First build in a long time - overwhelmed!

darkbyrd · Mar 19, 2014

I've been out of the game far too long! I'm looking to replace my XP box with a $5-600 build with room to grow.

Used for graphic design, mapping, light gaming and family computer - good 3d performance for google earth is a plus.

Already have the storage hard drive, would like an SSD for the OS (windows, maybe win7?)

How would you go about meeting these goals? What future options would I have for upgrading as cost of CPUs and memory drops?

TIA!

s4in7 · Mar 19, 2014

Here's one I threw together for $605, it's got an 8 core CPU which is great for designing, photo and video editing, and gaming. Also has a nice graphics card that'll handle any game on medium to high settings at 1080p.

The cost doesn't include a monitor or Windows though...

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3cOI6

CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($152.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($74.97 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.97 @ TigerDirect)
Storage: Toshiba Q Series Pro 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($93.99 @ Best Buy)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R7 260X 1GB Video Card ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Gigabyte GZ-ZA1 ATX Mid Tower Case ($25.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($32.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $605.86
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-19 17:52 EDT-0400)

darkbyrd · Mar 19, 2014

Thanks s4in7! I really don't need much gaming power, but would love to shave 100-150 off that to give me the money for windows and a new monitor. Where would it be smart to save some on the build you described?

darkbyrd · Mar 19, 2014

Thank you. I may not go this route, but you've helped me understand my options and where I ought to be looking.

s4in7 · Mar 20, 2014

You could get a 32 or 64gb SSD instead of 128gb, that'd save you some money. You can downgrade the graphics card to a 250X (still a capable card at low to medium, sometimes high, settings at 1080p) and save $20 or so. You could downgrade the RAM to just 4gb or use slower 1333MHz RAM, although RAM is hugely important for graphic design (I'm a fellow graphic designer, graduated with my Bachelors in Graphic design in 2009) and other productivity software.

I changed the build around for you--dropped the 8 core to a 6 core (still more than you'd ever need for what you want to do), changed graphics card to a 250X, took off the CPU cooler (the one that comes with the 6 core is more than enough), lowered RAM speed to 1333MHz but retained the 8gb, and lowered the SSD to 32gb (enough to store Windows and a few apps on). Now you're at $440

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3dh7E

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Asus M5A97 LE R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($74.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: PNY Optima 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sandisk ReadyCache 32GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R7 250X 1GB Video Card ($97.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Gigabyte GZ-ZA1 ATX Mid Tower Case ($37.57 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: CoolMax 400W ATX Power Supply ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $440.48
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-20 14:26 EDT-0400)

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