Putting Together a System for My Father

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mcrask

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May 7, 2013
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I'm looking to put together a new computer for my father and I'd like to get some input from more knowledgeable people who are more up-to-date than me.

He would primarily be using the PC for web browsing, basic 2D graphics editing, video streaming and little to no gaming. So, very low demands.

My main concerns are:

  • ■ I'm leery of Windows 8 (can it boot straight to desktop yet)
    ■ If I need to upgrade the computer in 5 years how much of a headache will an OEM operating system give me
    ■ I assumed that an SSD would be worthwhile but I'm not sure he would really benefit enough to justify it.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3350P 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($178.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Intel DZ75ML-45K Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($85.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($66.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($68.66 @ Amazon)
Wireless Network Adapter: Rosewill RNX-N250PCe 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($23.20 @ Amazon)
Case: Rosewill FBM-01 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($29.55 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Rosewill 350W ATX Power Supply ($32.98 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK260 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($19.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $626.33
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-07 11:01 EDT-0400)
 
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unoriginal1

unoriginal1

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Apr 11, 2012
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1) Windows 8 you can customize with different add ons etc to give more of a feel of windows 7. Even adding a makeshift start button. (im not a fan of 8) BUT the best selling point is the license for win 8 is such that you can move it to an entirely different computer. It is not like win 7 OEM licensing.

2) an ssd would be a huge advantage to any average user. It improves overall snappiness of the computer. I recommend it if you can fit it into the budget.

3) I would wait for the haswell chip since your using on board graphics. The huge advantage with the new chip is the onboard.. Ive heard it's going to be near the power of a 650?? Might be wrong here but regardless it's going to be a big boost over Ivy bridge. (drops in june)
 
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J_E_D_70

J_E_D_70

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Mar 21, 2012
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That CPU does not have an integrated GPU and you don't have one in your parts list. Cheapest route would be to get something like the 3570 (non-K) or wait a month or two for Haswell (faster integrated GPUs).

The OEM OS isn't a problem unless you change the motherboard (requires new license) if you go Win 7. If you go Win 8 you can change out all components. If you want to go straight to desktop you can buy Start8 (third party software) for like $5.

An SSD would make general use snappier but certainly not a requirement for his usage (I personally will never build another PC without one tho).
 
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ksham

ksham

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Mar 29, 2013
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For what he's using this for, I'd go with something simpler. Could've stick with 4GB of RAM, but oh well.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A8-3850 2.9GHz Quad-Core Processor ($84.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock A75M Micro ATX FM1 Motherboard ($74.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($58.93 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($67.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX ProSeries 450W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($56.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS95 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.94 @ Outlet PC)
Monitor: Asus VH238H 23.0" Monitor ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK260 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($19.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $623.77
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)


SSD is not useful unless you your father knows how to manage it properly. I suppose you can teach him, but it's probably not worth it.
 
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L

l89

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Mar 18, 2013
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yes the i5-3350p does not have a integrated gpu so that is a no
when will u be purchasing u might wanna wait for haswell as they have way better integrated graphics
or a a10-5800k will also be good for your father's need
 
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rwpritchett

rwpritchett

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Mar 17, 2006
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A few things to note:

Intel processors that end with "P" do not have integrated graphics and you did not list a separate graphics card. I suggest you go for a i5-3330 which will include Intel integrated graphics.

Intel branded motherboards cost more than competing brands, plus Intel recently announced there intention to stop making motherboards. I suggest you go with a motherboard manufactured by Asus, Gigabyte, or ASRock. You will pay less and get more. On that same note, you don't need a Z75 chipset without a k series CPU. Go for an H77 or B75 chipset motherboard instead to save some more money.
 
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M

mcrask

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May 7, 2013
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Ok. I'll wait the handful of weeks for Haswell to be released. I think I'll go with the SSD and Windows 8 since I can set it up so that it won't be too unfamiliar.

Thanks for all the input.
 
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RetiredChief

RetiredChief

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Feb 22, 2007
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Have Win 8 + SSD on i5-2410m Laptop. From time of hitting power on to displaying a website (IE) is LIKE 10 SEC. With the Start8 added on (5 Bucks) it boots to a the familiar windows 7 start page - works and feels almost identical to windows 7.
For windows 7 w/SSD boot time is FAST, about 15 Sec from "start loading OS" to opening first App. Factoring in post time about 25 Sec from Power on button, A lot depends on number of start up apps.
Not a Lover of Win 8, Bot Not having any real problems with it. For my desktop, holding out for Win 8.1 (Windows Blue) and see if any real advantage of upgrading from Win 7. Not enough reason to up grade Win 7 -> Win 8.

Windows 8.1 should be out this year. MAY (NOT 100% sure), it may be a free service pac to 8.0, at least should be LOW cost upgrade from 8. Probably higher cost for upgrade from window 7.

While it would be good to wait, from your indications even the HD4000 in the IB cpus would be acceptable.

Here's a thought. My laptop will do everyting you need. Coupled with the monitor, you would have A) portability Use while also watching TV, carry to the Doctors office and use it as many doctors office have "free" internet access, or watch DVD while traveling on Airplane OR B) connected to the LCD and enjoy the advantage of a large screen.
 
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M

mcrask

Honorable
May 7, 2013
6
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10,510
He's already got a decent laptop that he doesn't take around with him anywhere. He just prefers using his desktop mostly so I'll just wait on the new processor and put one together for him when it's available.
 
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