Build for Dad

[Jay021]

Hey folks, first time posting here! My dad recently mentioned that he needed a new computer and was looking at an HP from Best Buy. I've managed to convince him that I can build a far superior computer for the same budget. He's looking to spend no more than $600 (taxes and shipping included). I've put something together that I think will work but wanted some opinions on if I missed anything, can get more bang for my buck, etc...

 

I've built a handful of higher end gaming PCs in the past, but found this to be a little trickier, as I don't really know what’s "quality" at this price point. All he will use it for is browsing, emailing, and playing solitaire - really basic stuff. He also stores a lot of pictures, so I wanted the 1TB just to be safe.

 

I know this might not be as exciting as some other builds, but what do you guys think? Is this a decent build or what?

 

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/JayFitchett/saved/hspmP6

 

[dragoon20005]

AM1 builds can run off the onboard graphics plenty

 

no need for another GPU

 

grab windows 8.1 for 35 bucks

 

use the money saved for 8GB kit RAM

[Admiaczking]

it's an alright build for that kind of stuff, nothing more

[dragoon20005]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: AMD 5350 2.05Ghz Quad-Core Processor  ($62.99 @ NCIX) 

Motherboard: Asus AM1M-A Micro ATX AM1 Motherboard  ($48.75 @ Vuugo) 

Memory: Kingston Black 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($79.88 @ Canada Computers) 

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($58.99 @ Canada Computers) 

Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($44.79 @ DirectCanada) 

Power Supply: EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply  ($29.99 @ NCIX) 

Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($19.75 @ Vuugo) 

Keyboard: Logitech MK200 Wired Slim Keyboard w/Optical Mouse  ($24.98 @ Newegg Canada) 

Total: $370.12

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

 

http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/150812-world-windows-81-pro-3264-35/

 

grab OS from here

[Builder]

Hey folks, first time posting here! My dad recently mentioned that he needed a new computer and was looking at an HP from Best Buy. I've managed to convince him that I can build a far superior computer for the same budget. He's looking to spend no more than $600 (taxes and shipping included). I've put something together that I think will work but wanted some opinions on if I missed anything, can get more bang for my buck, etc...

 

I've built a handful of higher end gaming PCs in the past, but found this to be a little trickier, as I don't really know what’s "quality" at this price point. All he will use it for is browsing, emailing, and playing solitaire - really basic stuff. He also stores a lot of pictures, so I wanted the 1TB just to be safe.

 

I know this might not be as exciting as some other builds, but what do you guys think? Is this a decent build or what?

 

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/JayFitchett/saved/hspmP6

Looks good.

[KPZ211997]

Here's an intel build if you are interested, personally I would recommend intel because of low power consumption and (usually) cooler than AMD counterpart

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Pentium G3220 3.0GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($59.99 @ NCIX) 

Motherboard: MSI H81M-P33 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($49.99 @ Memory Express) 

Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($48.50 @ Vuugo) 

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($58.99 @ Canada Computers) 

Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($44.79 @ DirectCanada) 

Power Supply: EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply  ($29.99 @ NCIX) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit)  ($118.34 @ TigerDirect Canada) 

Keyboard: Logitech MK120 Wired Slim Keyboard w/Optical Mouse  ($14.50 @ Vuugo) 

Total: $425.09

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

[DBells94]

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/sngst6

 

Managed to get intel and an ssd for fast boot times etc

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/sngst6
Price breakdown by merchant: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/sngst6/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($118.11 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($79.75 @ Vuugo)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($94.95 @ Vuugo)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 64GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($73.00 @ Vuugo)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($57.79 @ DirectCanada)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case  ($62.05 @ DirectCanada)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($59.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer  ($19.75 @ Vuugo)
Total: $565.38
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

[brob]

Hey folks, first time posting here! My dad recently mentioned that he needed a new computer and was looking at an HP from Best Buy. I've managed to convince him that I can build a far superior computer for the same budget. He's looking to spend no more than $600 (taxes and shipping included). I've put something together that I think will work but wanted some opinions on if I missed anything, can get more bang for my buck, etc...

 

I've built a handful of higher end gaming PCs in the past, but found this to be a little trickier, as I don't really know what’s "quality" at this price point. All he will use it for is browsing, emailing, and playing solitaire - really basic stuff. He also stores a lot of pictures, so I wanted the 1TB just to be safe.

 

I know this might not be as exciting as some other builds, but what do you guys think? Is this a decent build or what?

 

http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/JayFitchett/saved/hspmP6

 

What is the budget without taxes and shipping?

 

Edit:

 

Never mind, I'll take a guess at it.

