Configurations
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Build A Computer for $1000
You can still build quite a decent computer for this price. $1000 is about the threshold for the minimum amount to spend on a computer to allow for some upgradeability and a fairly fast system. It can be done for less but I don't recommend it unless your budget is very tight.
RAM: Kingston Valueram 8GB (2x4 GB)Kit 1333MHz DDR3 Non-ECC CL9 DIMM Desktop Memory KVR1333D3N9K2/8G
Keyboard and Mouse: Logitech Desktop MK120 Mouse and keyboard Combo (920-002565)
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit (Full) System Builder DVD 1 Pack
Please note that you can replace the monitor and keyboard with whatever you prefer. If your budget is allowed to stretch a bit, you can consider upgrading the motherboard or processor. Remember, you can always get better prices by asking!
Under $1500
At $1500 you can build a very decent computer. This can be used to play many of the latest games and photo editing. At this price you have quite a bit of flexibility and lots of choice in parts.
Gaming
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP43-UD3P - $195.00
Video Card: Gigabyte 1GB Nvidia GTS250 - $217.00
CPU: Intel E8400 3.0GHz 6MB cache - $235.00
HDD: Seagate 1TB, 7200RPM ST31000528AS - $120.00
RAM: Corsair 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2-800C5 - $71.00
Case: Antec Mini P180 - $190.00
PSU: Antec Truepower 550W, 4x12V rails - $145.00
Monitor: Acer 18.5" Widescreen LCD 1366x768 - $152.00
Keyboard and Mouse: Logitech Deluxe 250 - $35.00
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium $140.00
Total - $1500.00
Graphics Work
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EP43-UD3P - $195.00
Video Card: Gigabyte 1GB Nvidia GTS250 - $217.00
CPU: Intel Q8400 2.66GHz 4MB cache - $220.00
HDD: Seagate 1TB, 7200RPM ST31000528AS - $120.00
RAM: Corsair 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2-800C5 - $71.00
Case: Antec Mini P180 - $190.00
PSU: Antec Truepower 550W, 4x12V rails - $145.00
Monitor: Acer 18.5" Widescreen LCD 1366x768 - $152.00
Keyboard and Mouse: Logitech Deluxe 250 - $35.00
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium $140.00
Total - $1485.00
Under $3000
At $3000, this is one of the best computers. It will take you through anything and should last a long time without being outdated. Due to the Core i7 processors, both gamers and graphics workers will be able to use the same computer with great benefits.
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD4P - $330.00
Video Card: Gigabyte 896MB Nvidia GTX 275 - $290.00
CPU: Intel Core i7 950 3.06GHz 8MB cache- $790.00
HDD: Seagate 1.5TB, 7200RPM ST31000528AS - $175.00
RAM: Corsair 12GB (6x2GB) 1333MHz 9-9-9-24 - $320.00
Case: Antec P183 - $225.00
PSU: Corsair Truepower 550W, 4x12V rails - $145.00
Monitor: Samsung 2243BW 1680x1050 - $250.00
Keyboard and Mouse: Logitech Deluxe 250 - $35.00
Operating System: Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit $180.00
Total - $2740.00
Unlimited
This computer is for those who have spare money just lying around. Most people will not be able to justify paying for a computer like this but, it's still fun to dream! On top of this system you might need a watercooling system but it is not a must unless overclocking. I haven't included it in the price as it is upto the user what parts need to be cooled and what type of system to buy.
Motherboard: eVGA Classified X58 - $640.00
Video Card: 2x eVGA GTX 295 1792MB (The only reason there aren't three is because cooling is a huge problem - $1530.00
CPU: Intel Core i7 975 3.33GHz 8MB cache - $1595.00
HDD: 4x Seagate 1TB, 7200RPM ST31000528AS - $480.00
RAM: Corsair 12GB (6x2GB) 1600MHz 9-9-9-24 - $345.00
Case: Lian-Li Armorsuit X edition - $890.00
PSU: Corsair 1000HX 1kW - $358.00
Monitor: 2x Samsung 2443BW+ 24" 1920x1200 - $850.00
Keyboard and Mouse: Logitech DiNovo Edge keyboard + Logitech G9X mouse - $380.00
Operating System: Windows Vista ultimate 64-bit $180.00
Total - $7248.00