need a decent configuration for home desktop

[itspossible85]

hey!

im looking to buy a new desktop for average home use.

i'd like a good configuration, costing approx 500-580$

so could anyone please suggest:

core2duo... suggest a really good one please, preferably something around 2.1-2.3ghz (how is the E6600?)

what brand of RAM should i opt for? how is transcend? i'm looking at 1GB, no more.

what brand of DVD writer is preferable? (how about sony?)

a 120GB SATA hard drive would be fine for me, again any brand suggestions?

a decent graphics card (though im not looking to buy that due to budgetary constraints, id still like to know what a good one would be)

and lastly, the motherboard.
i'd like either an ASUS or INTEL cos those are the only service centres we have in these parts...

i've always preferred an ASUS, so could anyone suggest a good model to go with the C2D?


also, what is the best FSB available? what processors/boards/ram modules put together would give an optimum performance frequency wise and in general.

thanks a lot!

 

[Roguestar]

Average home use doesn't require an E6600. It just doesn't. It's overkill entirely. The E4300 will suit you down to the ground, and is more than good enough for all current games.
RAM: Any valueRAM rated DDR2-5300 will do you. You're not overclocking so there's no reason to buy faster. Corsair, Crucial, Kingston valueram brands are all good.
DVD Writer try sony, LG or plextor.
Get the WD1200YS SATA hard drive (western digital).
Get a P5B-Deluxe P965 Asus motherboard.
Get a GeForce 7600GS graphics card.

"What is the best FSB available" is a question that shows you haven't read much into the relationship between the FSB and core frequency, memory speed, and in general the megahertz myth. If you're not overclocking don't even think about it; it's just used to sell PCs to people in adverts. Suffice to say the system I've listed above would make a good gaming machine let alone a "desktop for average home use".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Front_side_bus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megahertz_myth

 

[itspossible85]

wow

thanks a ton!

thats all the info i needed.... i kinda had a feeling that the E6600 processor was really un-necessary.
thanks for clearing it up!

 

[yh125d]

Do wait until April 2nd or after, the price of the e4300 drops from $169 to $113