My revised build

[RustyZombie]

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($71.98 @ Newegg) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85M-DS3H-A Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($42.98 @ Newegg) 

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory  ($39.89 @ OutletPC) 

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($49.98 @ OutletPC) 

Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($40.99 @ NCIX US) 

Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($30.98 @ Newegg) 

Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer  ($39.88 @ OutletPC) 

Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($39.75 @ OutletPC) 

Total: $341.43

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-01-13 21:14 EST-0500

 

My operating system will be Linux.  All I'm going to use the computer for is playing music, watching DVD's and blu-rays, and general pc usage.  I have no particular budget, I just wish to avoid wasting money buying more computer than I'll use.

 

Any issues you see, or suggestions?

[dizmo]

Do you need that much storage?

 

If you do, I'd do this:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3250 3.2GHz Dual-Core OEM/Tray Processor  ($51.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H81M-H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($30.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($32.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston HyperX Fury 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($49.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($40.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($30.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer  ($39.88 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($39.75 @ OutletPC)
Total: $367.53

 

If you don't, take out the HDD and upgrade the SSD to 240GB+. You'll save a bit of money, and have a much better experience.

[Streetguru]

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Why not just get a laptop for that?

[RustyZombie]

Do you need that much storage?

 

If you do, I'd do this:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3250 3.2GHz Dual-Core OEM/Tray Processor  ($51.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H81M-H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($30.98 @ Newegg)

Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($32.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Kingston HyperX Fury 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($49.99 @ Amazon)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($49.98 @ OutletPC)

Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($40.99 @ NCIX US)

Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($30.98 @ Newegg)

Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer  ($39.88 @ OutletPC)

Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($39.75 @ OutletPC)

Total: $367.53

 

If you don't, take out the HDD and upgrade the SSD to 240GB+. You'll save a bit of money, and have a much better experience.

 

My music collection, even after being converted to FLAC, takes more than 240GB. 

 

I'm fine with the speed of a HDD, even the longer boot up times.

[alphaman]

it seems no issue,if possible get better psu

 

if you have $20 budget more,just get skylake+better psu

[dizmo]

My music collection, even after being converted to FLAC, takes more than 240GB. 

 

I'm fine with the speed of a HDD, even the longer boot up times.

I'd still swap out the other parts then, just omit the SSD. Though I could never stand a system like that. *shudder*

The RAM is better and 25% cheaper, and the CPU is just a locked variant of the one you chose. Also much cheaper.

With what you're doing a mobo is a mobo, so I'd just go with the cheapest from a reputable manufacturer, as I've selected as well.

[Streetguru]

Well here's the laptop option if that's all you're doing with it, comes with an ivy bridge? i5, and a 1080p display for under 300, maybe just replace the hard drive and you'd be set

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834297279

[RustyZombie]

Why not just get a laptop for that?

 

The possibility of undesirable OEM parts

I don't need the portability

External blu-ray drives are more expensive

Greater choice of higher quality monitors with desktops

More USB ports with desktops

General lack of upgradability

Paying for a Windows OS that I won't use

[RustyZombie]

I'd still swap out the other parts then, just omit the SSD. Though I could never stand a system like that. *shudder*

The RAM is better and 25% cheaper, and the CPU is just a locked variant of the one you chose. Also much cheaper.

With what you're doing a mobo is a mobo, so I'd just go with the cheapest from a reputable manufacturer, as I've selected as well.

 

Would I have to buy a separate CPU cooler for that?  I think I read the OEM CPU's don't come with those.

[Streetguru]

The possibility of undesirable OEM parts

Can Blu Rays run in VLC now or something? Or do you already have software to play blu rays on a PC? I'm pretty sure Bluray require software unlike DVDs

 

Otherwise AM1 would be about your only other option, would also be ITX

 

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rcVm6h

Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rcVm6h/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD 5350 2.05Ghz Quad-Core Processor  ($45.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Motherboard: MSI AM1I Mini ITX AM1 Motherboard  ($31.98 @ Newegg)

Memory: Kingston 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($17.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Storage: Sandisk Z400s 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($42.99 @ NCIX US)

Case: Cooler Master Elite 130 Mini ITX Tower Case  ($42.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Power Supply: EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply  ($33.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer  ($39.88 @ OutletPC)

Wireless Network Adapter: Gigabyte GC-WB867D-I 802.11a/b/g/n/ac PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($29.89 @ OutletPC)

Total: $285.70

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-01-13 21:58 EST-0500

[RustyZombie]

it seems no issue,if possible get better psu

 

if you have $20 budget more,just get skylake+better psu

 

I'm told that that PSU is fine if it isn't a hot build.

 

I was considering a Skylake for a while, but I got put off by the issues they've been having.  Neither the bending or the crashing issue would affect me, but to have two such issues in a relatively short amount of time makes me wary of what other issues may still be hiding.

[dizmo]

Would I have to buy a separate CPU cooler for that?  I think I read the OEM CPU's don't come with those.

Ah yes, true. Must have clicked that one by mistake. The the retail boxed unit is only $2 more.

 

I'm told that that PSU is fine if it isn't a hot build.

