Hey I'm 17 and I'm still choosing parts for my first build under a budget of around $760 (US currency but I'm an Aussie). I've found all the other parts I need but I can't decide on an AMD processor, PSU and motherboard to go together. I'm confused with the Athlon series being named 'Orleans, Toledo, San Diego, Manchester, Venice, Windsor, Lancaster, Brisbane etc.' when they're basically the same price on NewEgg.com - what is the difference? Like I said I haven't built a computer before and my dad is reluctant about it so I'm typing a document that shows I've done my research about each product before buying it and why they should work together. So far, what I've learned about processors is:
I've been reading a few guides discussing the difference between AMD and Intel processors and there's also a sub-forum at ComputerForums.org dedicated to this debate. Right now, Intel's dual core series processor seems to be far ahead of the competition at the moment dominating in the high end of performance but they are very expensive. While AMD are more cost effective and are still powerful for gaming computers built under a budget.
Here are the other parts I have selected from NewEgg as a guide, I will not be buying from that site because they don't ship internationally but it still makes it easier to browse through so many brands on 1 site.
Computer Case
Video Card
2GB RAM
Hard Drive
Optical Drive
As you can see, NewEgg's price for those is like $340 US so far which will probably inflate to $400 US by the time I order it through a retailer or buy from another website etc. which would cost more for me. I still need an AMD Processor and Motherboard as well as an adequate PSU - all for under $350 roughly to suit my budget.
Purpose of my new computer = almost purely gaming but I'll no doubt buy another Creative Soundblaster card for my Logitech speakers but apart from internet browsing on FireFox, I run XP pro at home.
Edit: Suggestions from Freestyler105 = 1+ reputation point.
Motherboard
Power Supply
I've been reading a few guides discussing the difference between AMD and Intel processors and there's also a sub-forum at ComputerForums.org dedicated to this debate. Right now, Intel's dual core series processor seems to be far ahead of the competition at the moment dominating in the high end of performance but they are very expensive. While AMD are more cost effective and are still powerful for gaming computers built under a budget.
Here are the other parts I have selected from NewEgg as a guide, I will not be buying from that site because they don't ship internationally but it still makes it easier to browse through so many brands on 1 site.
Computer Case
Video Card
2GB RAM
Hard Drive
Optical Drive
As you can see, NewEgg's price for those is like $340 US so far which will probably inflate to $400 US by the time I order it through a retailer or buy from another website etc. which would cost more for me. I still need an AMD Processor and Motherboard as well as an adequate PSU - all for under $350 roughly to suit my budget.
Purpose of my new computer = almost purely gaming but I'll no doubt buy another Creative Soundblaster card for my Logitech speakers but apart from internet browsing on FireFox, I run XP pro at home.
Edit: Suggestions from Freestyler105 = 1+ reputation point.
Motherboard
Power Supply