First build - but with potential to expand?

[barneystuta]

I've read a few great topics here, and everyone seems really helpful, so I thought I'd ask myself.

I am looking at my first build. My laptop packed in, and I am currently using a netbook, which is great for browsing, but limited in everything else really.

What do I want to do with it?

- Play HD content videos (eventually blu-rays, more on that later).
- Gaming - not a huge PC gamer (I have an Xbox 360), but the option to play some if I want to would be good.

What I have already?

Mainly bought second hand, I currently have the following:

Coolermaster HAF 932

A DVD RW
ASUS Radeon HD 5770 Cucore
Windows 7 OS
Wireless Keyboard/Mouse

What do I need?

I don't mind paying most of my budget on the processor/motherboard. I understand these are the most expensive components (until I look at a GPU upgrade).

Then of course I'll need a PSU, 4GB ram, and a 500gb hard drive.

I also need a monitor with DVI input. This can be basic cheap and cheerful, not to concerned on size either, as I will be hooking up my system to my HDTV at times too.

Some very basic budget speakers would be a bonus.

Budget?


The bits I have so far cost me £70. So ideally want to get the rest for £430. I don't want to skip on the motherboard/processor, the rest I can look at more budget options for now. I don't want to overclock to start with, but want the option to do so in the future (so stock CPU cooler is fine for now).

I will eventually be getting a Blu-Ray optical drive, and some form of HD recording TV card/Hauppauge HD PVR to add to the system, so want it to be "ready" for those additions (will likely be in the new year).

I appreciate your help.

 

[barneystuta]

That looks just about right. After researching and reading up, the i5 is the way to go, right? Especially if I want it to last me a solid few years.

I made up a pretty similar spec, so my instinct was right.

I should be ordering on the weekend, so thanks for your help

 

[barneystuta]

Thanks for the feedback.

A new GPU will be on the list, this is just to get me up and running. And with the GPU being one of the most expensive components, this second hand one will have to do for now.

A really n00b question here. Does everything come with all the cables I need? My case takes a base mounted PSU, is it worth buying an extension for it, or will the one with that PSU be long enough?

 

[barneystuta]

Sorry for the double post, just a quick question/opinion on motherboards. I am thinking of going down the Z68 route, but don't really want to be paying £150+ on a mobo.

Which of these three would be best do you think?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-483-AS - Asus P8Z68-V LX

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-368-GI&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1990 - Gigabyte Z68XP-UD3 Intel Z68

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-052-AK&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1990 - Asrock Z68 PRO3 Intel Z68

 

[barneystuta]

The only thing that put me off the Gigabyte one, is there is only a HDMI out (no VGA or DVI). But I guess that wont be a problem (as my GPU has both via a connector).

I will eventually upgrade the GPU in the future, and as that has the option for crossfire in the future, that is something I would want to look at maybe.

Thanks again for the answers.