Computer build for a friend

[maevardabar]

Hello, I am helping a friend build a computer, and he wanted me to get third party advice before he makes the actual purchase. (His first computer build :> )

Here is the build, minus the thermal paste he is adding on. Any critique on the setup/monitor/components would be great. Thanks.

 

[Sp12]

Caviar black is expensive and slow compared to a Samsung F3, that's a very expensive 5770, I would look for a 4870 for ~100 or a GTX 460 768 for ~150.

PSU is way overkill, and the mobo could be dropped to a number of cheaper 870/770 based boards. Could shave ~20$ by moving to a X4 955 to boost the price/performance. Ram could be dropped to 1333 speeds to save another 20$.

 

[fffblackmage]

What Sp12 said. And if your budget allows it, you could also spend a bit more for the 6850 ($180).

There are also 1080p monitors in the $150-$200 price range. I wouldn't buy anything less than that today, especially since that Samsung monitor doesn't seem like a particularly great deal.

 

[jchu14]

be sure and take advantage of newegg combo deals. if he's buying soon, here's an intel/6870 build for not much more.

I don't particularly like the monitor choice just because it's only 1600x900. For about the same amount of money, you can get 1920x1080.

 

[maevardabar]

You guys are fantastic. This helps me and my friend greatly. Thanks for all the advice and input!

I am slighty biased toward Samsung monitors, but can settle for something else. I would like to have that higher resolution. Any monitor recommendations in that price range?

 

[mfenn]

be sure and take advantage of newegg combo deals. if he's buying soon, here's an intel/6870 build for not much more.

I don't particularly like the monitor choice just because it's only 1600x900. For about the same amount of money, you can get 1920x1080.

:thumbsup: Nice build!

You guys are fantastic. This helps me and my friend greatly. Thanks for all the advice and input!

I am slighty biased toward Samsung monitors, but can settle for something else. I would like to have that higher resolution. Any monitor recommendations in that price range?

I like the ASUS VH242H. It's 1080P and 3.6" bigger than that Samsung (area increases with the square of the diagonal, so that's a lot!) for only about $30 more after rebate.