[mutantemu32]

Hey all,
Planning on building my first computer soon. About 2 weeks when I get paid again, to be more exact. I'm looking to build a comp that will be mainly for gaming (RTS's like Command and Conquer 3, Tibia, CSS, but I would like to be able to play rpg's and fps's on it decently if I choose to as well), random internet use, and music. Would like to be able to multitask well, such as playing a game and music without it causing lag, and would like it to be fairly future proof.
My budget was 450.00, and I am looking to go no higher. Do not need a mouse, keyboard, monitor or OS.
I have done a bit of research and created a list of components, and was hoping for a critique on the build, as well as anything I might be missing.

All parts are from newegg.

Proc: AMD Athlon ii x3 435 @2.9ghz - $70.00, free shipping
Link - http://www.newegg.co....-872-_-Product

GPU: HIS ICEQ Radeon 5670 1gb - $103.00 after rebate, free ship.
Link - http://www.newegg.co....82E16814161334

Mobo: ASROCK M3A770DE - AM3 ATX - $60.00, $7.56 shipping
Link - http://www.newegg.co....82E16813157176

RAM: 4gb (2x2) G.SKILL DDR3, 1333, 9 latency - $92.00, free ship.
Link - http://www.newegg.co....-253-_-Product

OPT: LG Black..blah blah blah. cheap cd/dvd reader/writer. 20 bucks, free shipping
Link: http://www.newegg.co....82E16827136167

Case/PSU: CoolerMaster Elite mid-size atx w/ 420w psu - $60.00 free shipping
Link: http://www.newegg.co....82E16811119210

HDD: WD Caviar Blue 320gb 7200rpm 8mb sata - $32.00, $7.56 shipping
Link: http://www.newegg.co....82E16822136591

Comes to about $451.00, shipped.

Also plan on getting two additional 120mm case fans.

What do you guys think? Missing anything? Anything I can trade out for a different product? Thanks!

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I don't see an operating system. Understand you cannot install Windows on this machine if the disk came with another computer. OEM versions of Windows can only be used with the original hardware. Only a "retail" license of Windows can be installed on a second computer and that is only after uninstalling it from the first computer.

If you were planning on using the Windows installation disk that came with another computer, that is illegal! So your only options are to buy a new System Builders license (formally known as OEM) for this machine, or use one of the many fine free alternative Linux versions.

[Digerati]

I don't see an operating system. Understand you cannot install Windows on this machine if the disk came with another computer. OEM versions of Windows can only be used with the original hardware. Only a "retail" license of Windows can be installed on a second computer and that is only after uninstalling it from the first computer.

If you were planning on using the Windows installation disk that came with another computer, that is illegal! So your only options are to buy a new System Builders license (formally known as OEM) for this machine, or use one of the many fine free alternative Linux versions.

[iammykyl]

Hi mutantemu32 and welcome to Geeks.

The build looks good except for the combo case and PSU you selected, you would have problems should you want to upgrade later, the PSU is nasty. have you actually read the reviews? http://www.newegg.co...9-205-_-Product . 450watt gives you very little headroom should you upgrade parts.

Consider this combo, http://www.newegg.co...st=Combo.410740 . I have this case, excellent. I removed the rear fan, which is switched, and replaced it with one controlled by the Mobo. I then put the spare fan in the case side.

I would also buy Windows 7 Ultimate, 64bit, OEM OS, this would allow you to,
when you have some more cash, install more ram, give you better gaming.

Let us know how you get on.

[mutantemu32]

Actually, from what I have read, it seems as if even the system builders (oem) version of ms7 (or other ms operating systems at this point) are illegal for a computer built for oneself. In order to use it legally you are supposed to install the software using the OEM Preinstallation Kit, then resell the pc to a third party.

I will figure out the os later, I am not too worried about that.

However, for the psu I was thinking about the raidmax hybrid 2 530w. Reviews seem decent. And I think with the system I have listed, it should perform just fine. The case I may pick up on craigslist if I find a good deal, for if when I get my check in 2 weeks, I will see how much over budget I am and pick up a nicer case/psu or combo deal, such as the one suggested.

By the way, thanks for the input guys! Greatly appreciated.

[iammykyl]

Not a bad PSU, but not PFC, SLI or Cross Fire.

If your Mobo or case has no system speaker, http://www.google.co...rboard speakers. I get mine from old computers, and a few other bits.

[Digerati]

Actually, from what I have read, it seems as if even the system builders (oem) version of ms7 (or other ms operating systems at this point) are illegal for a computer built for oneself.

There is way too much confusion over this - and it is all Microsoft's fault for not making it clear. Ed Bott has written much about the confusion - see http://www.zdnet.com...-microsoft/1561.

I'm with Ed and I have no problem recommend self-builder buy this version AS LONG AS they use it only on the machine they are building and no others, and they don't use it as an upgrade platform when the next version of Windows comes out. If it really is a concern, sell the new computer to yourself for a penny.

[mutantemu32]

There is way too much confusion over this - and it is all Microsoft's fault for not making it clear. Ed Bott has written much about the confusion - see http://www.zdnet.com...-microsoft/1561.

I'm with Ed and I have no problem recommend self-builder buy this version AS LONG AS they use it only on the machine they are building and no others, and they don't use it as an upgrade platform when the next version of Windows comes out. If it really is a concern, sell the new computer to yourself for a penny.

Haha, that's one of the articles I read, very good info that I had no idea about. I will probably use that version (the oem), or have my friend..find..something for me.

@iammykyl - thank you, I will look into that.