build up a PC - help please

[littlecon]

I want to give a try to build a PC by myself although I have never done that before. I will run photoshop, pro show and maybe movie editing software on that PC.

Here is what I want for the new PC,

dual core processor
3-4G memory
500 GB hard drive or +
high quality video card
DVD recorder


My budget is 1300 (can be streched if there is a good reason). Please help me come up with a complete list with price/shopping place.

Thanks!!

 

[stevty2889]

I'd go with a Conroe for sure, E6600.

3-4gb of ram..what Operating system are you going to use..32bit windows has a memory limitation, other than some rare exceptions, windows will only allocate 2gb of mem to a program anyway, and doesn't even recognize a full 4gb of ram(~3.25gb max). Unless you are running a 64bit OS, I would just go with 2gb of ram.

Hard drive: I've had no problems with seagate or western digital, but I believe seagate has the better waranty at the moment.

Photoshop and movie editing don't really rely much on the video card, so unless you are planning on doing some gaming too, something like an a ATIX1300 or Nvidia 7300, or even integrated graphics should be plenty.

For a dvd burner I recomend BenQ or NEC, I use both, the BenQ is a little faster.

 

[littlecon]

Operating system : Windows XP with SP1.

Good to know 32bit windows has a memory limitation of 2GB. Otherwise, just waste my money to go for 3-4GB.

What other hardware that are recommended? including cooling system, case, power, motherboard...?

Thanks!

 

[Bobthelost]

Motherboard = Any (if you're not overclocking, if you are then the gigabyte 965P DS3 is good, as is the Asus P5 line)

Cooling = Stock (again unless you're overclocking), maybe a few 120mm fans depending on case choice.

Case = What do you want out of it? If youd be happy with 4 HD bays then i'd look at the antec P150, nice little case, comes with a decent PSU too. Stick two 92mm fans in it and you've got a quiet, restrained/tasteful looking case at a reasonable price.