Opinions wanted on budget build for a family member

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RCguitarist

RCguitarist

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I am in the planning stages of building a new Micro ATX PC for a family member of mine and I think I have a good budget build put together, but I would like your opinions on it. Is it a good build? Is there anywhere that I could shave some cost off of the build? Are there parts I should swap out for different ones that cost the same?

First the standard info:
Approximate Purchase Date: next couple of weeks

Budget Range: $400 - $600 Before Shipping

System Usage: Internet browsing, tax and MS office applications

Already have a monitor

Do not need to buy an OS

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080

Why Are You Upgrading: Her current 7+ year old Dell PC is too slow for her liking.

Here is the build I have planned thus far:
CPU: Intel Core i5-4570 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: SilenX EFZ-100HA2 58.0 CFM Fluid Dynamic Bearing CPU Cooler ($12.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($104.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.92 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($50.88 @ Amazon)
Case Fan: Cougar Turbine 120 (4-Pack) 60.4 CFM 120mm Fan ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($23.30 @ Amazon)
Total: $546.04
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-06 17:16 EST-0500)

 
Solution
Transmaniacon
That would be fine build, you don't need a Z87 motherboard though since you aren't overclocking, H87 is a better choice. Also, the stock Intel cooler is fine and will be quiet enough.

Alternatively, the i3 is another good choice for a home office PC, and it allows you to make some other better upgrades:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($119.99 @ TigerDirect)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H87M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($98.97 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid...
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Transmaniacon

Transmaniacon

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That would be fine build, you don't need a Z87 motherboard though since you aren't overclocking, H87 is a better choice. Also, the stock Intel cooler is fine and will be quiet enough.

Alternatively, the i3 is another good choice for a home office PC, and it allows you to make some other better upgrades:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($119.99 @ TigerDirect)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H87M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($98.97 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.92 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: Silverstone PS08B (Black) MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($34.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec EarthWatts Green 380W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($47.98 @ OutletPC)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $545.80
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-07 08:43 EST-0500)

The big thing here is the SSD. Put the OS and apps on here and it will greatly improve the performance of the PC. You still get the 1TB storage drive for media, but with extra RAM and an SSD, this computer will have a more noticeable performance advantage. I really don't think the difference in i3 vs i5 will be a big deal. Given the uses, either is more than enough and I think the changes I made will provide a smoother experience.

You can still drop down to 4GB of RAM, and go with a cheaper PSU, but that Earthwatts is very efficient and highly rated.
 
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RCguitarist

RCguitarist

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Very helpful info, Thanks!
 
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