 

The ssd has enough space to store more than 20,000 22MP pictures, the o/s, applications, and documents.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($119.99 @ NCIX)

Motherboard: MSI H81M-E34 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($63.50 @ Vuugo)

Memory: Kingston HyperX 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($42.75 @ Vuugo)

Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($109.99 @ Amazon Canada)

Case: Xion XON-720P_WT MicroATX Slim Case w/300W Power Supply  ($39.99 @ Amazon Canada)

Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer  ($14.99 @ Memory Express)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($105.84 @ DirectCanada)

Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK270 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse  ($29.98 @ Amazon Canada)

Other: BYTECC BRACKET-125 HDD/SSD Metal Mounting Kit - OEM ($10.00)

Total: $537.03

[P e r s e p h o n e]

There's no need for that GPU, integrated graphics is perfect these days for the average user, you can even play some light stuff like Minecraft, TF2, Dota 2, etc. Does your father need that optical drive? I also feel like your dad won't need too much expansion so going for a beautiful and sleek M-ITX form factor might make a nicer experience for him such as the Node 304. If you cut money to the said places you can get yourself a nice SSD.

 

My suggestion.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i3-4330 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($134.79 @ DirectCanada) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85N Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($78.00 @ Vuugo) 

Memory: Corsair Vengeance 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($47.07 @ DirectCanada) 

Storage: Sandisk Solid State Drive 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($68.50 @ Vuugo) 

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Green 1TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($54.99 @ Memory Express) 

Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case  ($89.99 @ Memory Express) 

Power Supply: EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply  ($29.99 @ NCIX) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($97.80 @ DirectCanada) 

Total: $601.13

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

[Jay021]

Thanks for the advice guys... really quick too! I'll take it all into consideration.

 

I was on the fence about the GPU, I knew it was crap but thought it might take some load off the CPU? I definitely feel more comfortable with 8GB of RAM though.

 

I do actually prefer Intel, I've never put an AMD chip in any of my computers. But I saw this and it looked decent.

 

Also... I can't believe getting the OS on the cheap is a thing and I didn't know about it. Awesome!

 

As for the price without taxes and shipping... really could very on where I get the parts from I guess. If the grand total came to $630 or something it wouldn't be a big deal.

[Jay021]

Cool, good to know that the integrated graphics is sufficient. I actually love that case too, really nice. He really won't have any need for expansion, after I give it to him it won't be opened up again (unless something goes wrong). And yah he does need the drive, as he still burns photos and stuff to disk.

[dragoon20005]

do you think your dad will like a SSD for the system?

 

if not 370 dollars for the system and 35 bucks for OS is really a good deal for the AM1 system

[A10-FTW]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BZc3mG

[Jay021]

So what I did was made a couple updated builds based on some of the feedback (thanks again), one Intel and one AMD. I still think the AMD chip and mobo combo is good value, but I feel like I'll get more out of the Intel version.

 

I removed the graphics card, update Windows to be 25 dollars (assuming that the price on g2a is correct), and replaced the internal optical drive for an external one that I'll just leave on top of the case.

 

I decided to include an SSD, after much thought about whether having multiple storage drives would confuse him or not. I think he'll manage. Capacity is different to accomidate price.

 

Went with the Fractal case for the Intel build because I really like it.  Went up to 8GB of RAM. I'm feeling much more confident about either build. Thoughts?

 

Intel - http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/JayFitchett/saved/K4gQzy

 

AMD - http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/JayFitchett/saved/WbpmP6

 

EDIT -

 

Does he really need 8GB of RAM? Would I get more out of it if I went back down to 4GB and grabbed the Core i3-4130 on sale? Would only add $15 to the build.

[dragoon20005]

WIndows 8.1 do make use of at least 2GB of System RAM for OS

 

and your onboard graphics will use up to 256-512MB as VRAM

 

Chrome and Firefox are memory hogs when you do multi-tabs and watch youtube.

 

4 GB is the minimum but 8GB is like the sweet spot for both Intel and AMD systems.

[A10-FTW]

So what I did was made a couple updated builds based on some of the feedback (thanks again), one Intel and one AMD. I still think the AMD chip and mobo combo is good value, but I feel like I'll get more out of the Intel version.

 

I removed the graphics card, update Windows to be 25 dollars (assuming that the price on g2a is correct), and replaced the internal optical drive for an external one that I'll just leave on top of the case.

 

I decided to include an SSD, after much thought about whether having multiple storage drives would confuse him or not. I think he'll manage. Capacity is different to accomidate price.

 

Went with the Fractal case for the Intel build because I really like it.  Went up to 8GB of RAM. I'm feeling much more confident about either build. Thoughts?

 

Intel - http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/JayFitchett/saved/K4gQzy

 

AMD - http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/JayFitchett/saved/WbpmP6

 

EDIT -

 

Does he really need 8GB of RAM? Would I get more out of it if I went back down to 4GB and grabbed the Core i3-4130 on sale? Would only add $15 to the build.

i recommend jump to the A8 6600k   (4c / 3.9ghz)

 

i have many reasons for this, but i will let you a video with a couple

 

and you can throw on him all cheap pieces you want

 

you will have a good web (and gaming) machine "from the start" anyway

 

http://youtu.be/ptpx1jzmK48?t=5m39s

[brob]

So what I did was made a couple updated builds based on some of the feedback (thanks again), one Intel and one AMD. I still think the AMD chip and mobo combo is good value, but I feel like I'll get more out of the Intel version.

