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Claeren · 05-05-2010, 06:55 PM

Hey CPuck Hive-mind,

I want to build my first ever computer, in 15-45 days, and want your advice. I figure it is something every guy should do at least once in his life. I understand all of the basics, and was looking for specific advice on what to buy and where the sweet spots are value wise in the tech market right now.

I want to spend about $700 (I know it will end up higher than that) not including the monitor.

I don't play video games, so this is strictly a productivity machine, that being said, I want it to multitask really well and to handle lots of photos and such with ease.

Some general thoughts:
1) Should I go with the AMD quad processor's I see priced around $220?

2) What is a good value motherboard that offers USB3.0, sound support, and HDMI out? Do I also need a graphics card if I am not a gamer? I want to watch movies on it though?

3) Dual 22" monitors or one nice 24", I can't decide?

4) I am thinking I want to run with a 64GB SSD drive, and a 1TB media drive, I am guessing it is pretty straight forward to set-up?

5) My biggest confusion is over power supply and cooling, I want something that runs quiet and cool but am not sure how to work that all out in a high value scenario?

6) I love RAM, how much do I really need though?

I think that is it.

I know some of you are brilliant at this, any thoughts are much appreciated. As are links to build-websites or retailer-websites. I generally use memory express or NCIX?

Thanks!

Claeren.

05-05-2010, 06:55 PM	#1
Claeren Franchise Player Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Section 218 Exp:	Help me build a desktop computer... Hey CPuck Hive-mind, I want to build my first ever computer, in 15-45 days, and want your advice. I figure it is something every guy should do at least once in his life. I understand all of the basics, and was looking for specific advice on what to buy and where the sweet spots are value wise in the tech market right now. I want to spend about $700 (I know it will end up higher than that) not including the monitor. I don't play video games, so this is strictly a productivity machine, that being said, I want it to multitask really well and to handle lots of photos and such with ease. Some general thoughts: 1) Should I go with the AMD quad processor's I see priced around $220? 2) What is a good value motherboard that offers USB3.0, sound support, and HDMI out? Do I also need a graphics card if I am not a gamer? I want to watch movies on it though? 3) Dual 22" monitors or one nice 24", I can't decide? 4) I am thinking I want to run with a 64GB SSD drive, and a 1TB media drive, I am guessing it is pretty straight forward to set-up? 5) My biggest confusion is over power supply and cooling, I want something that runs quiet and cool but am not sure how to work that all out in a high value scenario? 6) I love RAM, how much do I really need though? I think that is it. I know some of you are brilliant at this, any thoughts are much appreciated. As are links to build-websites or retailer-websites. I generally use memory express or NCIX? Thanks! Claeren.