All OEMs will be the same. Get whatever. I'll draw up a $600 after rebate build tomorrow, but unfortunately you missed the best PSU deal in a while (Antec Neo Eco 620C for $65-$15). If you have any spare parts laying around it helps a lot (optical drive, old hard drive, monitor, case, RAM, etc...)
Also of note, that "gaming computer" is a complete fucking lie. It says it has a "powerful nvidia graphics" when in reality it has a GTS 210. The GTS 210, while decent, is on par with AMD onboard. It's barely enough to play SC2 on medium with crappy framerates. Sure it will own in some source games, but source is 6 years old.
Found a whole bunch. Your job is to figure out what you like and what you want to spend your money on. I've given you multiple choices for everything. The build is quite underpowered in the graphics department, but I don't think you care that much.
$50
G.SKILL Ripjaws (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1333 -There's a plethora of 2x2 or 4x1 kits out there for $45-$50. This is just an example. Ram speed/heat spreader/dual channel doesn't matter in the long run.
$140-$70
EVGA 01G-P3-1145-TR GeForce GTS 250 -Very old video card. Only reason it's viable is because it's $70 off, $40 MIR and "24HRSALE1215F" for extra $30.
$80-$20
XFX GT240XZHFC GeForce GT 240 1GB -shell shocker today. Only worthwhile if you really need that $10.
^$60
XFX P1-650X-CAG9 650W -The idea behind this is it's $60 for supreme upgradability later. Not all that recommended, due to combo with above.
$55
SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB -It's $3 less elsewhere, but they don't provide a warranty, I don't think.
^$55
Antec EarthWatts EA650 650W -only worthwhile with combo.
$137
AMD Phenom II X4 955 -This is the going price for it.
^$89
GIGABYTE GA-870A-UD3 AM3 AMD 870 -It's got a lot of features. I have one right now, but I'm currently experiencing problems with something or other (crashes, IDK if its the mobo or what).
$55
MSI 870-G45 AM3 AMD 770 -bare minimum motherboard. Only reason not to get it is for USB3, newer chipset, etc...
$17
Generic Sony DVD Burner -always the cheapest one with free shipping or one with a combo.
=Cases=
$80
COOLER MASTER RC-692-KKN3 CM690 II -awesome case
$73
LIAN LI Lancool PC-K58W -excellent case with a window. I'm disappointed in the Lancool line since they switched from aluminum, but it's still Lian Li (the best in cases, period).
$60
COOLER MASTER HAF 912 -excellent case. Filters are not optimal, but work.
$40
NZXT GAMMA Classic Series -oh rice. Hey, it's $40.
$60
Antec Three Hundred -decent case, terrible price. The problem is that it lacks features of similarly priced cases, and skimps on fans.
This would be my recommended build:
Note the 6850. If you replace it with the GTS 250, it's $600 almost exactly. Here's a few more good graphics cards:
$185-$20
Gigabyte GTX 460 1 GB$150-$30
MSI GTX 460 768 MB$193
Gigabyte 6850$130-$30
HIS 5770I like the 6850 best, but that's because it's newer, power consumption, no rebate hassle, and OCs as well as the GTX 460. The GTX 1 GB is probably a better buy since it's nvidia (better drivers), is much better in price due to rebate, and will do very well. This shouldn't weigh into your decision, but the board will do Crossfire (~95% of a real crossfire board), but not SLI (easily), and the PSU I linked will do two of either card easily.
Post has been edited 2 time(s), last time on Dec 15 2010, 5:34 pm by rockz.
"Parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Chairman - do we have to call the Gentleman a gentleman if he's not one?"