Hey all,
I have been reading and looking at building a computer for a few months now, but I was not able to buy the parts until now. The problem is - I have no idea what I am doing yet. So far, I have read up on parts, builds, brands, installation, and a lot more. However, I don't want to take someone's suggested build and essentially be a "cookie cutter" computer guy. I want to know the reasons why I am getting the parts, and why I can't switch to something cheaper or another brand. I am limited to the following things right now:
- I cannot spend over $1500 ideally. Cheaper than that would always be better. More than $1500 would be a bit much.
- The price has to include the build, monitor, keyboard, speakers, windows os, microsoft office product key, and an internet security software product. To put it simply, I need to make sure that the build does not get so expensive that I cannot afford the other essential peripherals and software.
- The intent of this computer is for moderate gameplay on higher settings for games, such as WoW, SC2, Mass Effect, Civilization V, and Sims 3. However, it is also for school; I need to make sure that I don't overspend on the computer (need some spending money once school starts).
- I want to be able to play said games on a monitor with HD, and I would hope for a build and monitor that can utilize HDMI.
- I also have heard SSD is good for loading times and for not hogging HDD space, but you still need an HDD for storage. Would having both reduce the chance of HDD failure, since the SSD is the one working with games and OS? I have had 5 HDD fails within the last five years, after being told repeatedly that they wouldn't/shouldn't fail that often. I know that I might be the one causing the problems, but I don't know of anything else I can do to prevent HDD failure.
- I have not seen a need to get a Sound Card if the Motherboard has On-Board sound. If I can shave off $90 for something I don't want or need, I'll do it. If sound cards are more important, then please explain.
- I have been trying to figure out a build for so long that I am almost starting to consider buying a computer rather than building my own. I'd rather build it just for the experience (and possibly cheaper).
This is a modified build from a website, although you can also look at the Narwhal build to make suggestions or edits (though both are expensive):
Motherboard: ASUS P8P67 Pro Intel P67 Motherboard - $190
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K BX80623I52500 Unlocked Processor - $220
RAM: Corsair XMS3 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 RAM - $44.50
GPU: XFX HD585XZAFC Radeon HD 5850 - $150 after MIR
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 1TB - $55
SSD: Samsung 470 Series MZ-5PA064 64GB - $110
DVD Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST DVD Burner - $20
Computer Case: Cooler Master HAF 922M ATX Mid Tower Case - $90
Power Supply: Cooler Master GX Series 650W - $90
Monitor: ASUS VH242H 24" Widescreen LCD Monitor - $179 after MIR
Keyboard/Speakers/Mouse Bundle: Logitech 920-001200 Cordless Desktop EX100 and Speakers S150 - $25
Windows OS $100
Microsoft Office $115
Total: $1389.5 (Prices based on tigerdirect; this is an estimate price, since some of the prices have changed recently)
This build excludes the Sound card the suggested build had in it. The SSD was also added, and I went with a 64 GB one. The Keyboard/Speakers/Mouse bundle was something I found on tigerdirect that seems like a really cheap deal (whether that means they are junk or decent pieces).
The total for the Narwhal would be $1567 (over my limit, but I don't know where I can switch out stuff).
Please help me if you can. I'd really appreciate any help or advice you give. Thank you in advance!