Need help building a long-term PC for my father!

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apcrews

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Mar 31, 2013
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Hi, and thanks before hand for any help!

Thought I would attempt to read the stickies first. I've been through a bunch and have learned a lot but would like some help building a PC for my father.

First, I've built a few PC's of my own (the current one is a dual core AMD rig from 5+(?) years ago), but I don't stay current on the hottest/latest PC trends.

My father generally uses a computer until it's literally worn out, or obsolesced out. This is the current issue - he has a Dell from 2002 and is still using all the 2002 applications that are hard to find support for. It's time to upgrade. I want to build him the most future-proof PC I can. I do not need any peripherals, just a box (his monitor is only 1 year old).


Approximate Purchase Date: this week (the closer the better)

Budget Range: Less than $2,000

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Email/Internet, video/audio processing (he will eventually want to author some youtube or personal video files). He does not play any graphic intensive games or do any graphic art, etc.

Are you buying a monitor: No

Parts to Upgrade: Complete Box.

Do you need to buy OS: Yes, I would like to keep him in Windows 7. He's currently using XP. I think the jump to Windows 8 would be too much for him.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com if possible

Location: Chicago, IL

Parts Preferences: Would prefer the latest Intel gear, and SSD drive but concerned about capacity.

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Your Monitor Resolution: 1920x1200

Additional Comments: Would like it to be store-bought looking (no neon lights, etc), would like it to be quiet, and would like it to be okay with running/idling for days on end.

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: His Current PC is nearing obsolescence, and I'm moving further away where I can't come help as often as I used to.

Thanks for any suggestions!
 
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MajinCry

MajinCry

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"future-proof PC" No such thing.

I'd say a Phenom II x4 965 BE due to it having four cores (Can disable between 1-3 other cores in the bios for energy savings) which will help the PC run multiple programs. And the fact that AMD motherboards costs quite a bit less than intel's equivalent.

And for a GPU, a 6570 ddr3 if he plays 3D games made in the past seven years. A 6450 if he plays "ye olde 3D" or 2D games.

Couldn't hurt to jack it up with 8GB of ram. Doesn't sound like he will be using anything memory-intensive.

Really, it sounds as if a $300 build will be more than enough for him.
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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Your budget is probably much more than you need.
But, here are my thought:

1. For video processing, you can use the extra hyperthreads of a 3770K
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116501
2. Most any Z77 based motherboard will do. The Z77 is needed to allow you to raise the multiplier of the "K"
Here is one choice, the ASRock Z77 Extreme4 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293
3. Ram is cheap, buy 16gb (2 x 8gb) of ddr3 low profile 1600 ram.
Here is one such kit: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231556
4. Cases are a personal thing. I too like plain and quiet cases. One of the Best is the Antec SOLO II:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129177
Here is a review from SPCR: http://www.silentpcreview.com/article1218-page8.html
5. The SSD will be the biggest performance surprise to you. I suggest a 240gb ssd. Most will perform in actual usage about the same. But for reliability and warranty, I would prefer the Samsung 840 Pro or Intel 520 series each of which have a longer 5 year warranty.
6. I would plan on using the integrated graphics. Yes, a discrete graphics card is possible, and a inexpensive one might be useful for the CUDA capabilities which I think some of the editing apps might be able to use. You can always add one later.
If you want a graphics card now, something modest like a GTX650ti would be good:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130838
7. But to account for that possibility, include a PSU that is more than minimum, like the SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151088
It is very efficient, and you will rarely see the fan even spin.
8. May I also suggest that you buy a second monitor identical to the one you just bought. A second monitor makes all the difference in the world.
 
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envy14tpe

envy14tpe

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Mar 3, 2012
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This will handle everything (non hardcore gaming) at great speed.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.26 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($98.99 @ Mac Mall)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GT 520 1GB Video Card ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Source 210 Elite (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 400W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($44.97 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($16.97 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $628.13
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-31 12:19 EDT-0400)

You can score a great non gaming computer that is blistering fast for $600. Build it yourself, or ask a store, and you'll save $100s.
 
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casper1973

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Pretty much anything with an i5 or i7 and 8GB+ of RAM will be plenty performance wise. Actually total overkill at the moment but maybe in 5-6 years time you will be needing it.

Key issue is to buy quality parts that are more likely to last. Especially true for the PSU when planning to keep it for a long time.
 
