Here's the system I'm planning to build for my hubby for Christmas (Shhhhhh). I'm hoping you can make honest suggestions - like there are some areas I'm uncertain about.
For instance I would like to upgrade the CPU to an Intel i5 or i7 for future growth. But for right now, I've opted to stay with the lower quad core to save $$$ and try to fit in my budget.
Also I am not super sure about how well these components will get along together, or whether I could do better for a lower price. Again if you see something that could be improved, or a potential problem, let me know. I'm pretty sure this system would be able to run TF2 smoothly but it's just a fair guess.
All prices are $Canadian and based on availability in the two main shops here, TigerDirect.ca and Canadian Computers.
So without further ado:
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CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2 - 2.8 GHz Socket 775 compatible $ 155
MOBO: ASUS P5P43TD Socket 75 DDR3 1333 MHz 2x PCIe 6x SATA $83.
This one may in fact change depending on the voltage requirements of the GPU and CPU. I would have no problem upgrading to ASUS P6E series but it costs more $$
MEM: Corsair 3x 2GB DDR3 1333 MHz $95.
GPU: Sapphire ATi Radeon 5770 850 MHz 1gb GDDR5 $140. Want to try to get a second one for xfire. Also see below when I ask for recommendations on a case, because of this. Not for TF2, but for future games that are trending ever upwards in GPU demand.
Also PowerColor offers a similar GPU for $30 less, are they reputable?
HD: Western Digital 1.5 TB Caviar Green or equivalent $80. Want to add a SSD later when I have a job :/
PSU: Reliable 650 watt (?) $80-100.
Case: Antec Nine Hundred or 900ATX mid tower. I have a Twelve Hundred with three zillion fans but again I have dual xfire-linked 5870's and a buncha other shit for animation/rendering. I want enough room for the present config + a little room to grow. If he needs a bigger airier case for upgrading to i5 or i7 and bigger PSU and/or a second GPU, lemme know now. ATX is $110, Twelve Hundred is $170.
Windows 7 Pro 64 bit. $139.
My maximal budget is around $750-850.
Crunkatog on ESO
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Voltiguer: Ender, Sioux in 1.04 will be a top civ, no matter how many layers of Sioux goggles you put on
schildpad on Elephants: ...their mansabdar unit sucks so hard it looks like a black hole
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