 

I was considering a Skylake for a while, but I got put off by the issues they've been having.  Neither the bending or the crashing issue would affect me, but to have two such issues in a relatively short amount of time makes me wary of what other issues may still be hiding.

Correct.

The amount of power going through this thing is miniscule. I was going to throw a 300w PSU in there but they aren't cheaper.

I don't think Skylake would benefit you at all for what you're doing.

[RustyZombie]

Can Blu Rays run in VLC now or something? Or do you already have hardware to play blu rays on a PC? I'm pretty sure require software unlike DVDs

 

Jriver Media Center plays blu rays and is available on Linux.

[RustyZombie]

I'd still swap out the other parts then, just omit the SSD. Though I could never stand a system like that. *shudder*

The RAM is better and 25% cheaper, and the CPU is just a locked variant of the one you chose. Also much cheaper.

With what you're doing a mobo is a mobo, so I'd just go with the cheapest from a reputable manufacturer, as I've selected as well.

 

It seems that the G3250 can only use DDR3-1333.

[Streetguru]

Jriver Media Center plays blu rays and is available on Linux.

Might be a pain, or do you already do this?

"MC supports unencrypted Blu-Ray playback. To playback encrypted Blu-ray discs, which includes most commercially released discs, a 3rd-party Blu-Ray decrypter is required. AnyDVD HD is a good option."

The RAM will just underclock itself if it's used in a motherboard that doesn't support it

[dizmo]

It seems that the G3250 can only use DDR3-1333.

The motherboard supports up to 1600mhz which is more than you'd need. RAM speeds are rarely ever noticed.

[alphaman]

I'm told that that PSU is fine if it isn't a hot build.

 

I was considering a Skylake for a while, but I got put off by the issues they've been having.  Neither the bending or the crashing issue would affect me, but to have two such issues in a relatively short amount of time makes me wary of what other issues may still be hiding.

then i vote for your own build

 

 

i suggest skylake only because you can get skylake with same price,if you willing go with  cheaper case

[BigDay]

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

 

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($71.98 @ Newegg) 

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85M-DS3H-A Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($42.98 @ Newegg) 

Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory  ($39.89 @ OutletPC) 

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($49.98 @ OutletPC) 

Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($40.99 @ NCIX US) 

Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($30.98 @ Newegg) 

Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer  ($39.88 @ OutletPC) 

Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($39.75 @ OutletPC) 

Total: $341.43

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-01-13 21:14 EST-0500

 

My operating system will be Linux.  All I'm going to use the computer for is playing music, watching DVD's and blu-rays, and general pc usage.  I have no particular budget, I just wish to avoid wasting money buying more computer than I'll use.

 

Any issues you see, or suggestions?

 

 

i'd get an i3-4170 with ram that has 1600 mhz frequency. i'd also get a better psu and a samsung ssd

[BigDay]

i'd just get this instead:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4170 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($116.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI B85M-E45 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($62.88 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($69.88 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($49.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($40.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer  ($39.88 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($39.75 @ OutletPC)
Total: $455.24
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-01-13 23:16 EST-0500

[RustyZombie]

i'd just get this instead:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4170 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor  ($116.89 @ OutletPC)

Motherboard: MSI B85M-E45 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($62.88 @ OutletPC)

Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($34.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive  ($69.88 @ OutletPC)

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive  ($49.98 @ OutletPC)

Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case  ($40.99 @ NCIX US)

Optical Drive: LG UH12NS30 Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer  ($39.88 @ OutletPC)

Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter  ($39.75 @ OutletPC)

Total: $455.24

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-01-13 23:16 EST-0500

 

What would be the advantages of going i3 for my meager needs?  Other than a longer time before I need to upgrade.

 

And what is wrong with the PSU?  I'm told that it's bad for hot builds, but certainly isn't my build.

[Caine]

What would be the advantages of going i3 for my meager needs?  Other than a longer time before I need to upgrade.

 

And what is wrong with the PSU?  I'm told that it's bad for hot builds, but certainly isn't my build.

 

the g3258 is slow. i would never use one in my pc. the only time i'd ever add it to a build would be for an htpc.

 

the psu is shit. it might be okay for cheap builds, but it's still a piece of crap. i wouldn't trust it even if the system wasn't worth that much.

[RustyZombie]

the g3258 is slow. i would never use one in my pc. the only time i'd ever add it to a build would be for an htpc.

 

the psu is shit. it might be okay for cheap builds, but it's still a piece of crap. i wouldn't trust it even if the system wasn't worth that much.

 

But would I even notice the speed difference for what I'm going to use the computer for?

 

And what PSU would you suggest?

[Caine]

But would I even notice the speed difference for what I'm going to use the computer for?

 

And what PSU would you suggest?

 

yes you will notice a difference between the i3-4170 and the g3258, however, if your budget doesn't allow a faster cpu, stick with the g3258 and get a motherboard that will allow you to overclock the cpu. you can find h81 and b85 boards out there that will allow you to change the cpu core clock at the very minimum. you just have to google it. 

 

for the psu, i would suggest the following:

 

Non-Modular:

 

SeaSonic SS-300ET Bronze

 

Semi Modular:

 

EVGA SuperNOVA 750

Antec HCG-520M