System Build for 9 yr old $550+

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kingchong

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Dec 5, 2013
10
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10,510
I am looking to build my 9 yr old daughter a PC for Christmas. She likes gaming and I think it would be a good for her to learn how to put it all together. I have built and maintained my fair share of comps, but have fallen behind on keeping up with the latest gear.

Between Santa and her allowance, she will have $550. I am willing to add $100-$200 if need be. We will need the whole shooting match. Windows, a monitor, keyboard and mouse. I have some cheap speakers to get her by. I would prefer micro ATX size so she can take it to Grandmas, etc.

She won't be playing graphically intensive games on ultra settings. Right now her favorite games are Trine, Portal, Orcs Must Die and Roller Coaster Tycoon.

She'll also be doing school work and surfing the web and stuff.

What components should Santa put under the tree??

Thanks!
 
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iceclock

iceclock

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Dec 4, 2010
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excellent :) here it goes. im glad to help with such a project brings virtual tears to my heart :)

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2fp6D
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2fp6D/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2fp6D/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD A8-6600K 3.9GHz Quad-Core Processor ($104.74 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper TX3 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($16.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus F2A55-M LK PLUS Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($106.05 @ Amazon)
Memory: Kingston Black Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.13 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 6670 1GB Video Card ($53.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Lian-Li PC-V351B MicroATX Desktop Case ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 450W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($82.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Acer S220HQLAbd 21.5" Monitor ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $742.83
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-05 08:31 EST-0500)

cheers

u can also buy this system an add a graphic card later the integrated graphics is decent for those games i beleive.



 
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K

kingchong

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Dec 5, 2013
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10,510
Scremin - I considered a laptop, but wanted her to learn about building a pc. Plus, she doesnt go to Grandma's often, I just wanted the option. I also likethe option of adding better components down the road. Thanks for your input.

Ice - Thanks for the list! I wondered if integrated graphics would work. It seems they are getting more powerful.

I'm at work all day and will check out all recommendations when I get home. Thanks!
 
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zichus

zichus

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Aug 29, 2013
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10,710
Try maybe smth like this:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2fqAX
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2fqAX/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2fqAX/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Pentium G2020 2.9GHz Dual-Core Processor ($67.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H61M-S1 Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($42.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus Radeon HD 7750 1GB Video Card ($98.81 @ Amazon)
Case: BitFenix Prodigy M Arctic White MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($99.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($82.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Acer S220HQLAbd 21.5" Monitor ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $700.72
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-05 10:00 EST-0500)

50$ for peropherals left which is plenty. You can choose to get better GPU, like HD7770. And this build is more upgradable in future. You can put in some i3,i5 CPU if you want and upgrade GPU later on.

Have build myself with pentium CPU and am happy with the performance - especially gaming.
 
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K

kingchong

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Dec 5, 2013
10
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10,510
Thanks zichus! I'll look into it tonight.

I should mention that i do have a copy of win xp pro from a comp i put win 7 on. I know it's a 32 bit os and can't use much ram.

I also have an old EVGA GeForce 8600 GT in a box somewhere. I think it is fanless or has a wimpy fan because i had it in my studio pc. That is a possibility too.

I appreciate everyone's input!
 
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S

Scremin34Egl

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Nov 13, 2013
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Take note that the performance of the amd apu wont be as good as the pentium dual core if you add in a dedicated gpu. The amd apu's are built with the sole purpose of providing integrated graphics solutions and performs on par with maybe a 7750. It should not be used with a dedicated gpu.

Windows xp only supports directx 9 while windows 7 supports dx 11, so some games but not the ones listed above might not work. Also, windows 7 works faster with newer hardware and takes more advantage of accelerated graphics than with xp. Windows 8 is also an option and they have some nice apps that you can download from the app store which your daughter may enjoy

 
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ScrewySqrl

ScrewySqrl

Champion
Aug 2, 2010
11,199
232
53,540
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 760K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A55M-HD2 Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($42.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital RE3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.94 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7750 1GB Video Card ($63.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill FBM-01 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($22.49 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($82.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Acer S220HQLAbd 21.5" Monitor ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $549.34
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-05 12:09 EST-0500)

the Athlon II is an A10 without the built-in GPU
 
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Solution
K

kingchong

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Dec 5, 2013
10
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10,510
That's good to know. Eventually, she will want to play better games. I would like to be able to upgrade it and keep it around for a few years.

The last AMD chip I bought was a socket A xp3200. Those were the days when there wasn't so many choices!

I'm not particular to AMD or Intel, although it seems Intel is usually the first pick for a build these days.

 
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S

Scremin34Egl

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Nov 13, 2013
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Yeah, Intel is still ahead of amd, but in terms of price/performance, amd wins even with their graphics cards.
 
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K

kingchong

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Dec 5, 2013
10
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10,510
I'm liking the price of that one Screwy!

I'll get her win 7 or 8. I haven't used 8 yet.

I can't wait to get home to look more in depth at these options. I need to get them wrapped and under the tree!
 
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iceclock

iceclock

Illustrious
Dec 4, 2010
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PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2fwTf
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2fwTf/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2fwTf/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 760K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($89.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.26 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($74.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital RE3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.94 @ Amazon)
Case: Rosewill FBM-01 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($22.49 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 450W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($82.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Acer S220HQLAbd 21.5" Monitor ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $571.61
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-05 14:07 EST-0500)

heres a revised system. u could trow in that 8600gt to save costs.