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markiz

markiz

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Nov 13, 2012
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Here's something small,quiet,cool, and goes well into a living room:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z77N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1155 Motherboard ($118.97 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($47.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Silverstone SG06BB-450-USB3.0 (Black) Mini ITX Desktop Case w/450W Power Supply ($144.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On DS-8A9SH-01 DVD/CD Writer ($24.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $856.35
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-31 12:55 EDT-0400)

Some years down the line, if he needs more performance, you can overclock.If not, you can drop down to non k CPU and H77 motherboard.
 
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g-unit1111

g-unit1111

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I'd say a Phenom II x4 965 BE due to it having four cores (Can disable between 1-3 other cores in the bios for energy savings) which will help the PC run multiple programs. And the fact that AMD motherboards costs quite a bit less than intel's equivalent.
Click to expand...

NO. They cost less but they don't perform anywhere near the same level. Just because a CPU has four cores doesn't mean that it will perform the same. The Phenom II 965 is so old that it's getting really difficult to recommend it anymore. The FX-4300 is a bit newer but it still doesn't perform the same as an Intel i5 will. There's no benchmark that will say otherwise other than the fanboy videos on Youtube.

Future proofing is a moot point. The 3570K is a great CPU and the 4570K looks very promising but it will only be a very minor increase over what's out now. If you want to build something that's mATX or mITX maybe try something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77E-ITX Mini ITX LGA1155 Motherboard ($147.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: OCZ Vector Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($234.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case ($103.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($134.78 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1232.24
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-31 13:08 EDT-0400)

Then add whatever monitor, keyboard, and mouse you want.
 
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envy14tpe

envy14tpe

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Worst builds ever. OP said his father doesn't play graphically intensive games or do any graphic work. Why don't people listen? A 7870xt or 750W PSU are major overkill.... waste of money

Also, overclocking not needed.

OPs dad has a 2002 computer. Would he notice the difference between a 840 and 840 Pro? No.

A $600 build is plenty.
 
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g-unit1111

g-unit1111

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I chose that PSU because it's full modular - small cases don't leave room for the rat's nest.

As for the 7870XT that's an excellent mid range card. You could always go for a reference GTX 660 but that's up to the OP. I don't think overclocking is necessary in this case. Intel on board video sucks - and that's definitely a fact. You could always go with an APU but I don't think there's a lot of mITX motherboards out there that are socket FM2.

You chose an EVGA Geforce GT520 - you might as well use an onboard GPU - that card is pretty worthless.

You could do something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L12 37.8 CFM CPU Cooler ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A85X-ITX Mini ITX FM2 Motherboard ($103.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: OCZ Vector Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case ($103.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling Silencer MK III 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $878.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-31 13:51 EDT-0400)
 
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casper1973

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I'd go for something like this...


CPU: Intel Core i7-3770 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($289.99 @ Newegg)
The 8 threads of an i7 will make easy work of video/audio editing and Intel chips use far less power than their AMD equivalent.

Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-V LK ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Asus are known for making quality motherboards. This one is reasonably priced, always gets good reviews and has USB3 headers (for the case below which has front USB3 ports).

Memory: Corsair XMS3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($61.99 @ Newegg)
As I already said, 8GB is more than enough and it's simple to upgrade down the road if needed.

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.99 @ Newegg)
A lot of people pass this off a marketing BS but the Caviar Black range uses higher quality components thus are more likely last the time. I work in computer repairs and hard drives are by far the most common part to fail, especially once machines reach 4-5 years old or more. This also comes with a 5 year warranty on it.

Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($139.99 @ Newegg)
One of the most reliable SSD drives available and one of the fastest too. Also comes with a 5 year warranty.

Case: Fractal Design Define R4 (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($134.38 @ Newegg)
TomsHardware recommended as their best tested silent case. It's very quiet, good build quality and just looks plain. No fancy windows or LED's etc.

Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
High quality, high efficiency, fairly low price. Large enough to accommodate a graphics card if you decide to add one in the future.

Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($17.99 @ Newegg)
It's an optical drive.

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)

Total: $1054.30
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)


Yes, this is complete overkill for what is required. He could easily manage with an i3, 4GB ram and no SSD. But will that cut it in 10 years time? No chance. Will my suggested build cut it in 10 years time? Impossible to say, but at least it has a chance.
 
