Need new PC Setup Recommendation

[jimbofoxman]

It is time to get/build a new PC. Between my wife and 2 kids, the one we have is getting heavily used and is long overdue for replacement (atleast for my needs).

What I do with my PC.....

- Update various websites I run
- Digital Photo Processing
- PhotoShop
- Some gaming.......use to be heavy into MOHAA, haven't gotten heavy into the new stuff cause my old and tire PIII-1000 doesn't cut the mustard anymore.

So I am thinking my budget will be around the $1000 to $1200 range. I'm really leaning towards a dual monitor setup (not initially) down the road. About 6 months ago I was leaning towards AMD, but I don't really care. Gonna rely on your recommendations.

Thoughts and recommendations please?

Thanks

 

[pkme2]

Build what you need now and be happy.
You got PM.

 

[brikis98]

A general outline:

* Intel Core 2 Duo E6300: $180
* Gigabyte GA-965P-S3 LGA 775 Motherboard: $116
* G.Skill 2x1GB DDR2 800 RAM: $210
* eVGA Geforce 7900GS: $160
* Enhance ENP-5150GH 500W PSU: $69
* Seagate Barracude 7200.10 320GB 16mb Cache SATA HD: $95
* Lian Li PC-7A plus II Silver Aluminum ATX Case: $90
* NEC Silver DVD Burner: $30
* BenQ FP202W 20.1" LCD: $260

Total: $1210

I didn't know which components you did or didn't have. The system above has everything minus the mouse/keyboard/speakers. It should have awesome application and multithreaded performance (for your family) and solid/mid-range gaming performance (for you). Some tips:

* these are not "special" prices, so if you really want to save some money, keep your eyes open (especially during black friday!) for better deals on these components
* if you aren't going to OC, you can get DDR667 or even DDR533 RAM to save some money; however, the E6300 gives awesome performance when OCed, so it's def worth it if you can...
* since RAM is very overpriced now, you can save some money by reducing the RAM to 2x512MB and adding another 2x512MB later on if/when prices drop
* you don't seem to be a "hardcore" gamer, so the 7900gs should be a solid video card for the time being. also, i believe eVGA has a "step-up" program of some sort that might let you trade in that card (+ cash) for a better one in the future. if you want better performance now, i can recommend some alternatives

 

[jimbofoxman]

Actually thanks to both of you for the replies. Gives me something to check out and get the ball rolling. Proably start making purchases shortly and over the course of the next 2 months as my pocket book allows.

Yeah Brikis, I am not a serious gamer anymore. I use to play MOHAA for hours a day, but I got bored with that. But maybe when I have my new system, I will pick up a game every once and a while. But really I need to focus my spending on my other hobbies, and not gaming (Damn these expensive hobbies).

 

[jimbofoxman]

BTW...........I hope this doesn't make me anymore stupid looking, but what is BLACK FRIDAY?

 

[Kromis]

Originally posted by: jimbofoxman
BTW...........I hope this doesn't make me anymore stupid looking, but what is BLACK FRIDAY?

Friday after Thanksgiving with UBER crazy sales

 

[Alone]

American shopping day. Does not apply in Canada.