-Grab an intel CPU (preferably latest series), AMD used to be decent bang for buck but they lag behind so bad right now.
-Get a motherboard with the right socket and pay attention to the expansion slots and connections. This is the heart of the PC, skim on this and you will regret it.
-Grab 8 (2x4Gb) to 16 (4x4)Gb of RAM, it's dirt cheap and more doesn't hurt. Make sure you don't go over the top with the clockspeeds, your processor doesn't support all speeds. (Check intel website) CL is cas latency and LOWER is better. CL7 is better than CL9, for instance, but more Mhz far outweighs a single CL, keep that in mind.
-No recommendations for video cards, but check the goddamned reviews. If you want multiple monitors or very high resolution more Gb memory IS necessary, if not, you can go a bit cheaper for the "lower" gb versions.
-Aftermarket coolers are only required if you're going to be overclocking or like a really quiet PC. It's not worth putting 30-40 dollars in a decent cooler if you don't need it, save that cash for other components.
-PSUs don't need to go to 1000W to be good, pay attention to the efficiency, I'd rather have a Platinum certified 750W thana bronze 1000W. Don't go cheap on this either, grab a good brand with good reviews, preferably modular. After all, all power comes from this piece.
-As for casing, I prefer aesthetics over a bazillion fan slots, and again, if you won't be overclocking more fans are just not needed. (I recommend the fractal design ones, but that's just my preference). Be sure all measurements of CPU, GPU etc clear the case! You want that side panel to actually close when you have put in everything.
-If he doesn't need extreme gaming, saving some money on graphics card and putting it into an SSD (they are getting cheaper by the month) is well worth it. Speed boosts EVERYWHERE. Don't pick an OCZ (octane, petrol, other oil related series), they are CRAP right now.
I might come back with some actual components, but this is about all the time I have right now, sorry.Statistics: Posted by Judge — December 7th, 2012, 4:44 am
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