First-Time Builder Help

[IlliniGuy]

First-timer poster and first-time builder here!
I'm considering building a new machine, but am unsure exactly on the best components to meet my needs.

The PC won't be used for gaming - mainly for streaming and some minor image/video editing. I looked at the Super PC, and it looks great, but is a little more than I'd like to spend. I was wondering if there are some smart tradeoffs/downgrades that I could look into to drop the price to the $700 range.

Also, (and I know that this will then drive up the price) I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts/experience using a 40GB SSD for Windows 7. Is it going to provide me with much speed or will the processor be the chokepoint anyway?

Thanks in advance!

[RickyTick]

Here's my first stab at it.
Case $60 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042
PSU $70 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005
CPU $210 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115073
Mobo $130 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128460
Ram $160 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231431
HDD $70 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

This is $700, but it's missing a DVD burner, operating system, mouse, keyboard, and monitor.
Is this a good starting point, or do we need to be looking at something a little less expensive?

[IlliniGuy]

Thanks for the fast reply!

Yes - I think this is a great starting point. I don't need monitor, keyboard, or mouse.

One question though - did I miss the video card in there? It didn't look like there was an integrated one either, but maybe I missed something.

Thanks!

[RickyTick]

One question though - did I miss the video card in there? It didn't look like there was an integrated one either, but maybe I missed something.

Thanks!

That's the beauty of Sandy Bridge, the graphics are handled by the cpu.

[IlliniGuy]

Great!

In the future, if I wanted to install a dedicated card, would that cause any issues?

Also, what are your thoughts on adding a SSD to this configuration for the OS? Do you think I'll see much of a performance difference?

Thanks again!

[RickyTick]

Great!

In the future, if I wanted to install a dedicated card, would that cause any issues?

Also, what are your thoughts on adding a SSD to this configuration for the OS? Do you think I'll see much of a performance difference?

Thanks again!

Installing a gpu later wouldn't be a problem at all.

An SSD would be great, but it totally blows your $700 budget.

[IlliniGuy]

Cool. Yeah, I know SSDs are expensive, but I was thinking of getting a small one - like 40GB or so and just running Windows 7 on that. Would that make sense?

Also, will the components come with the required cabling or is that something else that I should order.

[RickyTick]

Just as my personal preference, I don't think I'd install an SSD less than 80gb, but that's just me.

You should have all the appropriate cabling needed. The case, motherboard, and case should have plenty of accessories.

[IlliniGuy]

Could you explain why you would want minimum 8GB SSD?

I thought it would be dedicated to the OS. Would you recommend installing Apps on it too?

Appreciate all of the advice!

[RickyTick]

Could you explain why you would want minimum 8GB SSD?

That's 80gb, not 8.

If I had an SSD, it would have the Win7, MS Office, MS Security Essentials, and maybe Windows Live on it. I don't know off the top of my head how much space that requires, but I'd want to make sure I had plenty of room for growth.

[IlliniGuy]

So I'm getting ready to pull the trigger, and on NewEgg I can save $50 if I switch from the Ripjaws memory to this - http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.584363
Do you think it would be worth it?
Thanks!

[RickyTick]

Looks good.

[IlliniGuy]

Thanks for all of the help. I bought the configuration and I'm setting it up now, but I think I'm missing something the MoBo doesn't have any video ports. Since I don't have a dedicated graphics card, what do I use for my video ports?
Sorry if I'm missing something obvious....

Thanks!

[RickyTick]

Sorry if I'm missing something obvious....
Thanks!

If anyone missed something obvious, it was ME. Very sorry for the poor guidance. Looks like you will need a video card to hook to the monitor.
Very sorry for that. :(

[IlliniGuy]

No problem - I should have looked the specs more carefully myself. I'm guessing at this point it makes more sense to get a video card versus finding a different MoBo and returning this to NewEgg. Assuming that's the case, have any video card recommendations?

[IlliniGuy]

As a note, I'm looking for an hdmi output so I can connect it to my TV as well. Other than that, I don't know how much consideration I should put into the card itself. Since I'm not using it for gaming, is there an advantage to spending $150+ on one?
Thanks!

[IlliniGuy]

I know I keep blasting emails, but I was looking online. What about a card like this - http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0325752 ?
Seems basic, but the NewEgg reviews were decent, and I could pick it up this weekend.
Let me know your thoughts.
Thanks!

[RickyTick]

I have a 9500GT in my son's pc. It works great and is nearly silent. That's a very good price after the rebate.

I know it's a little more money, but this is a more up to date card.
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0350276