Old laptop dying, want to build my first desktop

kdb2 · Mar 7, 2014

Hi everyone my old laptop ive had for 6+ years struggles to watch and stream HD video constantly overheats and lags. so ive decided to try and build a desktop that i will be using only for watching tv,movies, sports and HD youtube as well as just basic uses no gaming. all i need is a reliable strong desktop that will last and do these tasks well. I live in ontario, canada and my budget is $500-$700 ive done some reaserach and made a list of these parts:

CPU: i3-4330 with intel HD4600 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116945

mobo: gigabyte b85m http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128607

Rosewill lineM case http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147166

PSU: evga 430w http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438015

RAM: g.skill 2x4gb http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314

64GB ssd http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211718

1TB hdd http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148840

samsung dvd drive http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151266

so the total cost for that is just over $700, i would really appreciate any feedback and any suggestions that would improve on the price or quality. or if a premade system is better. I have very little experience, thank you

woltej1 · Mar 7, 2014

I believe you will be short on sata ports with an optical drive and 2 storage devices. you may need to get a b85 chipset mobo. The PSU is overkill, you can cut it down to a 400 or 430W and save money.

kdb2 · Mar 7, 2014

thanks, will it be better to get a case with a psu already installed and the mobo says 2x3gb and 2x6gb im not sure what the drives require

woltej1 · Mar 7, 2014

not really for quality reasons, might be cheaper but its cheaper for a reason.

kdb2 · Mar 7, 2014

ok i found this PSu better? evga 430w $20 cheaper http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438015

woltej1 · Mar 7, 2014

That'll work.

kdb2 · Mar 7, 2014

and found this mobo: msi b85 http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130700

woltej1 · Mar 7, 2014

I'd look for an asus, asrock or gigabyte. MSI seems to be less user friendly.

kdb2 · Mar 7, 2014

ok switched it to a gigabyte, anything else i updated all the links

cst1992 · Mar 7, 2014

2x3 Gbps and 2x6 Gbps are SATA ports.
You'll want to plug in your hard drives and SSD's to the 6Gbps port and the optical drives to the 3 Gbps port.

As for premade systems, don't go for them, they put previous generation components in to cut costs and leave you with little to no upgradability.
Mine is a Core 2 duo PC bought in 2008 but it has a motherboard that is a 2005 chipset. Instead of putting in a motherboard that supported both the e4xxx and e6xxx Core 2 duo's, they put in a motherboard that only supports newer pentium 4's and first generation core 2 duo's, no upgradability to the newer core 2 duo's.

cst1992 · Mar 7, 2014

kdb2 :

I'd say don't update the links in the first post.
Many times it leaves a new user wondering what problem you have, as the original post contains the problem(such as an obsolete chipset motherboard) and the modification removes it.
Also, it may happen that the original components you mentioned have a plus point to them, and since you remove them, any reference to them is lost.

cst1992 · Mar 7, 2014

deleted

kdb2 · Mar 7, 2014

cst1992 :

ok makes sense the only link i changed was to a smaller psu and b85 mobo, so do you think what i have will be the best or should i change some things.

woltej1 · Mar 7, 2014

Edited: deleted post.

cst1992 · Mar 7, 2014

deleted

kdb2 · Mar 7, 2014

thanks guys the processor should be fine right? or should i look into some newer tehc like i5? wont be playing games just want to be able to watch and surf without any slowdowns

cst1992 · Mar 7, 2014

Yes, the i3 should be fine for day to day use.

tmh351 · Mar 7, 2014

4gb ram is fine

kdb2 · Mar 7, 2014

ok so looks like im good to go then? would u reccomend win 7 or win 8?

cst1992 · Mar 7, 2014

You could go with any one, however if you decide to go for windows 8, go for the patched 8.1.
8 typically has faster bootup code, but Microsoft has shown its "Microsoft"ness while designing the OS(e.g. no start button).
I have win7 x64 in my laptop and works fine, no lagging or anything at all.

kdb2 · Mar 7, 2014

ok sounds good this what i got using this site http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/35MGh

cst1992 · Mar 7, 2014

Have fun with your new build.
And even looks like you saved $28.

kdb2 · Mar 7, 2014

any other input? im all new need help, switching to AMD? forget ssd? if its the best price for ill go with it

cst1992 · Mar 8, 2014

ssd literally does not have competition when it comes to boot times.
If you install any games on the ssd, then also they load faster.
However, only go for MLC, not TLC.

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