Build Recommendation - MS Certifications (MCSA/MCSE)

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Sky2014

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Jan 24, 2014
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10,510
Hi everyone,

I would like to put a build together with the goal of studying for the Microsoft MCSA/MCSE (desktop infrastructure path) certifications.

I started doing some research and I'm not sure whether I should invest in an i5 or i7 for such a build. Perhaps going with an i5 and getting more RAM (16GB) and a couple of SSDs would be better.

Budget is $800-$1000, but I'm open to less expensive builds as well :)

Thanks for your help!
 
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boosted1g

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Jun 12, 2013
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There is nothing that you would be doing for an MCSA/MCSE cert that would require an i7 processor, if you can afford it great, if not its not an issue.

Ok you have a 800-1000 budget.
Do you need a copy of windows?
Do you need a monitor?
Do you plan on playing games on this computer at some point, if so how decent of gaming do you want to do?
Is there any other future plans/use for this machine that would influence what hardware you will be putting into it?
 
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Sky2014

Honorable
Jan 24, 2014
17
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10,510


Thanks for your reply!

I have copies of Windows 7/8 and I can always use the evaluation versions from Technet. I have a monitor and as far as gaming is concerned, it would be light if any.

I'd like the build to last a year and or two with the possibility to upgrade it as needed.

Thanks again!

 
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Sky2014

Honorable
Jan 24, 2014
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10,510


I forgot to mention that I have a Crucial 480GB SSD that I will use, but I'd like to have another HD to use for all the virtual machines.

Thanks!!
 
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boosted1g

Titan
Jun 12, 2013
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PCPartPicker part list
CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H87 Pro4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($92.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair XMS3 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($155.76 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.99 @ B&H)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 2GB Video Card ($189.99 @ Microcenter) Case: Rosewill BlackHawk ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($64.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $870.67 (Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-01-31 12:54 EST-0500)
 
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boosted1g

Titan
Jun 12, 2013
14,846
8
74,965
You can get a nicer i7 for $80 more if you wish.

The case is a nice case, i dont care for LED fans so i sniped the led wires in the fans.

You dont really need a 600w psu, but for the price it was vs a 500 or 550 watt it was just the more upgrade proof per dollar decesion. Better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it sort of deal.
 
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Sky2014

Honorable
Jan 24, 2014
17
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10,510


Thanks so much for your time!

For the graphics cards, it seems the 7790 is out of stock most everywhere. Would you recommend an nVidia based card instead?

Thank you!
 
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Sky2014

Honorable
Jan 24, 2014
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10,510


Awesome, thank you very much for your help! :)
 
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