As I explained in the backlog, I did get myself a new computer on a budget. So the whole system cost about $1000. The reasons for most of the parts would be price. I didn’t want to spend too much, but a machine that would run quite well and quiet.
So the specs are:
Antec NSK6580 Case with PSU – $135
I needed a case, with a PSU to cut down the price. There are a lot of cases out there, but this one’s internals is quite easy to work with. Not too flashy, but gets the job done.
ASUS P5K-E WiFi – $203
I’m am upstairs from my wireless router so wireless was necessary. I already have a PCI wireless card, so no real reason why I needed this motherboard. There are 6 internal SATA ports, and 2 e-SATA ports, HD-Audio – through coaxial and optical – again, I had a Sound Blaster card with optical/coaxial out already, so it was a bit of a splurge. It does have everything you would need though.
Intel E6750 2.66 Ghz – $229
This was a price decision, since its a $100 jump to the E6850 which is the same price as the Q6600. This one runs just fine for my needs (being surfing, photo editing, watching videos, downloading videos and some light gaming).
Corsair Twin2x PC-6400 DDR RAM (2x 1GB) – $91
There is cheaper RAM out there, but this had better latency and has heatsinks over them – not necessary, but in the event I wish to start overclocking, its there.
Leadtek Winfast PX8600GTS TDH Lost Planet Edition 256MB 128-bit GDDR3 – $218
This was the best for the budget range. The next step up would be the 8800GT which is another $100 on top – although it does have another 256MB on the memory.
WD SATA II 500GB 7200rpm 16mb Cache – $132
This is quite a standard HD. Now as much as I would love to have a raptor drive running my OS, the price would get me another 500GB HD.
So a total of $1006 for the whole tower. I already have mouse (G5), keyboard (Mac Keyboard) and monitor (Benq FP241W).
Here’s a few pics of the install – taken with Vince’s new D3 – this was a few days after he got it.
All the gear: F2.0 1/249 ISO6400 50mm
Closer shot of the gear: F2.0 1/60 ISO800 50mm
The motherboard in the case: F2.0 1/60 ISO800 50mm
The CPU box: F2.0 1/60 ISO500 50mm
The actual CPU: F2.0 1/60 ISO900 50mm
The socket without the CPU in it: F2.0 1/60 ISO1800 50mm
The socket with the CPU in it: F2.8 1/60 ISO1400 50mm
Attaching the fan: F2.0 1/60 ISO1000 50mm
Less crowded shot of the fan: F3.2 1/60 ISO2800 50mm
The graphic card: F2.8 1/60 ISO1400 50mm
Written by Milton Lai