New PC advice please

[colemancol]

Hi all.

With Uncle Kevs moolah, I am looking to get a new PC (this one wont open MS Word...). Below is what I am looking at. Please give me some advice on whether you think they are alright (and if all the parts would all work together). In both builds the case, keyboard, mouse and speakers are fairly generic.

PC 1. INTEL

MOBO: Intel S775 Gigabyte GA-EP43-UD3L
CHIP: Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 (2.80GHz/45nm/1066FSB/3MB) LGA775
RAM: Desktop DDR2 Ram 2GB Kit (2x1024MB) PC8500 1066MHz Kingston HyperX KHX8500D2K2/2GN 5-5-5-15
VID CARD: PCI-e (nV) 9500GT 1GB Sparkle SF-PX95GT1024U2-HP (550/800MHz)
HDD: 3.5" HDD SATA-300 500GB 16MB Seagate (7200rpm)
DVD: 5.25" SATA DVD Buner/Rw Samsung SH-S223-BL 22x Black (oem)
MONITOR: WideScreen LCD Monitor 19" ASUS VH192D (5ms)
PSU: Power Supply 650W Coolermaster eXtreme Plus RS-650-PCARE3-AU (with SATA Cable)

PC 2. AMD

MOBO: AMD AM2 S940 Gigabyte GA-MA770-DS3P
CHIP: AMD AM2 Athlon 64x2 Dual Core 6000+ (3.0GHz/2MB/89w)
RAM: Desktop DDR2 Ram 2GB Kit (2x1024MB) PC8500 1066MHz Kingston HyperX KHX8500D2K2/2GN 5-5-5-15
VID CARD: PCI-e (nV) 9500GT 1GB Sparkle SF-PX95GT1024U2-HP (550/800MHz)
HDD: 3.5" HDD SATA-300 500GB 16MB Seagate (7200rpm)
DVD: 5.25" SATA DVD Buner/Rw Samsung SH-S223-BL 22x Black (oem)
MONITOR: WideScreen LCD Monitor 19" ASUS VH192D (5ms)
PSU: Power Supply 650W Coolermaster eXtreme Plus RS-650-PCARE3-AU (with SATA Cable)

According to itestate.com.au the prices for the above would be PC 1: $1054 and PC 2: $952

Thanks in advance.

[mDust]

I can't really comment on specific items, but there's nothing wrong with either build...especially since they're identical beyond the cpu/mobo. They will both work. The only thing I can think of to add is a case, unless you've got one handy.

EDIT: Never mind, about the case....doh! (Reread OP.)

[aintnothang]

I like Amd, but I'm biased.

[slaveofconvention]

There isn't anything wrong with either specification. The only comments I would make are to consider looking into AM3 instead of AM2 for the AMD build - see what you can do within your budget, and think about the case - you said generic but if you're spending that kind of money on the internals, you really should consider spending a little on the box you put them in - better cooling etc will help you get the most out of your components as well as making them live longer...

[x88x]

Your configs look ok, but there are a few points that I'd be a little concerned about.
Looking at the AMD config, the Athlon II x2 is a little outdated, imo. And, of course, the GeForce 9500GT is getting a little long in the tooth..

I'm not too familiar with Australian suppliers, but I threw together a nice AMD setup from Mwave for $1036 (plus shipping), that I think would give you much better performance. I'm assuming your configs didn't include the case?
Phenom II X3 720: $161.30
ASUS M4A78LT-M LE: $102.20
Kingston 4GB (2x 2GB) PC3-8500 CL7: $142.50
Samsung 1TB SpinPoint F1 HD103UJ: $105
LG DVD burner (SATA): $35
Corsair VX-550 550W: $130.90
XFX Radeon HD 5750: $193.10
ASUS VH202T (20" 1600x900): $165

[Luke122]

I'm more concerned with all the weird ass posts with similar sigs (ginseng, webcam, etc) that are springing up.

[x88x]

I'm more concerned with all the weird ass posts with similar sigs (ginseng, webcam, etc) that are springing up.

Hmm, you make a good point..I hadn't noticed his sig..and his one other post is rather suspect. I've also noticed a recent glut of strange accounts like that...damn, these spambots are getting a lot better..