Need Advice for a building my own system (Specs)

[imported_gotchaz]

For years Dell was my only choice, as this was a low cost option. Now I feel I should build my own system as Dell is not an option anymore. Some criteria's I have:

- Low-Mid Range Cost
- I'm a mild gamer, so graphics doesn't need to be the best (I'd like to add 2 LCDs eventually though)
- I have 6 Hard Drives and probably will get up to 9-10 eventually
- I'm not into too many intensive apps such as photoshop

The main concern is motherboard and cpu. I'd like to have some firewire slots. The choices are overwhelming, not sure if I should be going with AMD or Intel. My case choice is probably a Lian-Li (PC-V2100BplusII). Not sure about the PSU.

Any help along the right direction would be greatly appreciated!

 

[pkme2]

You got PM.

 

[benplaut]

Here's something to start you off:

CPU: Intel C2D 6300. Best performance for the price
RAM: 2GB cheapie (not overclocking?). Might want to go for 1 1gb stick now, and add another when prices are better
GPU: i'd look for a Nvidia 7600GT, or a 7900GS if you can find one on the cheap

not sure on the rest

 

[imported_gotchaz]

Thanks to both Pkme2 and Benplaut.

yeah it seems like most people are recommending the C2D 6300. I guess since I'm on a budget 1 GB will be decent for now since I can always buy one later.

 

[dBTelos]

For a PSU:

http://tinyurl.com/fyax4
Seasonic S12 430W w/ PCI-E

or:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817388003
Masscool 460W w/ PCI-E