Help with a $1000 or less build

[LeetViet]

1. PC will be used for gaming but I want a digital output audio card too.
2. $1000 CDN or less excluding monitor/accesories.
3. Canada and primarily from the retailer canadacomputers.com (they often have the lowest price).
4. No brand preference but I heard Intel has better CPUs these days. I have my eyes on the Antec Sonata III case.
5. I only plan on using my EIDE HDs for backups.
6. I have looked at a couple similar threads.
7. I don't plan on overclocking.

Thanks for any help! If I've left anything else, I'll try to include it.

 

[Zaitsevs]

Motherboard

Case

CPU

Memory

Video card

Power Supply

Hard Drive

DVD Burner


Total $729.93

 

[chinaman1472]

From Zaitsevs list, which is overall a good list and well under your budget so you have plenty of room to stretch.

Alternative upgrade for RAM:
4GB Mushkin ($95) - http://canadacomputers.com/ind...013938&cid=RAM.346.307
- A bit steep since the 2GB kit has a rebate, solely up to you. 4GB is nice to have, but 2GB will suit your needs just fine.

Alternatives upgrades to Video Card:
eVGA 8800GT ($210 AR) - http://www.ncix.com/products/i...%2DAR&manufacture=eVGA
eVGA 8800GT ($217 AR) - http://canadacomputers.com/ind...017155&cid=999.243.390
- Slightly better performance and if you're willing to deal with rebates, the extra $20 bucks worth it.

Alternatives to Power Supply:
Don't buy one because the Antec Sonata III comes with a good one and is plenty for your rig.

Alternatives upgrade for Hard Drives:
500GB Seagate ($113) - http://canadacomputers.com/ind...=014525&cid=HD.443.877
- Pay twice as much and triple your space with a faster hard drive.

Even with all these upgrades, it should still be within your budget after rebates.

 

[Zaitsevs]

something to keep in mind - windows xp will not recognize your full 4gb. unless you are going 64 bit.

I didn't notice the sonata had a power supply, but good to know!

 

[LeetViet]

Thanks a lot for the help!

I'd like to start building this computer in a couple weeks. Are there any new technology, price drops, etc. that I should hold out for?

 

[chinaman1472]

Intel is releasing new Quad Core chips next month (and a rumored price drop across the board for older processors).
nVidia is releasing new 9800 series this month or next month.

Holding out is completely up to you, but you'll have to buy it eventually.

 

[LeetViet]

The motherboard is out of stock at my store. Could anyone recommend another one? :s

 

[chinaman1472]

Abit IP35-E

 

[LeetViet]

Originally posted by: chinaman1472
Abit IP35-E

Thanks for your suggestion and it looks really good from reviews but it's not available at my local retailer of choice.

Could anyone suggest something from: http://canadacomputers.com/ind...dList&cmd=pl&id=MB.157

that's also in stock at the Toronto Downtown location?

Thanks.

 

[Roguestar]

They've got one of the gigabyte at the Toronto North York store, FWIW.

 

[LeetViet]

I went with Zaitsevs's list (they re-stocked the motherboard!) but went with a eVGA 8800GT and the 500GB Seagate. I picked up the Samsung 2253BW and Logitech Z4's too.

I got everything assembled and up and running smoothly. Thanks again for everyone's help and input! 😀

 

[Vybz]

this was really helpful since i am about to build my own pc. I will eventually put up my own post but just reading for now. thanks guys