Thread: 2 computers from scratch, need help!

Hey Guys!

I'm building a couple of computers over the next month and was needing some direction, so heres the story. My step-brother and sister are both needing updated computers BADLY (my step-sister is still using a rollerball mouse with a 70gb hard drive). We've held it off for long enough and think its time.

For my step-sister's computer we're looking for a good, stable, base computer. Yeah, it would be nice to run games, but she's going to be 15 and doesn't need the highest FPS or resolutions. The most demanding game she'll probably play is Sims 3.

As for my step-brothers, thats going to be a basic gaming computer. He will be graduating from High School in June. It should at least run the recommended settings for PC games. It also needs to be a good stable computer as well. We won't be doing overclocking with his stuff. Also the case has to look cool so he's more impressed.

Both need to run Windows 7. I introduced it to my stepdad and he absolutely LOVES it. My stepdad also loves Newegg, but we could use any retailer as long as the items are new and not refurbished.


So least cost, covering those requirements, Peripherals are optional since we can get them locally from Microcenter or Frys but can be included, and have the ability to be upgradeable in the future to keep up with trends.

I won't have time to dig up newegg build for you but a few points

Step-brother's/Step-sister's should probably have the same basic build anyways. The cost differential from "runs windows 7 and sims-3" to "runs windows 7 and basic gaming computer" are much one in the same.

Some things to consider for anyone popping this together.
Low expense mid grade parts (ie AMD chipset, proc, ati gfx)
Excellent cases for heat-exchange.. (trust me this is really important)
PSU's that are capable of higher end upgrades. (ie 650 watt plus, at least one PCIe 6 pin a must. two preferred)
Dont cheap out on the RAM, if you are, than at least go with at a 3 stick deal times two (makes six sticks between them, 2 for one, 4 for the other, failover if things go RMA)
Do not forget monitors and peripherals.
Focus on the user, not the hardware.



Not much of an AMD guy, but I s'pose to get you started. (AMD/ATI about cost)

I am personal to the physical layout of this, for building.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131603
(highly reviewed and decent spec board on newegg, for AMD)

http://www.newegg.com/Special/ShellS...918-_-04292010

If you can, grab this deal NOW, or before 12:00 today.. a PC built around that will satisfy your step-sister for more than a few years. It has sideport memory for the chipset, which is a pretty good chipset.

You could do the same for the boy too, just get him a video card inside. The deal is pretty decent.

If not, grab the same Mobo, the reason being it's good for gaming without a video card. Decent fps on mid settings in any game really. Just don't turn on MSAA.