Building new computer

joe360

Senior member
Oct 3, 2004
211
2
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It's pretty crazy to see how much things change just over a couple years, so here it goes.
Budget is roughly $1200 give-or-take cdn (anyone know a good Canadian retailer btw?)

I am not going to be overclocking, I just want a stable computer that can handle things like Unreal Tournament 3, and Starcraft 2 when they come out..if ever (doesn't have be running at max settings, but as long as the experience is enjoyable). I occasionally do some photoshopping / premier, but not alot.

So here's what I'm gonna need some input on:

CPU: Looking at recent price-cuts I guess the E6750 or E6550? Or should I wait for AMD, (Hoping to get the computer before Sept.)

Motherboard: Once again, I don't overclock, but something that is stable and hopefully somewhat future-proof (although kinda of an oxymoron)

Case: I really don't know, I always like the Thermaltake Tsunami, but I just want something relatively quiet, and that is maintained easily. I just saw the new P190, and was very impressed until I saw the price, but if there is something with similar features, but not so expensive.

RAM: DDR2, DDR3,? man it is too confusing these days. Im thinking 2GB is all I need, but should I just get 1 stick of 2, just incase i need to upgrade?

PSU: Every computer I've ever bought came with one, so I have no idea what to look for.

HDD: Just need something around 250-300GB

Video Card: Again, I'll be playing UT 3, and just want something that can keep up. Also I always wondered, is it better to have 2 not-so-good cards or 1 really good card? Can you just mix 2 different cards?

Optical Drive: Do they have these in SATA yet? or is it even worth it?

I think that's pretty much everything, I'll be running Vista 32-bit most likely, but exclude that from the price.

Thanks