-Need help with a business build- $1200.00

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TheStrongKey

TheStrongKey

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Aug 13, 2013
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Hello everyone! I'm here today to ask for the knowledge of the wise and knowing in computers! Although I have adequate knowledge of computers and I could 'scrape' away without your advice, I've been tasked with helping my father build two desktops on a budget of $1200.00. And thus don't I don't wish to make a foolish decision on components.

I would like to mention that these builds are for his small business.
He isn't a gamer and has no need for any serious graphics processing power.
But a "nice" GPU would be nice come to think of it... It's not a 'need' though.
The most intensive thing that I can think of that the computer will be used for will be heavy web browsing and remote desktop (not sure if that would be considered intensive, lol), and maybe a HD YouTube video or picture from time to time.

Approximate Purchase Date: Within the next two weeks.

Budget Range: $1200.00 for two desktops.

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Heavy web browsing, virtual desktop(s), multiple windows opened at once, .

Are you buying a monitor: Yes, but don't include that in the budget.

Parts to Upgrade: Assuming that this refers to a upgrade to a current system? The answer would be none.

Do you need to buy OS: Yes, Windows 7 for each desktop.

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Ideally our local Micro-center. Nonetheless, NewEgg, Amazon, and NCIX are preferred in terms of online shopping.

Location: Maryland, United States. Yes there's a Micro-center here :)

Parts Preferences: No preference. Preferably not Chinese super glued ;)

Overclocking: Don't see why not. That is if an unlocked processor is viable in this budget.

SLI or Crossfire: Nope.

Your Monitor Resolution: 1600X900 at minimum. Ideally 1920X1080. If a monitor could be factored into the total budget of $1200.00 that would be awesome! But if not, it can be excluded but please make a recommendation for a monitor! (I don't know anything about them...)

Additional Comments: Aesthetics aren't important when it comes to this build. An ugly case makes not a difference as it will be out of sight for the most part (on the floor in a corner, no worries plenty of air circulation).

Any feedback is appreciated and very much considered.

Regards,
TheStrongKey
 
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X79

X79

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2 x this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock 960GM/U3S3 FX Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Gaming Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($110.50 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GT 610 1GB Video Card ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Raidmax ATX-249B (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($23.25 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Cooler Master GX 450W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($90.91 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Hannspree HE225DPB 21.5" Monitor ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $617.60
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-29 05:50 EDT-0400)

I think that should be a pretty neat start. Lots of RAM for speed and VMs and a CPU

with plenty cores to go around. Also a good enough HDD and all the rest. Wanted to put

in a Caviar Black HDD, but this will do. No SLI or OC'ing really. The monitor is also 1920 x 1080

(FHD). Will need more thought. Going for this slightly slower RAM:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/crucial-memory-ct2kit102464ba1339

Will put the price at 607.
 
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Sangeet Khatri

Sangeet Khatri

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For your specific needs, I recommend this build highly.

+ 8 threads would work awesome with Virtual OS Stuff since you can dedicate more cores to the Virtual OS
+ 16GB RAM would be awesome for Virutal OS and stuff

Get this one, this is a good build..

Note : Just don't overclock, the motherboard is not made for overclocking.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G43 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($62.23 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: GeIL EVO Veloce Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($112.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 6450 1GB Video Card ($16.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Zalman Z5 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case ($32.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $624.12
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-29 06:32 EDT-0400)

I hope this helps. Take a look at the build and tell me what you think about it. Your feedback would be highly appreciated.
 
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Praxeology

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I +1 this build; your father needs 2 PC's with 8350's in them. I would go with Corsair ram though.

 
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Sangeet Khatri

Sangeet Khatri

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Looks like he has the budget to spend extra on the monitor, so why not get a great rig for his work. I mean the 6300 is nowhere near the 8350 when it comes to his specific needs. Sorry to say that, but it is the truth. The 8350 would serve him better because for Virtual Desktops you need to dedicate more cores to a particular desktop and for multi tasking the 8 cores would really come in handy.

I am not saying that there is anything wrong with 6300. I am just saying that 8350 is a better option, so let him buy the Monitor from that extra budget he is having. This is what I would recommend, but then again, he is free to choose whatever he likes.
 
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TheStrongKey

TheStrongKey

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@Sangeet Khatri
Overall I like the build a lot! I
don't think that my father is going to need 16Gb's of RAM though, 8Gb's would probably be perfect.
It's good to see that it's an option. You mentioned 'no overclocking'. Is there any MB's that could be bought with money saved from downsizing to 8Gb's of RAM that 'could' overclock? I really don't intend to OC initially, but as time goes on it would be nice to have that as an option to prolong the computers usability under intensive applications and such. The GPU fits the bill nicely!
The case looks pretty good, and usable with the I/O ports on the top.

@X79

I also like your build.
The 6300 vs the 8350 is a battle that I'm not knowledgeable of.
If the 8350 is more future proof then ideally that would be the CPU of choice.
I simply don't want to skimp on other parts if its not necessary(Not trying to say that I see parts being 'skimped' on ;)).
But if the 6300 is more appropriate for this budget then that also would be something to consider I suppose.

I appreciate the speedy feedback!