 
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PepitoTV

PepitoTV

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Oct 10, 2013
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11,360
Here is a better, although more expensive (while still under your stated budget) build to consider:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock 880GM-LE FX Micro ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($64.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($127.55 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill RANGER-M MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($32.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 500W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($82.99 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Asus VX238H-W 23.0" Monitor ($114.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $698.44
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-05 16:53 EST-0500)
 
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lp231

lp231

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Mar 24, 2006
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Roller Coaster Tycoon, still one of my favorite games. There is also RCT3 where is has 3D and first person view, but it's not as fun as RCT.
PCPartsPicker is temporary unavailable due to maintenance, so here is my suggested build from Newegg.

CPU:AMD Athlon X4 740 @3.2GHz Quad Core $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113329
CPU Cooler:Stock CPU Cooler
Motherboard:Asus A55BM-E FM2+ $57.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132068
Memory:G.Skill Ares 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1866MHz $52.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231550
Video Card:Sapphire Radeon HD7750 2GB $96.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202021
Hard DriveSeagate 500GB $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148767
Optical Drive:LG Super Multi DVD Writer $14.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136270
Power Supply:Corsair CX430 $44.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026
Case:Cougar MG100 MicroATX Mini Tower $29.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811553015
Operating System:Microsoft Windows 8.1 64bit OEM 99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416776
Monitor:Acer S220HQLAbd 21.5" $109.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009316
Peripherals:Logitech MK120 USB slim keyboard with USB mouse $19.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823126097
Grand Total: $669.59 (shipping included)
I used my location to calculate the total price. Actual grand total may vary due to some states will also charge tax

MicroATX Mini Tower Case with the latest tech like front USB 3.0. Too bad Inwin discontinued their Allure Case
Microsoft Windows 8.1 not only because it's the latest OS. Windows Store also has games designed for all ages.
Keyboard and Mouse is also added into the build.

I was about to add a pretty keyboard and mouse, but that would cost $60
Logitech K360 keyboard and M310 mouse in Ink Gears. Logitech also have other designs.
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/keyboard-k360?crid=26
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007PJ4PKK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A15YBCJT4UFKRS
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007PJ4PLO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2EI2PMNQ8ROQP

Update: PCPartsPicker is working, so here is another one

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 740 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A55M-HD2 Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($42.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($52.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon HD 7850 1GB Video Card ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cougar MG100 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($34.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: Gateway KX2153bd 60Hz 21.5" Monitor ($107.62 @ TigerDirect)
Keyboard: Logitech K360 Wireless Mini Keyboard ($29.99 @ B&H)
Total: $618.50
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-05 18:17 EST-0500)There is no mouse. Here is a matching mouse
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007PJ4PLO/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2EI2PMNQ8ROQP

*Price does not include mouse.
Actual grand total is $665.87
-$55.00 in MIR
+$7.63 for Shipping
$618.50
$646.49 with Logitech Ink Gear Mouse ($27.99)

Inwin Allure
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/InWin/Allure/
zwnbn.jpg

5eij2a.jpg





 
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lp231

lp231

Splendid
Mar 24, 2006
3,067
0
21,460

There are no place that has that case anymore, so finding one won't be that easy.
This configuration is a lot more challenging than other builds I've configure because I wanted to make it
as feminine as possible especially with the case. But most cases are targeted towards males and it's rare to
find a case that has a feminine touch to it. To make up for the case, I went went to a keyboard and mouse with
some fancy designs on it, hoping it would add bit of beauty to the overall build. The gears on that design look like flowers, so maybe your daughter might like it.
Speaking of that keyboard, I used it before, it's pretty good and yet compact.
 
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K

kingchong

Honorable
Dec 5, 2013
10
0
10,510
Wow, this is a tough one!

iceclock: Your second build is very similar to ScrewySqrl in the main components. I like the Motherboard you changed it to. From the reviews of the CPU, it looks like that chip may run a little hot so the aftermarket cooler was a nice add. I may try the stock cooler to keep the price down and keep an eye on temps.

PepitoTV: I liked the monitor you listed but it isn't available anymore

lp231: I really appreciate the girly touch you're trying to add! She loves pink and purple and girly stuff. Definitely an A+ for effort.

I think she will like the Rosewell Ranger case with the lights since the Allure is discontinued. When I add the Ranger to the list on Partspicker, it alerts me that there is no USB 3.0 Header on that case. I need to browse more cases. And check other's suggestions.

I am a WD fan for storage. That's what I've used the past 10+ years and haven't had any problems yet.

I think I'll stick with Windows 7 since I'm familiar with it and want to avoid any hiccups. I want her to be up and running ASAP in Christmas.

I like the designs on the Logitech K360 keyboard and I know she will too.. I'm just worried about replacing batteries from her not turning it off. I have a wireless keyboard for my HTPC and it lasts a while but I'm not constantly using it and turn it off when I'm done.

So far, here is where I'm at:

PC Part Picker Link

Case: Rosewill RANGER-M MicroATX Mini Tower Case (posted by PepitoTV)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard (posted by iceclock)
CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 760K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor (posted by ScrewySqrl and iceclock)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory (posted by ScrewySqrl, lp231 and iceclock)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive (posted by PepitoTV)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7750 1GB Video Card (posted by ScrewySqrl)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer (posted by ScrewySqrl, iceclock, lp231 and PepitoTV)
Power Supply: Undecided
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit)
Monitor: Acer S220HQLAbd 21.5" Monitor (posted by ScrewySqrl, iceclock, zichus and lp231)

It's a little over the minimum budget but I'm exhausted and 5am comes quick. I'll keep checking from my phone at work then hopefully I can make a final decision tomorrow evening. I'll make sure to vote on best answer and let everyone know what I decided to order. Thanks everyone for your time, you are all helping to make my daughter's Christmas special. :wahoo:
 
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K

kingchong

Honorable
Dec 5, 2013
10
0
10,510
whoa, I'm not sure how that got selected as best answer.. is there any way to change that? I can't stand browsing on mobile.

edit: I see that iceclock selected that, not me. weird.
 
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