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b0nes

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Aug 11, 2012
10
0
10,510
Hey all! I was recently given a challenge by my dad to build a new low end system within a price range of +/- 10% a basic new prebuilt system. I am really excited to try and figure this one out since I really enjoy building computers but don't get the chance very often. Here's what I've come up with so far but just wanted to get some input!

Approximate Purchase Date: Within the next 3 weeks

Budget Range: I'm thinking around $400 or less

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Surfing the web, office use, light gaming

Are you buying a monitor:No

Parts to Upgrade:This will be an entirely new build

Do you need to buy OS: For now no, I'm pretty sure my dad can get a licence from work.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Micro Center or New Egg but would rather use Micro Center

Location: New York, NY

Parts Preferences: Really not picky as long as its current tech but leaning towards an AMD APU

Overclocking: Probaply not but it be a fun bonus to mess around with

SLI or Crossfire: no

What I've come up with:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/RB7F
(5 bucks cheaper if i buy everything at Micro Center and with this build every penny is gonna count!)

CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor
MOBO: MSI FM2-A75MA-E35 Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard
RAM: Corsair XMS3 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 MicroATX Mini Tower Case
PSU: Corsair CX 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply
ODD: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer
 
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azathoth

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Jun 25, 2011
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Looks like a great build, as Goodeggray said, if you have a Microcentre near you check the CPU Bundle deals, you might be able to nab a good deal and get a slightly better spec system for the same price.

Otherwise, I did make ONE change to your build.
I simply changed the RAM to a 2x4GB setup, it's only $10 more.

Seeing as you have an APU, having two stick with a Dual Channel system will DOUBLE your memory bandwidth, enabling higher performance :)

(Aswell, 4GB in 2013 is starting to become limiting)
 
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realchaos

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Jan 30, 2013
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A10-5800K: http://microcenter.com/product/400669/A10_5800K_Black_Edition_38GHz_Socket_FM2_Boxed_Processor $100
Gigabyte motherboard: http://microcenter.com/product/403601/GA-F2A55M-HD2_Socket_FM2_A55_mATX_AMD_Motherboard $55 (after rebates)
Corsair 2x2gb ram: http://microcenter.com/product/358348/XMS3_4GB_DDR3-1600_(PC3-12800)_CL9_Dual_Channel_Desktop_Memory_Kit_(Two_2GB_Memory_Modules) $45
500gb HDD: http://microcenter.com/product/399209/Barracuda_500GB_7,200_RPM_SATA_60Gb-s_35_Internal_Hard_Drive_ST500DM002_-_Bare_Drive $58
Corsair CX430W:http://microcenter.com/product/399979/Builder_Series_CX430_430_Watt_ATX_12V_Power_Supply $45 (after rebates)
Fractal Design Core 1000: http://microcenter.com/product/383062/Core_1000_Mini_Tower_mATX_Computer_Case $38
Total: $341 after rebates. Gives you room if you want 8gb of ram or 1tb of HDD.
 
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b0nes

Honorable
Aug 11, 2012
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10,510


I think I'll jump up to the 8Gb kit like you suggest. I would love to go with a dedicated graphics card but i think even the cheapest 7750 will push me over my budget even with a combo deal... I might be able to get away with it if i drop the cpu down to the FX 4130 but i would rather stay away from a Zambezi processor (I went from an 8120 to an 8320 and haven't looked back since).
 
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