Everyday PC

[Techteen14]

I'm going to follow that template.

1) Budget & Location:

I live in the US, and my budget is $1,300, but I'm a little flexible.

2) Aim:

I want an everyday computer for web browsing, coding (HTML/CSS/other web-based code), some school related stuff (spreadsheets, essays etc.) and light photo editing.

3) Monitors:

One 23-24" 1080p monitor, hoping to upgrade to another identical one in the future. Will integrated Intel graphics be able to handle two monitors for my light usage, or will I have to buy a graphics card?

4) Peripherals:

I don't have any parts at all, so I'll need all peripherals except an OS, my Uncle works for Comcast and gets Windows for free. I already have my mind made up on what keyboard, trackpad (not mouse, I hate them) and monitor I want, but please give your opinions.

5) Why are you upgrading?:

Because I only have an iPad and why I could technically do everything on it, it isn't a pleasant experience.

My part list:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.58 @ Micro Center)

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97-GAMING 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($103.86 @ Newegg)

Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($158.98 @ Newegg)

Storage: Sandisk Solid State Drive 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($64.57 @ Newegg)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($105.98 @ SuperBiiz)

Case: Fractal Design Define R5 ATX Mid Tower Case ($114.46 @ SuperBiiz)

Power Supply: SeaSonic 660W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($129.99 @ Newegg)

Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Newegg)

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($0.00)

Monitor: AOC i2367Fh 60Hz 23.0" Monitor ($166.20 @ Amazon)

Wireless Network Adapter: *Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($31.77 @ OutletPC)

Keyboard: Das Keyboard 4 Professional Wired Standard Keyboard ($171.70 @ Amazon)

Mouse: Logitech T650 Wireless Touchpad ($34.43 @ Amazon)

Total: $1268.38

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-06 11:04 EST-0500

(All prices include Maryland's 6% sales tax)

Why I chose these parts:

CPU: I want a quad core, but I don't want to overclock. I want an Intel.

Motherboard: cheapest one from a trustworthy brand that went along with my color scheme (see below)

RAM: 16GB because I usually have 20-50 tabs open, and my browser of choice is Chrome. So, yeah.

Storage: SSD because it's cheap, same with the 3TB drive.

Case: it's awesome, it's better than the R4, and it's minimalist.

Power supply: it's apparently good, and is fully modular and 80+ Platinum. One question: will it constantly be pulling 650 watts from the wall, or just the ~200 watts that my PC needs? Answered, thank you!

Optical drive: cheap, will only be used once.

OS: 8.1 FTW, Uncle gets it for free.

Monitor: it looks great, is kinda cheap, and is FHD. All I care about.

Wireless network adapter: I have 802.11ac, Ethernet is not readily accessible, and Powerline Adapters cost too much.

Keyboard: Expensive, but worth it IMO. It looks great and is awesome looking.

"Mouse": Wireless trackpad because I hate mice, and it allows for touch gestures.

Color Scheme: I know everyone and their grandmother does it, but red and black, my two favorite colors. Some parts can be all black, all red or all dark gray, but no blue or anything.

Thanks for your time.

[Rebelattack]

Don't pay 130 dollars for a PSU that will be only used for web browsing.

[soaringchicken]

Looks good, the PSU will only draw what the PSU needs, this is also dependant on your efficiency, in your case platinum so you are good

[othertomperson]

There's no need to go i5. An i3 would suffice for what you're using it for. It's fine if you want an i5, but don't feel like you need one. I think you're right not to bother with a GPU, integrated is fine for your purpose.

 

Oh and your PC will likely not even draw 150W. Don't bother with that PSU, get a n EVGA or Corsair 400W PSU. That'll be more than enough.

[SimpleG]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($187.88 @ OutletPC) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97-GAMING 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($97.99 @ Newegg) 

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($62.99 @ Newegg) 

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($62.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Crucial M550 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($171.98 @ Newegg) 

Case: Fractal Design Define R5 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($107.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

Power Supply: SeaSonic 660W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($129.99 @ Newegg) 

Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer  ($19.99 @ Newegg) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($0.00) 

Monitor: LG 25UM64-S 60Hz 25.0" Monitor  ($291.98 @ Newegg) 

Wireless Network Adapter: *Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($29.98 @ OutletPC) 

Keyboard: Das Keyboard 4 Professional Wired Standard Keyboard  ($161.99 @ Amazon) 

Mouse: Logitech T650 Wireless Touchpad  ($32.49 @ Amazon) 

Total: $1346.24

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-06 11:24 EST-0500

 

How about this?  Oh and you could save a bit of money going with AMD

[WoodenMarker]

Why such a large psu?

