I need some help buying a PC

[Antimatter]

Hey fellas, I decided a while back I'd never upgrade my PC again, unfortunately the ******* gods overheard this and decided to break my current one. As it stands the HDD's are intact, but I've pretty much decided to get everything else new.

I have 5k to spend. I have a screen and all the peripherals, but I need the core computer bits. I used to actually keep up with PC parts and their prices etc. but then I discovered alcohol and it's all been downhill since then. What is the best PC I can get, part by part for 5 grand, and from where?

If anyone can help, thanks in advance - I really appreciate it. Cheers.

[GeometriX]

5K might be a bit tight, but either way - I'd suggest you make a request thread over at systemshock. They have many dealers there who will get you a good price.

Try and aim for something like this:

CPU: (approx: R1200) Core 2 Duo E4500 (2.2Ghz) should be about the right range
RAM: (approx: R1100) 2GB Something average, yet overclockable. Kingston Hyper-X, Team Elite, Mushkin value RAM - those kinds of RAM.
Motherboard: (approx: R1200) Tough one, but I'd say something like the ASUS P5K would suit you nicely, considering it fully supports all the new CPUs, and has crossfire thrown in. Crossfire is good because...
GPU: (approx: R1800) ATI HD 3850 256MB will be perfect for your budget. And you could go Crossfire later on when the dosh becomes available (2 3850s in Crossfire sit side-by-side with an 8800GTX - to put it in perspective).

Okay, so that's a bit over-budget, and that's without a PSU (approx: R500) or a case (your choice). But try work with those basic guidelines, and cut off things as you go. You could, for example, go for an E4420, if you can get hold of one - they're apparently very overclockable. And, if you're feeling brave, only go for 1GB of RAM - but I honestly wouldn't recommend it.

[Antimatter]

Thanks Geo! I will definately post at Systemshock later on as well, shot for the heads up.

Just to clarify this isn't some gung-ho gaming PC I'm looking for. Gaming isn't really a priority at the moment, but I'd still prefer to have one somewhat decent at it should I find some time. I can MAYBE push to 6k and as for a power supply my brother could probably organise one for me.

[kHayne]

Can't really suggest much, although i will suggest grabbing an 8600gt gfx card if your budget is really tight. I bought one a couple months ago, neat little card and dirt cheap - got mine for sub-1500 bucks and that was back then. Sure it won't run Crysis at top whack, but it gets the job done with most anything else if you're willing to compromise somewhat on visuals. Else the 8800GT's are solid, and reasonable too.

imo you don't really need to spend money on overclockable hardware, that's really the domain of the enthusiast with a budget.

[Gambit]

Thanks Geo! I will definately post at Systemshock later on as well, shot for the heads up.

Just to clarify this isn't some gung-ho gaming PC I'm looking for. Gaming isn't really a priority at the moment, but I'd still prefer to have one somewhat decent at it should I find some time. I can MAYBE push to 6k and as for a power supply my brother could probably organise one for me.

Just remember don't skimp over the power supply. It should not be a no-name piece of crap. Go for something between 450W-550W. (That is if you do not plan on Crossfire.)

[Frozenfireside]

Um whats the PC going to actually be used for?
I reckon stick with the 3850 over the 8600GT-you get DX10.1 and good bang for buck.