Help with First Build

[Philipwns]

I just realized my Gateway laptop won't be able to handle any of this year's releases so I am going to build a computer. It is my first so I need some help.

Budget: $600
Games: StarCraft 2, Skyrim, Crysis 2, Battlefield 3
Here's what I have so far:

Anything I need to change?

 

[Fourstaff]

4Gb ram is enough for now, you can always add 2 more sticks should you feel that its holding you back. Also, don't get Deskstar, they have a bad reputation (I heard the problem has been fixed, but I am still not convinced). Get Samsung F3 or F4 or WD or Seagate imo. Also, you want a high quality power supply, something along the lines of Antec, Corsair or PC P&P. You will also want a 5850, they go for $170 if you look hard enough, and should be able to demolish the GTX450.

 

[Philipwns]

Ok, here's my edited build:

 

[jasper1605]

You may be able to find some OEM DVD drives for a few bucks cheaper if you're looking to cut a few more bucks off unless you'll actually use the lightscribe on your selected one. What site are you shopping on?

P.S. what size and resolution monitor will you be using?

 

[Philipwns]

TigerDirect, I've got a 5 year Dell that I can use some for screws or something too. I've got a 17" on 1440 x 900.

 

[jasper1605]

I see. Compare your prices against newegg's too. If you call in to TD sometime's they'll pricematch against the egg.

the 6870 will be insanity overkill for a monitor like that. But I think it's the better route to go than upping the monitor to 1080p or 1920x1200 (though I've got one for sale in the 150-200 range if you don't mind a buzzing noise lol) and getting a bad video card.

 

[Philipwns]

So I should get a different card? Or stay with the 6870? I'm confused.

 

[PSPianist]

You can probably build a less powerful machine with that monitor resolution, and still get high settings.

 

[jasper1605]

So I should get a different card? Or stay with the 6870? I'm confused.

At that resolution the 6870 is beyond overkill. A 5750-5770 is more than enough for that. BUT if you are thinking of upgrading the monitor in the near future then the 6870 is a better choice to handle the newer games coming out.

I, personally, would lean towards the 6870 because I know that I would be upgrading my monitor too so I could get some higher resolutions going.

 

[Philipwns]

I probably won't get a new moniter for 18+ months. When I do I probably will just Crossfire a better card, this means I can go for an $80 card and still play on highest setting little/no lag?

 

[jasper1605]

yeah if you're going to stay with that monitor definitely drop down to something like a 5750

 

[Philipwns]

OK, thank you very much. When I build it this summer I will post pics.

 

[TheLaughingMan]

I maybe seeing this wrong, but your second setup has 1 stick at 4GB. Make sure you get a kit that is 2 sticks of 2 GB each. You want dual channeling to be on and working.