First time PC build

[ericwalker87]

This is my first build. The computer will be for general use: email, papers, internet, occasional video, disc burning, etc. I don't play any PC games. I want to spend under $500.

Here's what I have in my wish list so far:
1. APEX TM-302-3 Black/ Silver Steel MicroATX Mid Tower Computer Case 300W Power Supply
2. ASUS M4A785TD-M EVO AM3 AMD 785G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
3. AMD Athlon II X2 250 Regor 3.0GHz Socket AM3 65W Dual-Core Processor Model ADX250OCGQBOX
4. Crucial Ballistix 2GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model BL25664BN1337
5. Western Digital Caviar Blue WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
6. Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B - OEM

I wasn't sure if I should upgrade to a bluray player or not. I don't need a monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers.

 

[mfenn]

I'm going to have to say no to that Case+PSU. Get these instead:
Corsair 400CX - $30 AR, free shipping
Rosewill MicroATX case $30, free shipping

Comes out to be the same price as what you picked out once you factor in rebates and shipping, and you get a much better PSU. I like the looks of the Rosewill case better as well. There is a decent selection of $30 cases with free shipping on Newegg, so pick one you like.

The Samsung F3 1TB is also a bigger, faster HDD for the same price.

 

[Stev]

The Sony Optiarc is dark gray and won't match any deep black case. You may brush such a thing off like I did on a previous build, but don't underestimate how funky it will look. The Lite-ons seem to have a darker color and perform well. I can't make any specific recommendations, as I'm currently rolling the dice hoping what I bought will match my case!

 

[jchu14]

You can get
Samsung 1TB F3 hdd and Samsung DVDRW for $77 after coupon code 'GRAD15'. The Samsung F3 will be faster than the WD Caviar Blue.

 

[ericwalker87]

Thanks for all the good suggestions. Any suggestions for wireless for the machine?

 

[mfenn]

Thanks for all the good suggestions. Any suggestions for wireless for the machine?

I would say don't if at all possible. If not, make sure you get a card with a removable antenna so that you can upgrade it if you reception sucks. But really, if it is at all possible to put the router next to the PC or to run a cable, then do so.

 

[ericwalker87]

How about a bluray player? Is it worth it? Any good ones out there for not too much?

 

[mfenn]

How about a bluray player? Is it worth it? Any good ones out there for not too much?

Yeah, if you want to watch blu-rays, I'd say it's worth it. Something like this would be good, so you can have just one drive to read read blu-rays and read/burn DVDs.