Building a computer under $600

[.jrauck]

Im thinkin about building me a computer for under $600. I do a little gaming but am more likely going to use it for making videos and graphic design. What do you guys think?

Also im trying to add a capture card if not get a dvd recorder. I already have Windows XP Media Center as well as a mouse I do need a keyboard though.

This is what I was thinking...

Processor + Mobo Combo: Thinking about getting something from a local store it has really good combo deals.

Harddrive: 200 Gig - 8 mb cache - 7200 RPM *$59.99

Cd/Dvd Burner: Samsung - Sata - Lightscribe - Dual Layer *$38.99

Memory: CORSAIR ValueSelect - 2GB (2 x 1GB) - DDR2 *70.98

Video Card: Sapphire - X1900GT - 256MB *$126.12

PSU + Case Combo: POWMAX - 400W Power Supply - ATX Mid Tower *$34.99

[XcOM]

if your going for video rendering and the sort, eventough im an AMD FANBOY, i would recommend an INTEL Core2Duo, there faily cheap.

[Outlaw]

If you are looking for a budget AMD setup. I used the graphics card you selected above.

Rosewill R804BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 300W with 24 pin connector Power Supply - Retail

ECS RS485M-M (V1.0) Socket AM2 ATI Radeon Xpress 1100 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail

SILVERSTONE SST-ST405 ATX12V 400W Power Supply - Retail (if you don't trust psu with case)

Update AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ Windsor 2.0GHz Socket AM2 Processor Model ADO3600CUBOX - Retail

WINTEC AMPX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model 3AXT6400SE5-2048K - Retail

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH-20A1L-06 - Retail

TOTAL= $516.93

Intel Setup

Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 Allendale 1.8GHz 2M shared L2 Cache LGA 775 Processor - Retail

MSI P4M900M2-L LGA 775 VIA P4M900 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

PNY 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

Rosewill R804BK Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 300W with 24 pin connector Power Supply - Retail

Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD2500KS 250GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - OEM

SILVERSTONE SST-ST405 ATX12V 400W Power Supply 100-127V/ 200-240V FCC, CE - Retail

LITE-ON 20X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe Black SATA Model LH-20A1L-06 - Retail

SAPPHIRE 100189L Radeon X1900GT 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 VIVO Video Card - Retail

TOTAL= $557.43

[.Maleficus.]

I'd go with a C2D or Opteron. Possibly an X2 if you get a really good deal. Same with a Pentium D setup.

If this is for graphic design, you'll want as much memory, and as fast, as you can possibly get. Try for DDR2-800. I posted a link to a good deal in the Hot Hardware Deals section. Also, as much processing power as you can get is a must. The graphics card is fine; probably one of the best options you have besides a workstation card like a Quadro or FireGL card.

[.jrauck]

From a store called frys I could get a Core 2 Duo E6400 with a Decent mobo for around $120. A few days ago I saw an EVGA 7600 GT for $63. Every day there is a sale so some days they have awsome deals im looking for and other days the deals suck. Today there is a Maxtor 300GB - 7200 RPM - FDB for $59

I just do Graphic Design for a hobby and when I had my AMD 3500+ with 1 gig of ram the computer ran fine when using PS CS2. I am looking for a computer that can basically do anything within the lines of video gaming, graphic design, and video editing. It doesnt have to be godly right now since I can upgrade in a bit but I do want it to do what I need until I get better ram and such.

[agnat]

I have had real bad luck with Maxtor HD's - I would recommend Western Digital or damn near any other brand except Maxtor.

Again, this is just my $.02 worth

Agnat

[Zephik]

I have had real bad luck with Maxtor HD's - I would recommend Western Digital or damn near any other brand except Maxtor.

Again, this is just my $.02 worth

Agnat

I've had one Maxtor and I didn't like it either. Definitely go with either WD or SeaGate.

[NuKS]

Yeah I had some really bad luck with Maxtor also. But, that was about 10 years ago, and I have heard that they have improved their quality greatly. When I used to repair DVR's the company I worked for used to use only Maxtor drives. I didn't see many DVR's come back because drives were failing.
I would buy a Maxtor if I had to, but I prefer Western Digital

[Outlaw]

Glad I put the WD drives into those builds above

[.jrauck]

Ya I have had a bad Maxtor but I thought it was just my bad luck. I think ill wait until a see Western Digital