 

I removed the graphics card, update Windows to be 25 dollars (assuming that the price on g2a is correct), and replaced the internal optical drive for an external one that I'll just leave on top of the case.

 

I decided to include an SSD, after much thought about whether having multiple storage drives would confuse him or not. I think he'll manage. Capacity is different to accomidate price.

 

Went with the Fractal case for the Intel build because I really like it.  Went up to 8GB of RAM. I'm feeling much more confident about either build. Thoughts?

 

Intel - http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/JayFitchett/saved/K4gQzy

 

AMD - http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/JayFitchett/saved/WbpmP6

 

EDIT -

 

Does he really need 8GB of RAM? Would I get more out of it if I went back down to 4GB and grabbed the Core i3-4130 on sale? Would only add $15 to the build.

 

Have you taken a look at the amount of storage consumed by pictures and media on your Dad's current system? I suspect you will find that a 250 GB ssd would provide lots of headroom as it would offer over 190 GB for pictures, documents, etc. If there comes a time when more storage is needed it can easily be added.

 

A wireless mouse and keyboard makes a lot of sense for this sort of system. It really is worth the added ~$10 over the one in the Intel build.

 

A more powerful cpu would help with browsing so it's a tough call between it and less memory. Newer browsers are highly multi-threaded which suggests that an i3 with its ability to run 4 concurrent threads is a better choice than a Pentium which can only handle 2.

 

It is tough to find a small enough psu. The Antec Basic BP350 is actually a pretty decent psu for the price. I wouldn't use it in a high performance system, but for this system it is a very good fit.

 

Incorporating all these suggestions will add a bit to the total price, as shown below.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($119.99 @ NCIX)

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H87N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($109.99 @ Memory Express)

Memory: Kingston HyperX 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($42.75 @ Vuugo)

Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($109.99 @ Amazon Canada)

Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case  ($89.99 @ Memory Express)

Power Supply: Antec Basiq 350W ATX Power Supply  ($29.99 @ NCIX)

Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK270 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse  ($31.50 @ Vuugo)

Other: Windows ($25.00)

Other: External Optical Drive ($35.00)

Total: $594.20

[Jay021]

Thanks for your suggestions everyone, this has been really great!

 

I've updated both the AMD and Intel builds to reflect what everyone has said. The A8 6600k is the superior AMD chip for sure. And I've decided to stick with 8GB of RAM. Also, thanks for the single SSD suggestions. I suppose 1TB is overkill, and I can easily upgrade if he requires. Plus having only one drive is more straight forward for him. Did also decide to go with wireless mouse/keyboard. The simpler the better.

 

Right now I'm leaning towards the Intel build. The CPU benchmark is slightly better, and the case is a bit smaller. And while I like Node 304 case, I decided it wasn't worth the extra $$ over the Cooler Master one I went with. Either way, I think we've come up with something that is pretty solid at this price point. Thanks again.

 

Intel - http://ca.pcpartpick...tt/saved/K4gQzy

 

AMD - http://ca.pcpartpick...tt/saved/WbpmP6

 

 

Update:

 

Also, after running both builds through the online stores, they come to the exact same grand total price of $624 (CAD).

[WoodenMarker]

Thanks for your suggestions everyone, this has been really great!

I've updated both the AMD and Intel builds to reflect what everyone has said. The A8 6600k is the superior AMD chip for sure. And I've decided to stick with 8GB of RAM. Also, thanks for the single SSD suggestions. I suppose 1TB is overkill, and I can easily upgrade if he requires. Plus having only one drive is more straight forward for him. Did also decide to go with wireless mouse/keyboard. The simpler the better.

Right now I'm leaning towards the Intel build. The CPU benchmark is slightly better, and the case is a bit smaller. And while I like Node 304 case, I decided it wasn't worth the extra $$ over the Cooler Master one I went with. Either way, I think we've come up with something that is pretty solid at this price point. Thanks again.

Intel - http://ca.pcpartpick...tt/saved/K4gQzy

AMD - http://ca.pcpartpick...tt/saved/WbpmP6

Update:

Also, after running both builds through the online stores, they come to the exact same grand total price of $624 (CAD).

Both are pretty overkill for what the system's going to be used for. 

Could be cheaper: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/nLYH7P

[TeddyMcSwag]

Uh, really with 600$ you can this really good pc:

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Newegg) \

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($74.99 @ Newegg) \

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg) \

Video Card: MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($159.99 @ Newegg) \

Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg) \

Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg) \

Total: $514.92\

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Your dad will never need a PC again, ever.