Need a new PC, please help.

[Alpha_Geek]

Alright I am still running win xp on a socket 939 system, had this system for the past 5 years or so and I think it is time to build a new one. I am not looking to build the ultimate gaming machine. I am looking to spend around $1000 on everything including the case. I am looking to play games such as the new skyrim coming out, wow of course, and some newer titles like SC2 and maybe Diablo 3 when it comes out. I have been out of the pc building game for so long that I don't even know where to begin, that is why I am asking for help. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

[mnewsham]

CD/DVD
Case
HDD
GPU
PSU
RAM
OS
SSD
CPU/Motherboard

HSF


Total: $1056.35

$35 in MIR.

 

[mfenn]

Mnewsham's build is good as always. If you don't end up needing the OS, you can bump the SSD up to a 128GB one like the Crucial M4

 

[mnewsham]

Mnewsham's build is good as always. If you don't end up needing the OS, you can bump the SSD up to a 128GB one like the Crucial M4

Up a little late tonight? :biggrin:

 

[Alpha_Geek]

Do I really need to buy a SSD right away? What are the benefits?

 

[mnewsham]

Do I really need to buy a SSD right away? What are the benefits?

You dont NEED to buy one up front, however you do gain much faster read write speeds and stuff like that (your OS will boot up in about 20 seconds instead of 50+ seconds with an HDD)

 

[Alpha_Geek]

Well my system stays on all the time so I will not buy the SSD right now. I might use that money to buy a bigger case.

 

[mnewsham]

Well my system stays on all the time so I will not buy the SSD right now. I might use that money to buy a bigger case.

What case did you have in mind? I can recommend a case for you if you want (are you looking for a flashy case, quite case, high air flow, etc)

 

[Alpha_Geek]

Practical case. Something with plenty of room for expansion and possibly water cooling down the road. Nothing flashy. I like conservative.

 

[mnewsham]

Well if you can afford it this is one of the better cases available it is HUGE!

 

[Alpha_Geek]

And this system should be able to play some of the new games coming out?

 

[mnewsham]

Yup, shouldnt have problems, it might not play it on full settings but they will run on high.

 

[Alpha_Geek]

With that motherboard is the system overclockable if I get the bug to overclock it?

 

[mnewsham]

Yes it is you should easily see 4.2Ghz with 4.5Ghz not being too out of reach.

 

[Alpha_Geek]

I know back when I built my 939 system Zalman coolers were the best air coolers on the market, is this still true or have things changed?

 

[mnewsham]

I know back when I built my 939 system Zalman coolers were the best air coolers on the market, is this still true or have things changed?

IF you want high end air cooling then the Noctua NH-D14 is one of the best. Zalman is okay, but no they arent all that good.

 

[Alpha_Geek]

I really like the case that you pointed out, I was also looking at the Antec Lanboy Air, what do you guys think of that case?

 

[mnewsham]

it is smaller by about 3 inches (for both height and length) but it wouldnt be too bad

 

[T_Yamamoto]

you can fit like 15 freakin fans!
all i have to say...DAMN

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Here is a nice case also at the same price. The Corsair Obsidian 650D New Egg link

Anandtech Review

 

[postmortemIA]

OP, you are seriously understating the advantage of SSD

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Just get one later on down the road.

 

[mfenn]

OP, you are seriously understating the advantage of SSD

Agree 100%. My SSD is literally the biggest single upgrade I've ever made in terms of overall performance and user experience.

 

[mfenn]

Up a little late tonight? :biggrin:

Yeah, burning the midnight oil tonight. You know me too well. :awe:

 

[tizm]

Well if you can afford it this is one of the better cases available it is HUGE!

Just curious if you'd recommend this over the Haf-X?