Is the optical drive really necessary?

 

Looks good, the PSU will only draw what the PSU needs, this is also dependant on your efficiency, in your case platinum so you are good

It's not much different than a properly sized bronze psu.

[soaringchicken]

Why such a large psu?

Is the optical drive really necessary?

 

It's not much different than a properly sized bronze psu.

omg senpai noticed me!!!

[EarthboundHero]

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($187.88 @ OutletPC) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97-GAMING 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($97.99 @ Newegg) 

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($62.99 @ Newegg) 

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($62.99 @ Newegg) 

Storage: Crucial M550 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($171.98 @ Newegg) 

Case: Fractal Design Define R5 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($107.99 @ SuperBiiz) 

Power Supply: SeaSonic 660W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($129.99 @ Newegg) 

Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer  ($19.99 @ Newegg) 

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($0.00) 

Monitor: LG 25UM64-S 60Hz 25.0" Monitor  ($291.98 @ Newegg) 

Wireless Network Adapter: *Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($29.98 @ OutletPC) 

Keyboard: Das Keyboard 4 Professional Wired Standard Keyboard  ($161.99 @ Amazon) 

Mouse: Logitech T650 Wireless Touchpad  ($32.49 @ Amazon) 

Total: $1346.24

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-06 11:24 EST-0500

 

How about this?  Oh and you could save a bit of money going with AMD

 

This, but a smaller PSU, an MX100 instead of M550, 8GB of RAM, an i3 will be cheaper but an i5 is fine. And you might also want to throw in a HDD if 512GB isn't enough.

[Techteen14]

Sorry I didn't post sooner; the forums kept giving me a 520 Error. I had a really long and detailed post, but I lost it. I'll condense it here.

@Rebelattack @soaringchicken @othertomperson @WoodenMarker

I want an efficient and modular PSU. More watts= more room for expansion (although obviously I wouldn't buy a 1500 watt power supply with an estimated usage of 197 watts).

@othertomperson @EarthboundHero

Would going for a i3 4370 (I think- whatever the highest clocked i3 is) be better than a 3.4GHz i5?

@SimpleG

Thanks, I'll take this into account. To me, the decreased price of AMD processors isn't worth the increased heat and power usage.

[Rebelattack]

Sorry I didn't post sooner; the forums kept giving me a 520 Error. I had a really long and detailed post, but I lost it. I'll condense it here.

@Rebelattack @soaringchicken @othertomperson @WoodenMarker

I want an efficient and modular PSU. More watts= more room for expansion (although obviously I wouldn't buy a 1500 watt power supply with an estimated usage of 197 watts).

@othertomperson @EarthboundHero

Would going for a i3 4160 (I think- whatever the highest clocked i3 is) be better than a 3.4GHz i5?

@SimpleG

Thanks, I'll take this into account. To me, the decreased price of AMD processors isn't worth the increased heat and power usage.

 

Platinum is wasted then get a EVGA G2 750W it is modular one of the best gold rated 750W on jonnyguru and 30 dollars cheaper.

[WoodenMarker]

I want an efficient and modular PSU. More watts= more room for expansion (although obviously I wouldn't buy a 1500 watt power supply with an estimated usage of 197 watts).

Would going for a i3 4160 (I think- whatever the highest clocked i3 is) be better than a 3.4GHz i5?

Thanks, I'll take this into account. To me, the decreased price of AMD processors isn't worth the increased heat and power usage.

Why is efficiency such a big issue and what kind of expansion did you have in mind?

The extra cores of the i5 would out-benefit the i3. The i3 would probably still be plenty though.

The difference in power usage isn't much.

[Techteen14]

Platinum is wasted then get a EVGA G2 750W it is modular one of the best gold rated 750W on jonnyguru and 30 dollars cheaper.

Why is efficiency such a big issue and what kind of expansion did you have in mind?

