I currently have a fairly dated desktop that I use for my business and am thinking it is time to build something new. Rather than go out and buy a pre-made computer I figured I could build something better for less most likely. I previously built an HTPC and was surprised at how much better it was overall for the money.
In general I use the computer for word, excel, browsing, quickbooks, itunes, watching videos etc. I may use it to stream to a plasma television so i'm thinking an HDMI out would be nice to have.
I really have no idea about motherboards and what is good or necessary. Also unsure whether AMD or Intel is better for CPU and what is more important, number of cores or cache and speed.
I am trying to keep this fairly low budget but will spend where necessary. I mainly use Canada Computers as a reference for pricing etc.
For the motherboard would it be best to go with an AM3 socket type with integrated graphics card? Was looking at something like the Asus M4A785TD-V EVO.
For the CPU I don't know what is better but used an AMD in my HTPC and haven't had an issue. Maybe the AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition would be a good choice, I don't know anything to really differentiate what is better though.
For hard drives I currently have a couple, was wondering if getting an SSD made any sense for my OS and applications and use a normal hard drive for all my files?
For RAM I figured I would go with 4GB of DDR3 1333 unless there is a reason I should go with the more expensive stuff.
Lastly this means I would need a new OS as I currently run XP. Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit is what I was leaning towards.
Thanks in Advance for all input.
In general I use the computer for word, excel, browsing, quickbooks, itunes, watching videos etc. I may use it to stream to a plasma television so i'm thinking an HDMI out would be nice to have.
I really have no idea about motherboards and what is good or necessary. Also unsure whether AMD or Intel is better for CPU and what is more important, number of cores or cache and speed.
I am trying to keep this fairly low budget but will spend where necessary. I mainly use Canada Computers as a reference for pricing etc.
For the motherboard would it be best to go with an AM3 socket type with integrated graphics card? Was looking at something like the Asus M4A785TD-V EVO.
For the CPU I don't know what is better but used an AMD in my HTPC and haven't had an issue. Maybe the AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition would be a good choice, I don't know anything to really differentiate what is better though.
For hard drives I currently have a couple, was wondering if getting an SSD made any sense for my OS and applications and use a normal hard drive for all my files?
For RAM I figured I would go with 4GB of DDR3 1333 unless there is a reason I should go with the more expensive stuff.
Lastly this means I would need a new OS as I currently run XP. Windows 7 Home Premium 64-Bit is what I was leaning towards.
Thanks in Advance for all input.