Building new computer on a budget

[MiccyNarc]

I want to build a new computer before college, I want it to be relatively fast and able to play modern games on high settings.

I'm planning on getting an AMD processor because they're so damn cheap right now, unless anyone can find me Intel chips for a better price.
I want to get nVidia graphics because I've always preferred nVidia. Probably in the 8600 series, PCI-E so when I get more cash later I can add another card for SLI.

I'm guessing DDR2 for RAM, correct? With at least 2 gigs?
I'm planning on getting a 300 gig SATA harddrive when they go on sale at Staples, where I work.
Not sure what kind of motherboard I want, but I like shopping around.
Probably pick up whatever PSU is cheapest and still gets good reviews, 500 watts most likely.
Creative X-fi soundcard, naturally.
And probably an Ageia physX card if I have money left.
I've already got a 20 inch widescreen monitor, keyboard, mouse, so I'll be keeping all that.

Any other suggestions?

 

[CyberPitz]

What kind of money are you looking at for your budget?

 

[MiccyNarc]

What kind of money are you looking at for your budget?

<$1000
Managed to keep my last system under that, so that's what I'm looking to do this time.

 

[DreamThrall]

And probably an Ageia physX card if I have money left.

Aren't those kind of a waste of money?

 

[CptStern]

intel price cut (up to rumoured 50% in some cases) in July ..quad cores for the price of a core duo

 

[Dynasty]

*drools*

 

[The Brick]

Yep, and even now the intel have better prices for their chips. Right now the e6600 is a splendid deal.

If you want to have SLI as an option, you're limited to the 680i and 650i chipset mainboards.

Corsair HX 620 is an awesome PSU. It will hold a system with a quad core and SLI graphics just fine. If it's too much, the HX 520 will do too.

The physics cards are a major waste of money, don't get them.

The cheapest models of the X-Fi will do perfectly, no need to get something more expensive than the extreme music, unless you really want a front panel or something.

 

[MiccyNarc]

Thanks for the info, Stern, and thanks for the info on the PhysX cards...how are they such a waste of money? Not enough games take advantage or what?

 

[Dynasty]

Not enough games? Think youll find its NO games take advantage...that ive heard of yet anyway...

Itll be coming soon though, what with Vista and DX10 out the way and screaming 'compatable-me!'

 

[Gray Fox]

The money you pay for the physics card is better spent on a better cpu or video card.
Oh and do not cheapen out on PSU, higher efficiency quality psu's will eventually save you money and trouble.

 

[CyberPitz]

My ENTIRE system cost me ~1000 a year ago, so will probably will be cheap enough now, and I can still play games on max.

Manufacturer:
NVIDIA
Processor:
AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 3800+, MMX, 3DNow (2 CPUs), ~2.5GHz
Memory:
2048MB RAM
Hard Drive:
80 GB
Video Card:
Radeon X1800 Series

 

[Qonfused]

There have been tests that prove the physics processor reduces FPS in some games.

Also, my current system could be built for $850.

A64 3500+ (2.2GHz)
200GB SATA
Asus A8N-SLi Premium
2GB PC3200
7800GT 256MB

Obviously, some pieces are dated, but easily upped to a more powerful component for pennies.