Regards,
TheStrongKey
 
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Praxeology

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I am not too sure about virtual machines, but I think they eat up a lot of ram, which is why they put in 16GB of ram. As to the 8350 vs 6300, either would get the job done, but I would prefer the 8350 for 2 more cores and future proofing. Programs are only going to get more demanding and be threaded for more cores. As to overclocking, I don't see how a motherboard wouldn't support it, no matter how cheap. The question is cooling, and with stock fan you are too hot to OC @ stock specs. So you want to OC, get maybe a hyper 212 for 30$ and you could probably take it to 4.5 but it would be a little hot. To summarize if you want to save some money grab the 6300 option and take a monitor, if you want to spend a little more take the 8350. Either are up to the challenge.

- Prax
 
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TheStrongKey

TheStrongKey

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Here is a build that I made from what's been listed already.
Can anybody offer any insight as to whether this would be a solid build?
I didn't add any GPU as I don't know which to pick.
I'm assuming the 6450 listed on another post would be adequate for some HD YouTube?
The reason I know my father won't be needing 16Gb's of RAM is mainly because he doesn't quite use all 4Gb's that he has currently with everything up and running.
Of course he balances the general workload of programs between two computers, so maybe that's why.

As for the build list I made,
I choose the 8350 for it's multitasking, comfy L2-3 cache, multicore, a tad bit more future proof hopefully.
The motherboard and 8350 are part of a Microcenter bundle for $219.00. Let me know what you guys think of the MB.
As for the rest of the components, are there any that could be improved or any that shouldn't be in this build?

I'm a "n00b" when it comes to picking components for specific uses. So anything you see that could be improved or be downgraded to increase another area of the machine; e.g: 8350 to 8320 to save money to improve GPU, or something along those lines.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($219.00)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G46 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($0.00)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case: Zalman Z11 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($38.18 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $574.09
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-29 22:47 EDT-0400)


 
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Praxeology

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Looks good but the PSU scares me. Other than that, its all good.
 
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TheStrongKey

TheStrongKey

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Are there any particular PSU that you can recommend in good conscious? :)
I really don't know what I'm looking for in this area.

The Antec had some pretty solid reviews, wattage and seemed to accommodate my needs.
Nonetheless, I'd love to hear some better alternatives.
 
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Praxeology

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http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151093 - 5 year warranty and Seasonic OEM, much better than that antec.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151093 Thats another Seasonic but with 3 year warranty. I am not sure if its better but it is Gold Efficiency vs the bronze efficiency above. That generally means the parts in it are better allowing it to be more efficient. Either would work.
 
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TheStrongKey

TheStrongKey

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Looking from the warranty and energy efficiency standpoint, Seasonic seems considerably wiser of a choice than the Antec.
Would you recommend I downsize to the AMD-6300 and place that and something like a Radeon-6450 into the build to better fit within budget?
 
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Praxeology

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If you don't want to spend the extra money, down grade to the 6300 as it will get the job done equally well. The 8 core has more potential, but a quad core could get this done. All of these cpus are powerful to do what you want, so get the one that fits the budget.
 
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Sangeet Khatri

Sangeet Khatri

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1. For running Virtual OS. The more the cores, the better, since you would be able to assign more cores to the Virtual OS.
2. Yes, if you think 8GB is fine, then that is good, so that should be just fine.
3. This motherboard is one of the best overclocking boards out there, so there is nothing to compromise here.

Tell me of a build better than this one in this budget. I bet there isn't any.

+ 8 Cores are best for the purpose.
+ That motherboard is a beast at overclocking.
+ I changed the case to this one just because it looks more cool. You know it is better to have good looking case.
+ This build has overclocking ability, so whenever you want to overclock just get a good CPU Cooler. They are as cheap as 30 dollars (Yes, I am talking about CM Hyper 212 EVO :D )

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 6450 1GB Video Card ($16.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Zalman Z9 ATX Mid Tower Case ($26.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $620.89
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-08-30 13:14 EDT-0400)

I hope this helps. Your dad would love the performance of it. Also if you feel like upgrading to 16GB RAM, just slip in two more sticks of RAM, should you need so. Take a look at it and tell me what you think about it.
 
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TheStrongKey

TheStrongKey

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I really like it!

It has a nice balance of of everything that my father needs with some upgrade-ability and OC'ing.
This appears to be the most balanced build for our needs.

Thank you @Praxeology for your recommendations and thank you for pointing out the differences is PSU quality.
Also, thank you @Sangeet Khatri for your help! My Dad will be blown away when this puppy is up and running!
Might even add an SSD to the mix for the boot drive.

Once again, THANK YOU all for your helpfulness and promptness!

Best Regards,
TheStrongKey
 
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Sangeet Khatri

Sangeet Khatri

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I am glad that I could be of some help to someone.

Anyways for SSD, just get a 120GB SSD. I don't think anyone would need more than that for the boot drive. Using more than that is wasting money.

Also the 64GB SSD is way too small for a boot drive. I mean anyone would fill it in no time, so stay away from that too.

Hence go with any 120GB SSD or do not go SSD at all.

Again, I am glad that I could be of any help.
 
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