Bradley Wilson - Gaming and Video Editing PC

Core System

CPU: AMD Phenom II x4 955 Black Edition - $348
I chose this CPU due to the machine's primary role as a gaming and video editing PC. Also being the Black Edition of the CPU, I have overclockability if required.

COOLER: Standard - $0
Keeping it running nice and cool is easy with the standard cooler that comes with the CPU. When I head down the overclocking route I’ll consider the CoolerMaster V10.

RAM: Patriot Viper 4GB Kit - $149
2 x 2048MB PC12800 1600MHz PVS34G1600LLK
With the choice of motherboard, the only option was DDR3 RAM. The Viper set was chosen for its price/performance characteristics.

MOTHERBOARD: Gigabyte MA790FXT-UD5P - $254
This was the hardest part to choose. Hours went into reading comparison tests, with the result being this motherboard. Given that it’s already DDR3 and AM3 capable it allows for future upgradeability.

GRAPHICS: XFX HD-489A-ZDEC 1GB 4890 OC Extreme - $269
It was a hard choice between this and the Gigabyte alternative. The XFX won because of the enclosed cooling channel to the fan, instead of just an exposed fan over the GPU.

HARD DISK DRIVE: 1TB Seagate SATA Internal - $120
I’ve never had any problems with Seagate HDDs, so I stuck with what I know.

DVD BURNER: LG GH22NP20 22x SATA Dual Layer DVD Rewriter - $62
This was to back up my Pioneer 216 DVD Rewriter that I had ported from my old machine.

PSU: CoolerMaster UCP 900W - $259
I selected this for upgradability and expandability in the future. It has plenty of power on offer for what I have, with plenty left over for any other items I include later.

CASE: CoolerMaster Storm Scout - $141
Being a LAN and Online Gamer, the machine had to look great aesthetically. The fact that this case is so quiet as well just enhanced my decision to buy it.

Core system cost - $1,603

EXTRAS

MONITOR: Samsung 22in 2243BW - $243
After using the 24in Samsung monitors at work, this was a no brainer. Excellent crisp colours.

KEYBOARD: Microsoft Sidewinder x6 Keyboard - $69

MOUSE: Microsoft Sidewinder x5 Mouse - $49
When gaming, you must have a gaming keyboard and mouse at the touch of your fingertips. Major winning attribute to the Sidewinders was the price difference from the other gaming peripherals.

AUDIO: Logitech x-530 Speakers- $90
With HD sound onboard the Gigabyte motherboard, I didn't feel the need to add a sound card. The 5.1 Logitech speakers are great.