I think I'll choose the EVGA G2 750W that Rebelattack mentioned.

The extra cores of the i5 would out-benefit the i3. The i3 would probably still be plenty though.

Then I'll go for the 4370.

The difference in power usage isn't much.

Which AMD CPU do you recommend? I'll compare it to the 4370, and will I need to replace the stock cooler, does it have integrated graphics etc.

And also, how much RAM does Chrome take up if you have 20-50 tabs open?

[WoodenMarker]

I think I'll choose the EVGA G2 750W that Rebelattack mentioned.

Which AMD CPU do you recommend? I'll compare it to the 4370, and will I need to replace the stock cooler, does it have integrated graphics etc.

And also, how much RAM does Chrome take up if you have 20-50 tabs open?

750w is silly overkill. What kind of upgrades did you have in mind?

I wouldn't recommend going AMD for what you're doing. It's not necessarily bad but Intel has better options for your usage.

It depends on what kind of content is on the tabs. I had no issue with over a thousand tabs in chrome on a laptop with 4gb ram. For some very heavy chrome usage, 8-16GB would be plenty.

 

Is the optical drive really necessary?

[Techteen14]

750w is silly overkill. What kind of upgrades did you have in mind?

The 750w is temporary. My requirements for a PSU are for it to be fully modular and a balance of inexpensive and efficient. How is the Corsair RM450? EDIT: I see it's a Tier two class A, which is good. Your opinion?

I wouldn't recommend going AMD for what you're doing. It's not necessarily bad but Intel has better options for your usage.

Noted.

It depends on what kind of content is on the tabs. I had no issue with over a thousand tabs in chrome on a laptop with 4gb ram. For some very heavy chrome usage, 8-16GB would be plenty.

Oh, then 8GB will be enough.

Is the optical drive really necessary?

I'll check with my Uncle the next time I see him. I'm not sure which format the Windows license he can get is.

[WoodenMarker]

I'll check with my Uncle the next time I see him. I'm not sure which format the Windows license he can get is.

Do you not have a spare usb drive to make your own bootable drive? When you buy Windows, you pay for the activation key and not the disc.

[brob]

You might consider an mITX build.

 

The PSU is not modular but it is of excellent quality, quiet, and the right capacity for this build.

 

A larger ssd makes sense since you will want to use it for programs, documents, and programming projects. Coding, word processing, etc. is so much better when using an ssd.

 

An optical drive is not necessary to install Windows. That can be done from a usb stick.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($187.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($92.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Fury Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M550 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($90.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($99.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case  ($72.97 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 360W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply  ($57.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Monitor: AOC i2367Fh 60Hz 23.0" Monitor  ($156.80 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Das Keyboard 4 Professional Wired Standard Keyboard  ($161.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Logitech T650 Wireless Touchpad  ($32.49 @ Amazon)
Total: $1089.17
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-06 17:00 EST-0500

[stconquest]

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seasonic-power-supply-m12ii620bronze

 

More than enough, and fully modular.

[Techteen14]

Do you not have a spare usb drive to make your own bootable drive? When you buy Windows, you pay for the activation key and not the disc.

I don't, I've never had a use for a USB drive as I didn't have any device with a USB port until a week ago (OnePlus One), and that one still hardly counts.

And you can buy a disc with Windows. From Microsoft's store:

[WoodenMarker]

I don't, I've never had a use for a USB drive as I didn't have any device with a USB port until a week ago (OnePlus One), and that one still hardly counts.

And you can buy a disc with Windows. From Microsoft's store:

image.jpg

Yes, you get a disc. The iso is free to download. What you're paying for is the activation key.

[stconquest]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($187.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PERFORMANCE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($62.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M550 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($54.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($99.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI Radeon R7 265 2GB Video Card  ($127.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R5 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($107.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer  ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($0.00)
Monitor: Asus VE247H 23.6" Monitor  ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Asus VE247H 23.6" Monitor  ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Wireless Network Adapter: *Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Das Keyboard 4 Professional Wired Standard Keyboard  ($161.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Logitech T650 Wireless Touchpad  ($32.49 @ Amazon)
Total: $1286.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-06 17:17 EST-0500

 

Why are you against having a dedicated GPU?  It will make things "smoother".

