Build a PC - Budget: $1300

As a graduation gift, my parents are giving me a budget of $1300 USD to build a new computer to take with me to college. I do intend on doing some gaming on it (World of Warcraft), but i will mainly just be using programs like Illustrator and Photoshop. Processing power and memory are priority, of course, but i also need a graphics card, motherboard, a case, and a hard disk. [b][i]I have one CD-RW drive[/b][/i]. I had two, but one of them was recently rendered disfunctional by God knows what. If you can get away with just getting a CD-R drive, that'd be fine with me.

Things i do not need: Monitor, mouse, keyboard, (1) CD-RW drive.

Just STAY IN BUDGET. Leave some left over money for shipping costs (about $50).

EDIT: I forgot to include this is $1300 USD.

Thanks,
Nos.

In american funds correct?

Yes, sorry i forgot to include that.

Nos.

link thats what I came up with. Its in cnd funds, but it comes to about 1100 something in us.

$1300? Build 2 PCs for that, heh.

Also if you go through newegg.com, you get free fedex shipping on alot of their stuff.

OCZ DUAL CHANNEL OPTIMIZED 2X256MB DDR PC3500 CAS2 W/ COPPER HEAT SPREADER

I was thinking a bit more memory than that, and that is uber expensive for PC3500. You can get PC4200 DDR 1GB on pricewatch.com for $170.

Also, how does the Athlon compare to Intel's Xeon 3.06?

Nos.

(about $50).

Shipping shouldnt be that much(probably not even half), especially if you buy from the right places (www.zipzoomfly.com www.newegg.com www.tigerdirect.com)

but i also need a graphics card, motherboard, a case, and a hard disk

tips:
- get a good graphics card. dont skimp here!
- dont get an aluminum case. It doesnt do much for cooling and its too expensive so its not worth it.
- get more than 1 hard disk! System files/OS/programs on one, photoshop illustrator misc. files on another. (works better....more space..less stress on the system...if you get a virus it doesnt screw up your files..etc)
- Get good case fans&cpu fans. Variable speed/temperature adjustable. Keeping things cool will increase performance (not only proccessor...but hard drives & ram too ) (i suggest thermaltake fans...they're really good )

- Also have a look at www.albatron.com.tw . Good/powerful motherboards and w/fairly good prices (i use albatron. i luv it!!!)

AMD ATHLON 64 3000+ PROCESSOR S754 2.0GHZ 512KB L2 CACHE RETAIL BOX (AMD643000) (sku: 11100) Yes1 $353.92

thats a rip. You can get a little less poweful P4 and probably get more performace.

zipzoomfly.com

80661 Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 3GHz, 800MHz FSB, Socket 478 Retail *** Free 2nd Day *** w/Fan and Heatsink, 512KB Cache, .13u $226.90

80656-800
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 2.8GHz, 800MHz FSB, Socket 478 Retail *** Free 2nd Day *** w/Fan and Heatsink, 512KB Cache, .13u $185.00

a 2.8 P4 im willing to bet will kick an 3ghz athlons ass w/$168 diff. (enough for a beast video card lol)

I didn't really mean to buy it at that place, just the specs.

Thanks a ton, Rodder. That hard disk idea is awesome.

The thing is, i want all of this incredible hardware, i can't seem to meet the budget. The Xeons/Athlons are quite hefty, and i want a LOT of RAM. Those two are taking up the most cash, it seems.

For the video card i was thinking a RADEON 9600 XT 256MB. They run for a solid $170.

I've heard nothing but good things about aluminum cases, but they were really only cosmetic comments. I'll definately save the cash and get a plastic one.

How much space do you recommend on the hard drives? I was thinking 60 GB on each?

EDIT: Now that i think about it, hard disks are really the last thing on my list. I can always add another later.

Nos.

Eh... I'm busy now so I'm reserving this post to use to show you a system or two later tonight. I'll compile one. I love this shtuff! For $1300 you can go 64bit... if you want.