Computer?

[asterroc]

I need to buy a PC. I attempted this last summer w/ help from kelsin, but I never got off my @$$ to actually buy it. I thought Newegg.com sold whole computers, but apparently they don't. I do not need a monitor or other peripherials, just everything that goes in the case. So what do I need to get, and do you have recommendations for which one? I will be installing Win XP on it (possibly Vista), MS Office, Firefox, and assorted games. I want to be able to play Starcraft 2 when it comes out.

I feel like these are the parts I need for a computer.

* Case
* Motherboard (is the processor typically integral to this?)
* DVD R/W
* Hard Drive (100+ GB)
* Video Card
* Sound Card
* RAM (1+ GB)
* USB slots (2 minimum, 6 ideal - are these usually integral to the motherboard?)
* Wireless card (Bluetooth not required)
* Power supply
* Fan

What parts am I missing, and what do you recommend for each? I'm counting on YOU, sirroxton, and maybe kelsin since I'm thinking of converting the old box to linux. ^_^ I'm hoping to order this next week, in the same order as a conure-cam.

Comments

Re: Caitlin's

[sirroxton.livejournal.com]

I'll second avoiding wireless if you can.

If you get your own components, you'll pay a little more, get a little less, but it's reassuring to 1) know that you personally evaluated every component and 2) have the fix-it confidence that comes from building it yourself. I would pay (and have paid) $150 extra to hand-build my own system. I consider that a neurosis on my part. If you don't share my neurosis, then I really can't recommend DYI. :)

You might find your concerns better addressed via IM. If you'd like, e-mail me your IM info (or we can just discuss this over e-mail). roxton@gmail.com