Two FM2+ Builds, back to back.

[d3sl91]

(Yes, those are 3 sealed lead-acid batteries on the floor.)

 

Hey All,

 

I just finished up building two FM2+ builds - first AMD build since AM2 (maybe AM3?) 4-5 years ago. 

 

First is for a Streaming media/sound system computer for a church. Powering a 1080P projector for slideshows and video:

 

CPU: AMD A10-6800K Richland 4.1GHz

MoBo: GIGABYTE GA-F2A88XM-D3H

RAM: CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1866
HDD: PNY XLR8 240GB SSD

PSU: SeaSonic SSR-450RM 450W

Case: Fractal Core1000

 

~$450 total. 

 

Thoughts:

I think I spent a tad much on the MoBo for the A88x build, but, it was part of a combo that saved me $15 anyway, so, it worked itself out?

I opted for a 256GB SSD instead of 120GB + 500/1TB mechanical as after 6 years the last computer they had was only using 50GB. They would rather have the pure responsiveness versus space.

Gold rated PSU for longevity etc.

They may add a dedicated GPU in the future, and plan on using this system for 4/5 years.

Higher clocked RAM due to using the APU.

 

 

 

 

Second was a family desktop for general office stuff, and browsing facebook/youtube:

 

CPU: AMD A8-5600K Trinity 3.6GHz
MoBo: ASUS A78M-A

RAM: HyperX Black 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1600

HDD: WD 500GB Blue

PSU: CORSAIR CX430M

Case: Fractal Core1000

Optical: Asus DVD-RW

 

~$330 total

 

Thoughts:

They had a as close to $450 as possible budget, so, with the purchase of windows, we are just under that.

Originally I had only 4GB of DDR3, as, they are light users - but a good combo deal allowed 8GB (of decent ram) for almost the same price.

I would have gone with SSD-Only again, but, they have alot of photos and whatnot, and will need the space (still nowhere close to the 5+TB some of us have, but, triple what they had before).

I wanted to save them the $20 on the DVD drive, but, they needed it. 
 

 

 

Final Thoughts and Questions:

 

Build time for each was about 20 minutes, no issues. I had no issues with the APUs, although the last AMD build I did was when I was working as a PC Tech at a small PC shop. 4 years ago.

I hated the fractal core 1000. I guess I am spoiled by not having to use $35 cases on a day to day basis like i used to. But, that HDD mounting was horrid, and seemed a bit backwards?

Performance on both is exactly what I expected, should work great for what they are for.

 

I normally would always add on a CPU cooler, and may do so on the projector pc. Stock is literally silent in it's environment, but, it's still louder than a nice 120MM Hyper 212evo (or equivalent).

 

I am not used to spending less than $130 on a motherboard, but I am aware now that the $80 I spent on that Gigabyte may have been majorly overkill? Thoughts?

 

Both are going to be used for the next 5+ years. Other than replacing the WD Blue on the family's computer with a SSD + Mechanical in 3-4 years - do you think these will last?

 

 

[Commander_Z]

both builds look good.

 

Nice to see what one can build on the cheap.

 

Cable management on both is excellent

[CJPowell27]

Still amazed on the cable management with those non modular PSUs

[klotza1]

Looks great, i'm sure the people/clients you built them for will be plenty satisfied for years to come.

[d3sl91]

Still amazed on the cable management with those non modular PSUs

Man, I wish I could take credit for that. These actually are semi-modular units. I have found that a couple extra $$ for a modular version is WELL worth it for any build, especially small cases. 1/2 the build time on each was devoted to cable management though, even with the modular (again, spoiled on bigger cases...)

[MogIsWinning]

Man, I wish I could take credit for that. These actually are semi-modular units. I have found that a couple extra $$ for a modular version is WELL worth it for any build, especially small cases. 1/2 the build time on each was devoted to cable management though, even with the modular (again, spoiled on bigger cases...)

so only 20minutes on a build? God damn I spent like 3hr on cable management

[Prömetheus]

Nice build matey