming so I have put it in this section:
I have allowed a $500 - $600 (US) budget for my CPU And GPU what is the best in regard to Performance/Price
Sound Card - Not sure recommendations welcomed
Hard Drive - Is there a big performance difference between a 5400 and a 7200? and is it worth the extra money.
OS - I am sorry to say but Windoze XP SP2 (any where cheap?)
Display - I am looking at 22" Widescreen Unsure what Brand what is best?
that is the stuff I am stuck on if you have any other recommendations that would be great. P.S I am a Nividia Fan so please no Ati thanks.
Okay let me get this straight. You have 500-600 for BOTH the GPU and CPU or 500-600 for each separately?
If the former, I'd suggest a Q6600 (don't consider a dual core at this stage) which should run you about $289 (free shipping and free GRAW2 included), that leaves you with around 200-300 for the videocard, a 8800GTS 320MB should fit the bill perfectly. A superclocked (its not a retarded term by me, its the actual brand of the card) EVGA one will cost you $299 and you get a step-up program, it also has a $15 rebate on newegg.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115017
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130038
If its the latter, just do the same except get an EVGA 8800GTX and an aftermarket cooler for your CPU.
As for the soundcard... it depends if you are going with XP then the Creative X-Fi Xtrememusic is cheap and nice but get whatever is in your budget. X-Fi drivers for Vista are not as good as XP's.
5400 RPM drives are meant for laptops, go with a 7200 drive. Seagate Barracudas and Samsung Spinpoint series are good. The only decision you have to make is capacity and drives are cheap these days.
As for the monitor, the NEC 20WMGX2 is an awesome monitor overall for gaming and multimedia with its TV features and true 8-bit S-IPS glossy panel but its 20" (though it has the same 1680x1050 resolution a 22" would have) and its a bit pricey at around $450. If you want something cheaper the Acer AL2051W is a great choice for the price as well (its only about $200). I wouldn't go for the 22", I'd either go for a high quality 20" or go all the way for the 24" and the 1920x1200 resolution.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Description=nec+20wmgx2&x=0&y=0
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009105
As far as the OS goes, I would go with Vista Home Premium 32-bit, no point in going with XP right now and Vista is a really nice OS. Microsoft gives you both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions with your purchase but you only get discs for one version (unless you purchase Ultimate which is quite more expensive) so get the 32-bit right now and order the 64 discs (free of charge) for the future.
Do you have your case and PSU already chosen? What about your memory?
