Build for general computing and Skyrim later this year.

[Grady]

I have been without a pc for far too long. Finally the funds have been accumulated to build a new one for my basic computing needs, and later this year Elder Scrolls Skyrim goodness and in about a month id rather play Duke Nukem Forever on PC rather than on the PS3 with the annoying controller. Basic computing needs for me are watching youtube videos, checking email, and browsing the web so nothing intense whatsoever.

Here is the build I had in mind. Suggestions would be very much appreciated. Power usage and price to performance ratio are of utmost importance as well as reliability.

-Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-H67N-USB3-B3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128484

-CPU: i3 2100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115078

-GPU: XFX 6850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150505

-PSU: Antec 380w Earthwatts
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371033

Case: Antec 300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129042

RAM: Mushkin 2x 2gig sticks
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820146748

Storage: Crucial SSD 64gb
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148357


I am very hesitant on the SSD and am contemplating opting for a 500gb Samsung Spintpoint f3 and saving nearly $100. But thoughts and opinions on the overall build? To my door from Newegg is right at $700. I already have peripherals and plan on using my LG 32ld450 hdtv as a monitor as it seems to work superbly well as one.

Thanks

 

[mnewsham]

You want an HDD and an SSD, i would NOT recommend using ONLY an SSD. Also your GPU isnt all THAT powerful, but it is enough for most games at 1920x1080 running medium to high settings.

 

[mfenn]

You want an HDD and an SSD, i would NOT recommend using ONLY an SSD. Also your GPU isnt all THAT powerful, but it is enough for most games at 1920x1080 running medium to high settings.

:thumbsup: My thoughts exactly.

OP, at your budget, it is probably wise to drop the SSD (64GB is not enough if it's your only drive) and spend the $70 difference on a $200 AR AP 6950 a 500CX.

 

[Grady]

:thumbsup: My thoughts exactly.

OP, at your budget, it is probably wise to drop the SSD (64GB is not enough if it's your only drive) and spend the $70 difference on a $200 AR AP 6950 a 500CX.

Thank you for the replies! So drop the ssd and opt for a mechanical hd then spend the difference towards a more powerful gpu and beefier psu?

Just checked and it seems the 6950 really is the way to go...

 

[mnewsham]

Yep that sounds like a plan

 

[Grady]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I think for now to keep cost down I am going to get everything I had originally posted except replacing the PSU with the CX500, replace the SSD with a Samsung Spinpoint f3 500g, and will opt out of a video card all together and stick to using the i3's integrated graphics for the time being to cut down on initial cost.

So for now my basic computing needs will be easily fulfilled and ill continue using the PS3 for gaming. Later down the road I will purchase a GPU. But for now this will well beyond meet my needs. Total cost comes out to $439.90 before shipping does not seem to steep a price for what it is.

Again thanks for all the help!

 

[betasub]

Good luck! The integrated graphics are surprisingly good, and should see you through basic gaming until you can add in a graphics card for Skyrim.

 

[SZLiao214]

If it is not too late i would also suggest you bump that cpu up to a quad core. Computers seem to last a lot longer(performance wise) then they used to.

A lot of games use 3 cores now and skyrim is going to pretty intense cpu/gpu wise.

 

[mfenn]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

I think for now to keep cost down I am going to get everything I had originally posted except replacing the PSU with the CX500, replace the SSD with a Samsung Spinpoint f3 500g, and will opt out of a video card all together and stick to using the i3's integrated graphics for the time being to cut down on initial cost.

So for now my basic computing needs will be easily fulfilled and ill continue using the PS3 for gaming. Later down the road I will purchase a GPU. But for now this will well beyond meet my needs. Total cost comes out to $439.90 before shipping does not seem to steep a price for what it is.

Again thanks for all the help!

Sounds like a fine plan, just be aware that the IGP isn't going to handle an intense game.