I am looking to build a desktop pc for home use. The computer will mostly be used for basic tasks such as surfing the internet, using Microsoft Office 2003, listening/ripping music (iTunes, Windows Media Player), a little bit of coding (Visual Studio Express tools from Microsoft), light gaming (Call of Duty 2) and I would like to begin doing some light video editing. I would also like the option of watching/recording over the air digital TV to be included in the system or easily added within 1 year. The PC will be shared between my wife and myself. I have a budget of around $1,000. I already own a Dell 19 inch flat panel monitor, so I will not need a monitor. I am leaning toward an Intel Core 2 Duo system. I have previously built 2 computers so I am not a super novice but still pretty green. I would like some help in determining components for this system. I do not plan on overclocking.
Recap of requirements
* Basic tasks
* Light gaming
* Light video editing with the ability to capture from analog sources and eventually a fireware DV camcorder.
* Light programming
* Watching/Recording over the air Digital TV. This requirement is the least desired will be the first to be cut if need be.
* Windows based
Here are some of my thoughts on the build.
Processor
Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 $183
Motherboard
Asus P5B-E P965 $163
I could go with the cheaper MSI P965 Neo $106 but it lacks onboard firewire. I could by a $20-30 firewire card and get the MSI board and save $27. Is the Asus P5B-E overboard for this build?
Memory
Corsair VS2GBKIT667D2 2GB Kit DDR2-667 PC2-5300 Value Select $218
I was shooting for the 2x1024MB GeIL PC2-5300 Value $189 but it is out of stock. If anyone has any good suggestions here, I'm all ears. The prices of DDR2 memory have really gone up since I have been watching the prices for the last 2 months. I don't need the fastest memory available just something adequate for stated requirements.
Case
Antec Sonata II with 450 power supply $100
I have read some reports of Antec power supplies having problems. Is it ok to go with this Antec case and power supply bundle? I don't know what I think of having the door on the case though. I was looking at the Antec p150 but it is a bit high priced at $150. Additionally, does anyone have any experience with Antec's b stock (their refurbished stuff). I can get the p150 for $98 from b stock. Is it even worth it to risk the b stock? The case will be visible on top of a desk and needs to look decent.
Graphics
Gigabyte GeForce 7600GS 256MB $110
If I go with this 7600GS then I don't get an video editing components to convert analog to DV. Is the ATI All-In-Wonder X1900 PCI Express 256MB DDR3 Video Card for $215 worth a look as it comes with the analog to DV conversion stuff, a digital tv tuner, and adobe premier elements(although there is a newer version now)?
Optical Drive
Liteon SHW160P6S04 16X Dual Layer DVD±RW Drive (Black) $37
Operating System
Windows XP Media Center $120
Using the first listed item in each category and the price comes to $1012.
If I sub in the ATI all in wonder it is $1117 which is a little over budget.
I appreciate any comments or help on this build. Thanks for your time and suggestions.
Recap of requirements
* Basic tasks
* Light gaming
* Light video editing with the ability to capture from analog sources and eventually a fireware DV camcorder.
* Light programming
* Watching/Recording over the air Digital TV. This requirement is the least desired will be the first to be cut if need be.
* Windows based
Here are some of my thoughts on the build.
Processor
Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 $183
Motherboard
Asus P5B-E P965 $163
I could go with the cheaper MSI P965 Neo $106 but it lacks onboard firewire. I could by a $20-30 firewire card and get the MSI board and save $27. Is the Asus P5B-E overboard for this build?
Memory
Corsair VS2GBKIT667D2 2GB Kit DDR2-667 PC2-5300 Value Select $218
I was shooting for the 2x1024MB GeIL PC2-5300 Value $189 but it is out of stock. If anyone has any good suggestions here, I'm all ears. The prices of DDR2 memory have really gone up since I have been watching the prices for the last 2 months. I don't need the fastest memory available just something adequate for stated requirements.
Case
Antec Sonata II with 450 power supply $100
I have read some reports of Antec power supplies having problems. Is it ok to go with this Antec case and power supply bundle? I don't know what I think of having the door on the case though. I was looking at the Antec p150 but it is a bit high priced at $150. Additionally, does anyone have any experience with Antec's b stock (their refurbished stuff). I can get the p150 for $98 from b stock. Is it even worth it to risk the b stock? The case will be visible on top of a desk and needs to look decent.
Graphics
Gigabyte GeForce 7600GS 256MB $110
If I go with this 7600GS then I don't get an video editing components to convert analog to DV. Is the ATI All-In-Wonder X1900 PCI Express 256MB DDR3 Video Card for $215 worth a look as it comes with the analog to DV conversion stuff, a digital tv tuner, and adobe premier elements(although there is a newer version now)?
Optical Drive
Liteon SHW160P6S04 16X Dual Layer DVD±RW Drive (Black) $37
Operating System
Windows XP Media Center $120
Using the first listed item in each category and the price comes to $1012.
If I sub in the ATI all in wonder it is $1117 which is a little over budget.
I appreciate any comments or help on this build. Thanks for your time and suggestions.
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