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Need urgent expertise for Cheapest(<500), Smallest, Quiet, AMD APU based, ITX basic build.

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  • Computers
  • AMD
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  • Build
Last response: in Systems
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September 30, 2013 8:37:30 PM

Hi guys,

Need expertise for Cheapest(<500), Smallest, Quiet, ITX basic build.

I have decided to build another new computer for my girlfriend. Her current one is a 7 years old monster and it is slow as hell. It hangs everytime opening a window(even MyComputer). I am extremely frustrated by it and like to surprise her with a new one this coming month.

I will like to keep the cost below 500 bucks, however, the lower the better of course.


Required Components:

Just the system - meaning everything inside the case (motherboard, processor, psu, fans, case)

I'm hoping that by going with an amd apu, it will work without a dedicated gpu thereby saving cost.


Not Required Components

Peripherals - meaning everything outside the case (monitor 1080p, speakers, input devices)


Reusable Components

Optical drive - DVD player 5.25" (will be replaced with slim optical drive if required)
Hard Disk Drive - 80GB 3.5" (will be reformatted and used as boot drive)


Usage - Most to Least importance
1. 1080p HD video file playback via VLC player (Greatest importance)
2. Multi-Tab Web Browsing with flash (assuming 5-7 tabs)
3. Microsoft Office (Word, Powerpoint, Excel processing)
4. Light gaming - nothing intensive (Least important)


Of course not all programs will be used at the same time, assuming just 2-3 programs at any one point in time e.g(Web browsing and Microsoft Word)


Factors for consideration - Most to Least importance

1. Size and Weight - I wish to build the smallest possible size so i chose an M-ITX form factor. This is an important factor as I will be taking a flight to bring it to her as hand carry luggage.

2. Cost - As much as possible, I will like to keep the cost as low as possible, but not disregarding the required performance from it. I guess optimum bang for the buck?

3. Connectivity - She lives in a hostel with a wifi network, so if a wifi motherboard or a wifi card will be of great great help.

4. Most possibly running Windows 7 Home Premium

5.Quiet and Cool - I wish to get a power efficient, cool and quiet system


Purchase Location

Amazon - Global shipping available will be a plus.


Current Considerations


Processor: AMD A4-5300 APU 3.4Ghz Processor AD5300OKHJBOX

Motherboard: MSI Computer Corp. DDR3 1066 FM2 Motherboard FM2-A75IA-E53

Memory: ADATA Gaming Series DDR3 1600Mhz 8 GB Kit 2 x 4 GB CL9 Desktop Memory AX3U1600GC4G9-2G

Case: MI-008 Tower Black P4 Chassis with 250W Itx Psu+sata Power Supply



Expertise Needed on

Is the Processor + Motherboard + Memory combination good enough, overkill or too little to preform the required tasks?

Is the Case the smallest available one I can find with fit everything(processor, motherboard, psu, 2x HDD, 1x optical drive, 1x wireless card if needed) in?

Is the PSU rating sufficient for the system?



Looking forward to inputs and thank you in advance.

Cheers.

AstonG



Update: her native screen resolution is 1280 x 1024, so i'm guessing i just need it to be capable of 720p playback


Please.. Some feedback? Someone?

More about : urgent expertise cheapest 500 smallest quiet amd apu based itx basic build

October 1, 2013 12:39:01 AM

anyone?
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October 1, 2013 12:48:46 AM

I'll whip something up for you.
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Best solution

October 1, 2013 12:57:18 AM

I recently planned out someone's build for a PS4 replacement. This is slightly modified:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1JyXz
CPU: AMD A10-6800K 4.1GHz Quad-Core Processor. AMD's flagship APU. Great for gaming(probably more than your purpose).
MOBO: Gigabyte GA-F2A85XN-WIFI Mini ITX FM2 Motherboard. Mini-ITX, and has wifi.
RAM: Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory. High MHz clock rate means better performance, especially during gaming.
HDD: Western Digital WD Green 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive. More storage space than you probably need.
CASE/PSU: Inwin IW-BP655.300TBL Mini ITX Desktop Case w/300W Power Supply. Looks great and is small.

I understand that some of the stuff is not available on amazon. If you find parts similar, you should be good.
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October 1, 2013 1:30:08 AM

Hey Tech Nub, firstly, thanks for the reply and recommendations.


I agree with the MOBO, RAM, HDD, and definitely the case.

However, isnt the A10 an overkill for my application? It draws 100W, which seems to mean it will be hotter.

Could you kindly advise me if the A4 or A6 will be equally good? a slight overkill will be nice, but not by too much as i hope to keep cost to the minimum as long as it functions well in the required applications.

care to chip in?

Thank you so much.
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October 1, 2013 1:40:34 AM

You could opt for a A6-6400k but I'd take the a10 as the performance will help in future years.
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October 20, 2013 5:48:39 PM

Hi guys, Just an update, my build is completed as follows.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1Rf7n

Processor: AMD A6-6400K
Heatsink Cooler: AMD 965BE Stock Cooler
Motherboard: MSI FM2-A75IA-E53
RAM: Kingston HyperX LoVo 1600 2X4GB KIT
Optical Drive: LG DVD Rewritable
Harddisk drive: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 16MB CACHE 7200rpm SATA3 6GBPS
Chassis: IN-WIN BP655 300W PSU, USB 3.0, HD AUDIO.
PSU: Chassis integrated PSU

Works perfect and fit my needs. Thanks everyone.
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