building a new rig, advice needed

Hey,

So finally after years of purchasing OEMs (HP, Sony :eek: ) I've finally decided to build my own. Since this is my first time, I'd really appreciate some advice on parts. My budget is $600-700.

Processor: The cheapest Core 2 duo conroe which I believe is the E6300 ($183 according to Anandtech but will probably run $220 street).

Mobo: Suggestions? I don't really know much about any new conroe boards

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231080
Gskill 1 GB DDR2 553 $67

Graphics Card: ? Need to be able to play oblivion at high settings and will spend max of $180

Case: something with 550-600 watt powersupply $50

HD, DVDRW, and screen will be pulled from my old computer

So please comment about the above and add suggestions. Thanks for helping me out.

First off, if you want a case with a "decent" PSU, then $50 isn't going to be close, the PSU is probably the most important bit, and with spending $600 on other bits, and then using a cheapo PSU, which may cause fluctuations and kill components not very long down the road, i don't think you'll want to shell out another $600 for replacement fried components.

As for graphics, i think it would have to be either: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102505

Or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814241013

Second one is clearly better, but is $190.


Liam

ok would u suggest i get a case which has the psu included or just purchase a cheap case and purchase the psu seperately?

My view is get a decent quality case, it will then last you through several upgrades, so really doesn't work out more expensive in the long run. Good quality cases eithe come with good quality PSUs, or without one so that you can choose your own. I particularly like Antec and Thermaltake cases, and this one is excellent:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129017

ok, in terms of motherboard manufacturers, is this one good?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128012

Yes indeed it is, I have built several PCs using them. I also particularly like Asus boards, and MSI are excellent too. They are the 3 best motherboard makers IMHO.

thx much for both of your help. I'm starting to get second doubts about whether i should spend so much on the conroe and motherboard. I found this deal

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...Tab=0&NoMapp=0

for $99 for the AMD 64 3200 and motherboard, it looks like a steal. Considering that I want to use this pc for games for the next 4 years or so, will it be a negative to step backwards for an older but much cheaper deal as opposed to going conroe?

Although I like AMD64 CPUs very much, that is a pretty rubbish motherboard. And a 3200+ is unlikely to be up to the latest games in 4 years time. I think if you really want 4 years futureproofing you'd be better off sticking to your original idea.

Also, by all accounts, you may find getting a rebate from TigerDirect easier said than done. Some of our members have been burned in the past.