Need some recommendations...just in case

[WhiteEagle]

Since it's been 1 month now since I sent my PC in for repairs, I'm gonna start hunting for a new PC. Probably go with a custom build, so that if it breaks down, I can service it myself, and not void any warranties. I use my PC for F@H, light-moderate gaming, business work, and personal finances. I also use it to watch DVDs, rip music and play it back, and watch TV. What would you recommend for me? My budget is between CAN$1,000 - CAN$1,500, as I can save that in 4 months. I prefer XP and I would like to ignore the Media Center version.

TIA,
WhiteEagle

[[Dr. V]]

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/5774/eaglecompom2.png

Check out that link - that's an awesome computer setup, but its about $1630 after taxes, unfortunately. If you can find the bit extra, it's worth it. To save a bit, I would only go less on the motherboard (maybe a Gigabyte DS3 instead of the eVGA 680i, that should do the trick). With the Gigabyte in place of the eVGA, your total is about $1467. Perfect fit. That's not to forget the absolutely INSANE mail-in-rebates you have. The RAM and PSU mail-in-rebates are just awesome.

Linkage for each part coming right up.

EDIT:

LINKS!!

CPU - Canada Computers - CPU > Desktop Intel Processors : Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Socket LGA775, 2.40 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB, 4MB L2 Cache, 65nm (Retail Box) (BX80557E6600).

Motherboard (eVGA) - Canada Computers - Motherboards > Socket LGA775/T : EVGA NF68-A1 SLI Socket 775 nVidia nForce 680i Chipset Dual-Channel DDR2 533/667/800 Support 1066/1333 FSB 8-Channel High Definition Audio 3x PCI-Express Graphic Slots Heatpipe Design.

Motherboard (Gigabyte) - Canada Computers - Motherboards > Socket LGA775/T : Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 Socket 775 Intel 965 Express + ICH8 Chipset Dual Channel DDR2 533/667/800 Gigabit Lan Intel High Definition Audio PCI-Express x16 Graphics 6xSATAII All-Solid Capacitor Motherboa

Memory - Canada Computers - Memory > DDR2 PC2-6400 800MHz + : OCZ (OCZ2P800R22GK) DDR2 PC2-6400 2GB (2x1024MB) Platinum Revision 2 XTC Dual Channel Kit.

(^yes, that's the "current" RAM (scroll down) as spotted by Sumgai, whose name sounds funny when you read it as "some guy")

PSU - Canada Computers - Power Supplies/Equipments > Desktop PSUs : Corsair HX Series CMPSU-620HX 620W ATX Triple Power Supply 120MM Fan 12V 50A Continuous 24PIN ATX Modular .

Case - Canada Computers - Cases > Mid Towers : Antec P182 Advanced Super Mid Tower Case- Gun Metal Black.

Video Card - Canada Computers - Video Cards > PCI-Express Cards > Powered By nVidia : XFX GeForce 8800GTS nVidia 8800GTS Chipset (560Mhz) 320MB (1.7Ghz) GDDR3 Dual DVI PCI-Express Graphics Card.

TV Tuner - Canada Computers - Capture Card > TV Tuner : Hauppauge WinTv-PVR 150 MCE Personal Video Recorder White Box.

Since there isn't a picture of the actual video card there, here is a link with pics (and benches as a bonus):

XFX Geforce 8800 GTS 320MB is as fast as billyo

[gvblake22]

Great recommendations there ST!X, but I would go with a good P965 chipset over the 680i to save some money.

[Sumgai]

To add, ST!X has a really nice setup, but I'd recommend the OCZ Platinum Rev. 2 DDR2-800. It's also a 2x 1GB kit and with the MIR it's about 90 bucks.

Canada Computers - Memory > DDR2 PC2-6400 800MHz + : OCZ (OCZ2P800R22GK) DDR2 PC2-6400 2GB (2x1024MB) Platinum Revision 2 XTC Dual Channel Kit.

[[Dr. V]]

Originally Posted by Sumgai

To add, ST!X has a really nice setup, but I'd recommend the OCZ Platinum Rev. 2 DDR2-800. It's also a 2x 1GB kit and with the MIR it's about 90 bucks.

Canada Computers - Memory > DDR2 PC2-6400 800MHz + : OCZ (OCZ2P800R22GK) DDR2 PC2-6400 2GB (2x1024MB) Platinum Revision 2 XTC Dual Channel Kit.

Crap:| I can't believe I missed that, awesome spotting there, sir.

By the way, thank you very much

Yes, I do use peoples' budgets to their fullest. Since you have set that much aside for it, take advantage of it

And yeah, especially to stay within the $1500 budget, grab that Gigabyte - not only is the motherboard itself amazing, but the chipset is amazing, too.

[WhiteEagle]

Thanks for the advice everyone! STIX, you forgot two things: a modem and a OS, unless you want me to run Linux. That'll drive the price up some.
I was thinking about basing my design of Maximum PC's Baby Blue, but updating it a bit and adding a video card. What do you think of this idea

[[Dr. V]]

Hmm...a modem? You can't get one from your ISP?

As for the OS, I guess you have to spend that extra...

Hmm this is a tough one now. Also, I really hope you're keeping your hard drive.

If you are (hopefully), then to inch in the OS, you would have to downgrade the CPU to a E6320 or E4300 - that will save about $100. And past that I don't know what would be "acceptable" to sacrifice.

[WhiteEagle]

I can always spend more than my budget, just will take longer.

I think I will go the route of Baby Blue with an update and videocard. Should be a sweet, quiet build.

[[Dr. V]]

Yea it should be successful. I would definitely not compromise any more than the CPU in that build list...it isn't worth it.

Also, get the quietest fans you can (I recommend VANTEC Stealths or Yate Loons...maybe Antec Tri-Cools), and an insane CPU cooler (Thermaltake V1, or that CoolerMaster beast).

[WhiteEagle]

I'm going with a Zalman 8000 series CPU cooler. I had to switch mobos and cases so that I could go with an E6600. I chose the EVGA 680i motherboard and the Silverstone S019 in black case. Should look awesome when built. $2,745 Canadian before shipping and taxes, but it's worth every cent.