Want to build a PC...

[Markeh]

I've decided at last, I'm finally going to actually build a PC. I feel fairly competent with them, so I'm going to build a new one.

I'm a bit unsure about what bits to get. I've got a rough idea of what I'm getting.

I'm going to be using this computer for file storage, music playback, Photoshop, internet browsing, iPlayer, coursework (IT and Photography in particular) and gaming (Sims 3 and DiRT 2 - doesn't have to be on ultra high settings)

Things that are not being changed
- Socket AM3 based system
- Budget (NO MORE THAN £325)
- OS - I can get a copy of 7, so that isn't included in the budget
- Has to be an ATX-size motherboard

Things I need
- Decent graphics, with at least a VGA port, preferably an ATI 5xxx card.
- AT LEAST Dual Core
- Nice, smart looking, spacious case, with front USB ports
- Easily upgradable

Things I'd like, but don't defo need
- Memory card reader that will handle CF cards
- HDMI port on the GPU, for linking into the TV
- More than 4 rear USB ports - Will buy a PCI USB card if I need to

Things I already have
- Wi-Fi - I have a Belkin USB stick, and a BT PCI card
- Monitor, speakers, keyboard, mouse (may be changing monitor, keyboard and speakers at Christmas)

Budget cannot go over £325 really, but if I must, I'll go up to £350.

For a rough idea of what type of case style, I'm currently considering the Akasa Freedom Xone and the NXZT Gamma.

Can you pick components from this site (http://www.web-systems.co.uk) whenever possible? I don't mind pieces coming from somewhere else, so long as they're equivalent spec or better, and cheaper. I know that most of the GPUs I'm looking at aren't on that site, and I don't particularly like their range of cases.

+REPs to anyone that helps, and once the build commences (in around May, roughly), I'll post updates in this thread (don't want to make too many threads that will annoy you lot :D)

[KyleSmith]

Why not get the same specs as i did? Got mine for 280 if you can push it to 330 you can get quad core :)

[Markeh]

Why not get the same specs as i did? Got mine for 280 if you can push it to 330 you can get quad core :)

I was considering doing a similar build to yours, but I decided to build something a bit different. Plus I'd like to use an AM3 socket because it's still quite up to date.

[Markeh]

Sorry for double post, but I think I've found my case. http://www.xcase.co.uk/Zalman-Z7-Plus-Pc-Case-No-Psu-p/case-zalman-z7+.htm

If you can find the Z7 Plus for less elsewhere, post back. I think it's the ideal case.

These are the ideas I had for components.

Mobo http://www.web-systems.co.uk/?page=Products&pid=5024
CPU http://www.web-systems.co.uk/?page=Products&pid=5094
HDD http://www.web-systems.co.uk/?page=Products&pid=5252
GPU http://www.web-systems.co.uk/?page=Products&pid=5302
RAM http://www.web-systems.co.uk/?page=Products&pid=5107
Optical Drive http://www.web-systems.co.uk/?page=Products&pid=4953
PSU http://www.web-systems.co.uk/?page=Products&pid=4579

Comes to roughly £360. If anyone can make this build cheaper with the same or better components, you'd be a lifesaver. This should be a decent spec, I think?