[Techteen14]

You might consider an mITX build. The PSU is not modular but it is of excellent quality, quiet, and the right capacity for this build. A larger ssd makes sense since you will want to use it for programs, documents, and programming projects. Coding, word processing, etc. is so much better when using an ssd. An optical drive is not necessary to install Windows. That can be done from a usb stick. PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchantCPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($187.99 @ SuperBiiz)Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($92.98 @ Newegg)Memory: Kingston Fury Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory  ($134.99 @ Newegg)Storage: Crucial M550 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($90.98 @ Newegg)Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($99.99 @ SuperBiiz)Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case  ($72.97 @ Amazon)Power Supply: SeaSonic 360W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply  ($57.99 @ SuperBiiz)Monitor: AOC i2367Fh 60Hz 23.0" Monitor  ($156.80 @ Amazon)Keyboard: Das Keyboard 4 Professional Wired Standard Keyboard  ($161.99 @ Amazon)Mouse: Logitech T650 Wireless Touchpad  ($32.49 @ Amazon)Total: $1089.17Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-06 17:00 EST-0500

I really like ATX Mid Towers, specifically the Define R5. But I will probably add a bigger SSD, thanks for that suggestion!

Yes, you get a disc. The iso is free to download. What you're paying for is the activation key.

I'll check with my uncle. I'm getting a $119 OS for free, kinda hard to be picky.

Actually, now that I think about it, I'm sure he'll let me use his PC to put 8.1 onto a USB stick. I'll read up on how to do so.

Why are you against having a dedicated GPU?  It will make things "smoother".

Thanks for the build, I'll take your suggestions into consideration.

I'm not against it, per say, but it's hard to justify spending $150+ on something I don't need.

[stconquest]

I'm not against it, per say, but it's hard to justify spending $150+ on something I don't need.

 

Graphics programs, like Photoshop, running dual displays and even watching HD videos... all these things are aided (or run) off the GPU.  Onboard graphics have come a long way, but are no where near the level of performance from a simple little R7 265.  Having the dedicated card just takes the stress away from the CPU and allows it to focus on what it is intended for.  And what if you decide to actually run a little game down the road, I think it would be nice for it to be a "pleasant" experience.

[stconquest]

A few things:  Do you need the 3 TB storage for anything in particular?  It is a LOT of storage.  An optical drive is not necessary, but it can be useful to have access to one.  Getting files from let's say an X-Ray appointment or somewhere that provides a hard copy of something you might be involved in.  I don't see the harm in having one.  Removing the optical drive from a build is usually done for aesthetic reasons.  Kiddies seem to like sleeker looking PC's nowadays.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($187.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PERFORMANCE ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($62.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Mushkin Chronos 480GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($165.98 @ Newegg)  <<<this would be the only drive
Video Card: MSI Radeon R7 265 2GB Video Card  ($127.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R5 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($107.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer  ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)  ($0.00)
Monitor: Asus VE247H 23.6" Monitor  ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Asus VE247H 23.6" Monitor  ($129.99 @ NCIX US)
Wireless Network Adapter: *Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Das Keyboard 4 Professional Wired Standard Keyboard  ($161.99 @ Amazon)
Mouse: Logitech T650 Wireless Touchpad  ($32.49 @ Amazon)
Total: $1297.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-07 04:27 EST-0500

[WoodenMarker]

I really like ATX Mid Towers, specifically the Define R5. But I will probably add a bigger SSD, thanks for that suggestion!

I'll check with my uncle. I'm getting a $119 OS for free, kinda hard to be picky.

Actually, now that I think about it, I'm sure he'll let me use his PC to put 8.1 onto a USB stick. I'll read up on how to do so.

Why such a large case for so few parts?

Graphics programs, like Photoshop, running dual displays and even watching HD videos... all these things are aided (or run) off the GPU.  Onboard graphics have come a long way, but are no where near the level of performance from a simple little R7 265.  Having the dedicated card just takes the stress away from the CPU and allows it to focus on what it is intended for.  And what if you decide to actually run a little game down the road, I think it would be nice for it to be a "pleasant" experience.

The iGPU is fine for some simple photo editing.

[stconquest]

Why such a large case for so few parts?

The iGPU is fine for some simple photo editing.

I am just being pragmatic.  It is a small portion of the budget for a big change in performance, especially when the situation calls for it.