First build spec review before I hit checkout

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First build (and on a budget too) I'm putting together a Graphic Design PC. Possible light gaming/Multi-track audio recording. Fast multitasking of Adobe Creative Suite programs is the main requirement. As gaming will only be light, I figured I'd use the mobo's onboard graphics for now, maybe putting in a dedicated graphics card when I have a bit more cash to hand (unless anyone can suggest a cheap graphics card that it will be worth putting in)

The following spec is based on some very helpful advice from this very forum a few weeks ago:

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit - OEM (GFC-00599)
AMD Athlon II X4 Quad Core 640 3.00GHz (Socket AM3) - Retail
Coolermaster Elite 430 Windowed Case - Black (with 500w Elite Power PSU)
Gigabyte GA-880GM-UD2H AMD 880G (Socket AM3) microATX DDR3 Motherboard
Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 1TB SATA-II 32MB Cache - OEM 1yr Warranty (ST31000518AS)
Corsair Value 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-10666C9 1333MHz Low Voltage Dual-Channel
LiteOn IHAS124-19 24x DVD±RW SATA ReWriter (Black) - OEM

I'm still totally new to this, so any suggestions you have would be fantastic.

thanks!
 
As you're buying OEM DVD drive and a SATA HDD then if I were you I'd purchase two SATA cables, just in case you don't get some with your mobo, nothing like having to wait and pay postage again.
 
And this works out because cheaper ram will make you get 2 more pounds which means can get the more expensive but tonnes better cpu.

Thanks for the tip :D

Is the CPU really drastically better? I'm not versed enough in this stuff to know in what ways CPUs with almost identical names differ

ta for the help :cool:
 
well the clock speed is higher, so its that bit quicker.


Disclaimer - I know clock speed isn't everything, and a slower cpu from one maker can be faster than a cpu from another, but this is the same family of cpus above, so just incase anyone wants to have a pop, tough:D
 
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When I get around to putting in a graphics card, what would you suggest I go with for this set-up?

Cost is a pretty big issue, and I'm not a heavy gamer by any means (PES/FIFA type stuff, occasionally things like Mafia or Assassin's Creed etc.) but obviously the more and faster I can run the better, within reason.
 
well that's just silly.


I'll definitely get the Mobo tonight, I'm not sure about the processor. Obviously I want as good as I can get, that's going to be about a £20 jump though, and I'm still toying with the possibility of getting a GFX card now if I can find the money...

What's the benefit of the Black processor (also, I couldn't see on the listing, does it come with a fan?). Faster obviously, but is it going to be a bit more future-proof? Handle multi-tasking better? Clue me in
 
I should say all the stuff on special offer ends next wednesday, not midnight tonight if thats what your thinking, it was put on this morning.
 
If you're considering doing it you might as well do it.

by considering it you know you can kind of pay for it, and if you don't you know you'll think further along the line "damn it, I knew I should have spent a few more pounds".
 
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