Graphics card: XFX Radeon HD 6850: $171
The fact that you can pick up a card this
powerful for under $180 is the testament to the stunning value that can be had
right now. Such a card will last.
XFX Radeon HD 6850
Hard drive: Hitachi 320GB Deskstar:
$46.5
The more you spend p your hard drive, the
more space you’ll get. Simple really, but we’d suggest this is as small as you
go. It’s great value for money, and is a speedy blighter too.
Power supply: Storm 500W LPJ19-25: $43.5
If you go down the integrated graphics
route, you may get away with using the power supply in the case, otherwise you
should grab one of these. Go for a named PSU if you can afford it.
Chassis: CIT 1010B Chassis: $22.5
We’ll admit this isn’t the sexiest case
ever, but it gets the job done and certainly doesn’t look as cheap as it is.
You get front-mounted USB ports and a PSU into the bargain as well.
Screen: BenQ G220HD: $130.5
This 21.5-inch panel has a native
resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 and looks stunning on any desk. It’s an absolute
bargain. It’s just as good for gaming as it is at playing movies.
Optical: LG GH22LS50 DVD-RW: $21
It’s hardly the sexiest component, but
until games and OSes come on USB sticks, this is your best option to get your
rig up and running.
CPU cooler: AMD Stock cooler: N/A
Coolers make a big difference for tweaking
the nuts off high-end CPUs, but the standard one that comes with the ‘retail’
processor is just fine for this rig.
