How's this build look?

[STRMfrmXMN]

http://pcpartpicker.com/user/nathanwhs/saved/WqkgXL

I'm trying a $700 build. I like the Prodigy and don't have a ton of space on my desk so it's a case that works for me. I was wondering if this looks like a good build. If not, what can I change to make it a bit better? I also feel like I'm investing too much money into the CPU instead of the GPU, but I don't really want to downgrade to a Core i3. I'd go AMD if you can find a mobo that fits and runs at least an FX 6350.

Thanks!

P.S. Is it a good idea to use my 350 W Antec I have in my main desktop? I see the thing runs at 308 watts, but just to make double sure, is that a safe wattage to use or should I spend some more money on getting a 430 W Corsair PSU?

[Guest]

Hello and welcome to the LTT forum.

 

These are my improvements. Overall it was a very solid build and just added things that I viewed as being better quality. IF you don't like them than by all means go for the other build it was of good quality. have fun and welcome to the PC master race.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/XJ8dGX

 

Hope I can Help

[NannerBeans]

It's ok-ish but the prodigy really isn't that small of a case. Something like the EVGA Hadron air would be better for a small footprint albeit it has it's own set of issues. Namely, the limited drive support and the somewhat limited gpu length. I really suggest you find used parts on forum classifieds for budget builds. Stick to people that have feedback on heatware and you should be getting quality parts at a much cheaper price. 

[STRMfrmXMN]

Thanks! Also note that the laptop drive is purchased so no need to change that.

[CoolBeans]

The PSU you have is not that great if you must have small form factor http://pcpartpicker.com/p/C3bvD3

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor  ($139.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($24.99 @ Newegg) 

Motherboard: MSI 970A-G46 ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($74.99 @ Amazon) 

Memory: Kingston Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($79.99 @ Amazon) 

Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($54.99 @ Amazon) 

Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card  ($199.99 @ Newegg) 

Case: Antec Three Hundred Two ATX Mid Tower Case  ($51.99 @ NCIX US) 

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($71.66 @ Newegg) 

Total: $698.59

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-06 15:47 EDT-0400

[CoolBeans]

It's ok-ish but the prodigy really isn't that small of a case. Something like the EVGA Hadron air would be better for a small footprint albeit it has it's own set of issues. Namely, the limited drive support and the somewhat limited gpu length. I really suggest you find used parts on forum classifieds for budget builds. Stick to people that have feedback on heatware and you should be getting quality parts at a much cheaper price. 

 

Why would he need to do that, his budget is 700$

[STRMfrmXMN]

@NannerBeans, from what I've seen, it has plenty of 2.5 inch drive slots, even without the drive cage in there (which I'll be taking out for better airflow anyway).

Also, I have seen a Prodigy in person and it's a little smaller than my current desktop which is exactly the size I need.

[NannerBeans]

@NannerBeans, from what I've seen, it has plenty of 2.5 inch drive slots, even without the drive cage in there (which I'll be taking out for better airflow anyway).

Also, I have seen a Prodigy in person and it's a little smaller than my current desktop which is exactly the size I need.

I was talking about the EVGA Hadron having limited drive support. 

[STRMfrmXMN]

Ah, I see, I really like the Hadron but it's a little pricey,

[NannerBeans]

 

The PSU you have is not that great

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor  ($139.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($24.99 @ Newegg) 

Motherboard: MSI 970A-G46 ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($74.99 @ Amazon) 

Memory: Kingston Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($79.99 @ Amazon) 

Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($54.99 @ Amazon) 

Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card  ($199.99 @ Newegg) 

Case: Antec Three Hundred Two ATX Mid Tower Case  ($51.99 @ NCIX US) 

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($71.66 @ Newegg) 

Total: $698.59

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-06 15:47 EDT-0400

 

Meh I disagree with that build. I think the extra $15 for the Crucial drive over the crap Kingston one is worth it and I prefer the G3258 for budget builds but that's more personal choice. Also the cheaper single stick Corsair RAM is a better option in case he wants to upgrade in the future. Some people use more than 8GB of ram. I personally don't though. 

[NannerBeans]

Ah, I see, I really like the Hadron but it's a little pricey,

It includes a very good psu so that kind of makes up for it. 

[Guest]

 

The PSU you have is not that great

 

I agree but he already purchased it.

[Guest]

It includes a very good psu so that kind of makes up for it. 

Not to mention its one of the sexiest small form factor cases on the market.

[CoolBeans]

Meh I disagree with that build. I think the extra $15 for the Crucial drive over the crap Kingston one is worth it and I prefer the G3258 for budget builds but that's more personal choice. Also the cheaper single stick Corsair RAM is a better option in case he wants to upgrade in the future. Some people use more than 8GB of ram. I personally don't though. 

 

The SSD is fine 

2 cores is rather lacking and at 700$ he can definetly afford more ie 8320

That is why the motherboard has 4 DIMM slots

[NannerBeans]

Not to mention its one of the sexiest small form factor cases on the market.

I ponied up the money for an Ncase because my gpu wouldn't fit the Hadron and I had more drives but for a normal user the hadron is an extremely compelling option because of it's size and looks. 

[NannerBeans]

The SSD is fine 

2 cores is rather lacking and at 700$ he can definetly afford more ie 8320

That is why the motherboard has 4 DIMM slots

Oh you changed the case...He specifically asked for a sff pc though. 

[SimpleG]

edited @CoolBeans build

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor  ($139.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($24.99 @ Newegg) 

Motherboard: MSI 970A-G46 ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($74.99 @ Amazon) 

Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($73.95 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($54.99 @ Amazon) 

Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R9 280 3GB WINDFORCE Video Card  ($199.99 @ Newegg) 

Case: BitFenix Neos White/Purple ATX Mid Tower Case  ($64.98 @ Newegg) 

Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($71.66 @ Newegg) 

Total: $705.54

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-06 15:56 EDT-0400

[helping]

Meh I disagree with that build. I think the extra $15 for the Crucial drive over the crap Kingston one is worth it and I prefer the G3258 for budget builds but that's more personal choice. Also the cheaper single stick Corsair RAM is a better option in case he wants to upgrade in the future. Some people use more than 8GB of ram. I personally don't though. 

dude what

 

I don't think I've seen you say so many wrong things in one post in your entire 2k+ posts

[STRMfrmXMN]

Don't those kingston SSD's have crazy firmware issues making them REALLY slow?

[CoolBeans]

Oh you changed the case...He specifically asked for a sff pc though. 

 

k then http://pcpartpicker.com/p/C3bvD3

[NannerBeans]

dude what

 

I don't think I've seen you say so many wrong things in one post in your entire 2k+ posts

heyheyhey man even I can be wrong but I still stand by the G3258 I run it in my personal PC and I have not noticed any difference from my 4670k I used to run. 

[NannerBeans]

Don't those kingston SSD's have crazy firmware issues making them REALLY slow?

They switched the nand in them to a slower one if I recall correctly. That might be the wrong part but I know they switched something in them so they're slower now.