I started to collect components last month for a new computer that I wanted to build in the first quarter of 2008 and decided that it would be nice and helpful if I would post a monthly update on the components, prices and my decision. This is not only helpful for readers of this article but also for me because I know that some of you have way more knowledge of computer hardware than I have.
The computer will have everything that is needed to run it except for external components such as a monitor, computer mouse or keyboard because I decided to use those components from my old PC.
The Newegg online shop was my choice to be able to compare prices. It most likely would result in a cheaper price if I would research prices on several online shops. The Geforce 8800GT card is sold out in most locations and you have to be really lucky to buy one before christmas.
The major change in this month is the replacement of the Quad Core CPU with a Dual Core CPU from Intel and the replacement of the two 250 Gigabyte Seagate hard drives with two 500 Gigabyte Seagate hard drives.
The total price for all components rose from $1,581.90 to $1,701.90 USD which can be largely attributed to the exchange of the two 250 GB hard drives with 500 GB models. The price for the Solid State Disk went up by $70 because I replaced the placeholder from last month with a available one.
Prices will most likely fall in January. Analysts say that SSD, Solid State Disks, will become more affordable in the first quarter of 2008. Lets hope that they are right.

Buying a new PC November Progress
It would be cheaper to buy a Mac – I too build my own PCs, but I have started looking towards the dark side of Macs. They seem so much better at just working.
That would be indeed an option if I wanted a MAC ;)
take an e6750
i have him running at 3.2ghz
the best is, it works while i undervolt him, so he is quiet too
3.4 or 3.5 should not be ea problem too
take a mac, i’m hardcore windows user and plan to buy a mac (macbookpro) and run xp on it. it will out-benchmark a high-end pc (the macpro for sure)
I’d get a 750watt PSU tho… that 500watter might just be a bare minimum.
I recently got a 750watt PSU from Silverstone, now I don’t get lockups with high power draws by the 8800 GT.
Hi.. nice looking system..
I’m trying to piece one together myself.. though i don’t quite got your budget..
I did see you opted for the Dual Core @ $284.25 CAD.
Tiger Direct [CP2-DUO-Q6600] is letting the Q6600 Quad Core go for $259.97 CAD as of December 15th
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2643933&Sku=CP2-DUO-Q6600