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bluejayek

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Apr 3, 2013
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I am looking to build a cheap computer to play around with as a Linux server. I do not intend to use this for anything too intensive, mainly for remote backup, and to have a server to mess around with.

Therefore, my priorities are
Cost > Power Use > Size > Performance.
Preferred retail outlets are directcanada.com and Newegg.ca.

Two setups I have put together are:
Case: Rosewill FBM-01 $29.99
PSU: Seasonic SS-300ET $32.99
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H61M $55.99
CPU: Celeron G540 $49.99
Memory: Corsair 4GB DDR3 1333 $29
Storage: 500GB 3.5" Seagate HD Free (Already Owned)
Total: $197.96

Case: Rosewill FBM-01 $29.99
PSU: Seasonic SS-300ET $32.99
Motherboard: MSI A55M-P33 $55.99
CPU: AMD A4-3400 $49.99
Memory: Corsair 4GB DDR3 1333 $29
Storage: 500GB 3.5" Seagate HD Free (Already Owned)
Total: $196.96


All prices in CAD from Newegg.ca.

I am looking for opinions on which of these two setups you folks think would be best for my intended use, or if there are alternative similarly priced setups that might do a better job.

In addition, I am a bit concerned about the MSI motherboard with respect to CPU integrated graphics: On the newegg website it says "Onboard Video Chipset: None" (although visually it appears to have a DVI and VGA connector), while the Gigabyte motherboard says "Onboard Video Chipset: Supported only by CPU with integrated graphics". Does this mean that the MSI motherboard will not work with CPU integrated graphics, and I would require a standalone GPU?
 
Solution
Patosai
Here's something I would put together :p

Case: Rosewill FBM-01 $29.99
PSU: Seasonic SS-300ET $32.99
MSI: MSI H61M-P31/W8 $56.99
CPU: Intel Celeron G1610 $49.99
Memory: G.SKILL NS 4GB (2 x 2GB) $37.49
Storage: Already owned

Cost: $207.45, plus the shipping costs

So.. this build is about $10 more than your two listed above, but the Ivy Bridge CPU and the DDR3 RAM will do wonders on performance. Plus the Celeron G1610 is a little more power efficient.

edit: About the MSI motherboard, what it means is that there is no video chipset on the motherboard itself. This is because the AMD APU has the integrated graphics (AMD Radeon HD 6410D) already inside. The Gigabyte motherboard just has a more detailed explanation than that of the MSI...
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Patosai

Patosai

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Jan 6, 2013
50
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10,660
Here's something I would put together :p

Case: Rosewill FBM-01 $29.99
PSU: Seasonic SS-300ET $32.99
MSI: MSI H61M-P31/W8 $56.99
CPU: Intel Celeron G1610 $49.99
Memory: G.SKILL NS 4GB (2 x 2GB) $37.49
Storage: Already owned

Cost: $207.45, plus the shipping costs

So.. this build is about $10 more than your two listed above, but the Ivy Bridge CPU and the DDR3 RAM will do wonders on performance. Plus the Celeron G1610 is a little more power efficient.

edit: About the MSI motherboard, what it means is that there is no video chipset on the motherboard itself. This is because the AMD APU has the integrated graphics (AMD Radeon HD 6410D) already inside. The Gigabyte motherboard just has a more detailed explanation than that of the MSI motherboard.

So no. By using that A4-3400, you would not need another GPU with the MSI motherboard.
 
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bluejayek

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Apr 3, 2013
281
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The corsair RAM I listed is DDR3. Do you mean that using a dual channel memory kit rather than a single 4GB stick will noticably improve performance? Or is there something in particular about the GSKILL memory that is better then the Corsair?

If it is just the 2x2 being significantly better then the 1x4, I would be inclined to go with Kingston hyperX 2x2GB for 50 cents more http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104166 instead of the GSKILL, as I think of kingston as a better brand, and the bonus (of dubious value) of 1600MHz instead of 1333MHz.


This processor is certainly a better option.. I saw it on Newegg, but as Newegg did not mention anything about integrated graphics, I veto'd it. Looking at the interl website, I see that it does have comparable ( or slightly better) graphics to the G540, so it is certainly a better option (Although I don't care about good graphics on this, I just need to be able to hook up a monitor once in a while). Also, 10W is 10$/year in power, so it makes back the builds price difference in a year.

 
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Patosai

Patosai

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Jan 6, 2013
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10,660
Oops, yes, dual channel RAM is better than a single stick. Also the Celeron G1610 has Intel HD graphics.

G.Skill is also a very well known brand, their memory is reliable and fast! For 1600Mhz, I believe you would need to change some overclock settings on your motherboard. But if you want to go Kingston, that's fine, they also have some heat spreaders on the sticks ;)

Beware of outrageous shipping costs though
 
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