Should I build my own or just buy a set?

[ares623]

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I want to buy a new PC but I don't know the best course to take.

My budget is 20k - 25k.

Some dream specs I have for the moment:

• a 64bit i5 or i7 for the processor
• 4GB RAM
• for the videocard, I'm not too picky at the moment. I plan on buying a better one this November/December or whenever Diablo 3 comes out (I'm gonna play the shit out of that game). I'm open for suggestions on this part. (I'm an Nvidia fan, by the way). Update: Also the video card doesn't have to be included in the budget.
• the motherboard needs to be compatible with whatever videocard I'm going to buy. Also, needs more slots for RAM.
• The cooling system needs to be good, since it gets pretty hot where I live.
• a full HD monitor, maybe with HDMI input. (if a set, I think I can just buy my own)
• I don't care about sound at the moment

So, do the above imaginary specs fit within my price range? Also, should I build my own or buy a set?

P.S. I've never built a PC before, but I think I can manage if I have to (I work in IT)

Thanks gurus!

[blizzaga4]

you're gonna need more than 25K if you want i7 coz i7 is like 13K bnew price.

[ares623]

ah ok. what about the i5? also what are my alternatives for similar performance? I haven't been following with processor development.. Last I remember coming out were the Core2Quads..

updated my post to indicate that the video card can be excluded from the budget.

[werty]

i suggest get the packages from G.I or Qube.. naa man sila set na i-series na then change lang or update parts later..

[ares623]

where is G.I. or Qube?

[blizzaga4]

Wait lang sa for the 8 core Zambei from AMD. Hopefully the price will be in par with i7 920. (dream on)

[eXpLoDe]

G.I. has 2 branch here in Cebu.

1. Gaisano Country Mall
2. APM Mall.
http://www.gaisano-interpace.com/Contact.htm

Qube is in UNIT 4 CENTURY PLAZA COMMERCIAL COMPLEX,JUANA OSMEÑA ST. CAPITOL SITE CEBU CITY
Contact Us

[ares623]

@blizzaga4 That would be overkill i think. I don't plan having a server or anything.

I think I'll go with the i5.. Thanks for clearing up the processor part. Now for the rest. hehe.

Ah G.I. stands for Gaisano Interpace.

[ares623]

Played with Qube's customize package page. Pretty cool and useful. A++. (Customize Package)

Are my choices good?

Really confused about the videocard. I chose the 8800GT since I heard so many good things about it, but I think I can do with a 512MB one, I just don't know which one. Suggestions?
Also, I have no idea about the Power Supply and Power Management areas. Can someone explain?

Here are my results (coincides with my budget too. cool)

Processor: Intel® Core i5 2400 (3.10G) 1333fsb 6mb DC (Socket 1155)
Motherboard:ASUS P7H55-M Intel® H55 Chipset (Socket 1156) Core i3 and i5 Support
Operating System: No Operating System
Productivity Suite: Open Office (Full Version with CD)
Graphic Display: 1024MB nVidia GeForce 8800GT TV-OUT 2DVI DDR3 256bit (6 Months Warranty SALE!) 
Memory: 4GB DDR3 1333MHz w/ Lifetime Warranty (1x4GB) w/ Heatspreader
Hard Drive: 500GB 7200RPM Hard Drive SATA 3.0 3X faster
Optical Drive: Samsung 22x Dual Layer DVD-RW Drive Sata
Media Drive: Internal Card Reader
Monitor: No Monitor
Power: Free Surge Protector
Mouse: QUBE Gaming Mouse free upgrade to USB (SAVE 100 Pesos!)
Mouse Pad: None
Keyboard: QUBE Gaming Keyboard free upgrade to USB (SAVE 100 Pesos!)
Speakers: Multimedia Speaker 
Accessories: No Accessories
Accessories: No Accesories
Casing: Qube Premium C Chassis - Black w/ 700w PSU & Hi Def. Sound Support
Power Supply: Built in
Quantity: 1
Payment Mode: Cash

Discounted Cash Price: P 25,949.00
Regular Price: P 27,506.00
Monthly Payment for 3 months: P 9,444.00
Monthly Payment for 6 months: P 4,859.00
Monthly Payment for 12 months: P 2,567.00

[EarlZ]

Wait lang sa for the 8 core Zambei from AMD. Hopefully the price will be in par with i7 920. (dream on)

That might be very possible as the early benchmark results with the Zambei shows that its only as fast as the i920 clock per clock and per core..