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envy14tpe

envy14tpe

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You are missing the point. The build is not for a gamer. You don't need to worry about cabling or spend $250 on a GPU. It is a waste of money.

You need to read what the OP says.

Also, the build I put up had a low end, but great enough, GPU that would be fast for all his work.
 
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g-unit1111

g-unit1111

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I have stated that I know it's not a gaming rig. I know a 750W PSU is not needed but full modular is ideal for a small case - you eliminate the rat's nest. The A10 would be ideal for this - better onboard video than a sub-$50 graphics card. But in order to get the most out of an A10 you need fast RAM due to the fact that the CPU and GPU share it. And the mITX case will allow it to be easily hidden in a home theater cabinet since that was also stated as an intended use.

Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.99 @ Newegg)
A lot of people pass this off a marketing BS but the Caviar Black range uses higher quality components thus are more likely last the time. I work in computer repairs and hard drives are by far the most common part to fail, especially once machines reach 4-5 years old or more. This also comes with a 5 year warranty on it.
Click to expand...

Really, I was always under the impression that all 7200 RPM drives were pretty much the same. I have a Samsung Spinpoint in my work rig and it's been rock solid since I got it, and I've had it well over 3 years now.
 
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casper1973

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The difference isn't huge, hence I rarely recommend anything other than the cheapest 7200RPM drive going at the time. However this build is different considering it may be in use for 10+ years as the previous Dell has been. I feel the added build quality and reliability of the Cav Black would be a worthwhile investment.

There is a good chance a cheaper Seagate Barracuda or Samsung Spinpoint would be "rock solid" for 10 years.
There is a higher chance of the Caviar Black doing the same thing.
Either drive could fail after 2 days.
Decreasing risk is all I was aiming for. Plus the 5yr warranty is really nice.







 
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A

apcrews

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You guys are AWESOME!!

I wasn't expecting this much attention and I really appreciate it.

To clarify, I most DEFINITELY want an SSD hard drive for him, and I'll probably spring for a mid-range GPU. It might be overkill but his computer now has on board video and I've seen it get backed up/laggy. He doesn't play games, but if he's got 8 internet windows open all playing videos (he's a race-car guy and forgetful - he leaves windows open all the time watching in-car footage), maybe a graphics card is necessary.

Oh,... and as for hard drives... He doesn't have a lot of music stored.... I don't think he even has 150Gb on his 2002 Dell. I'm thinking a 240+Gb single SSD may be all he needs, though that isn't very future proof. The secondary/media HDD can be whatever, he probably won't use it for a few years... or maybe I'll just add one when that happens.
 
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apcrews

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I'm embarassed to say that I never got around to building this PC. Christmas has come and gone and my father asked me again to build him the PC so I need to get it in motion.

Almost a year has passed and if it pleases the court, I'd like some upgraded suggestions.

What I'm looking for :

1) Intel's best/latest CPU
2) Motherboard capabale of all the latest formats and can fit in mid tower
3) Largest/most reliable SSD hard drive
4) Mid range graphics card
5) PSU to handle the above
6) Black case that is attractive (I know it's objective, but a big blank black box will not do, I'd want visible drive faces on the front and multiple USB ports on the face (not the top)

I am an Amazon Prime member, if that makes a difference.

You guys are the best!!! Thanks!!!!
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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1. Haswell is Intel's latest. The i7-4770K would be top of the line.

2. Any Z87 based motherboard will do the job, they all come with a full complement of capabilities.

3. For reliability, Samsung and Intel seem to be the best. My pick would be the Samsung EVO. It comes in capacities up to 1gb.

4. Integrated graphics will be fine unless gaming is required. It is easy to add a graphics card if one is desired in the future. Price/performance is constantly getting better so deferring might be wise. A $200 GTX660 might be considered as midrange.

5. A 650w quality Seasonic psu can handle anything, including the strongest of graphics cards.

6. What do you mean by visible drive faces on the front?
Virtually all cases will have provision for only 2 usb3.0 ports.
More is possible via add on front panel adapters.
Is size an issue? Perhaps a M-ATX or even ITX might be appropriate.
Is quiet an issue?
A case with large slow turning fans are quieter.
Here is an example of such a M-ATX case, Silverstone TJ08E:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163182
I think Lian-Li makes some of the best quality cases. Check them out.
 
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