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Bball124106

Reputable
Jun 27, 2014
23
0
4,510
After doing a considerable amount of research and deciding that i would like a quad core processor i tried to select parts around my CPU selection. although i have gone over budget like many of you have. I am trying to see which parts i can switch out to take my final budget from $1100 down to $500-$700.

I will being using this computer to download and watch HD movies and multitask.
I would like to have a solid state drive and 3 TB hard drive.
I would also like to have to have the ability to plug in 2 monitors at once, or a TV and a monitor.

That being said. This is my first build so any help would be appreciated.
Here is the parts list i have started.
Thank you so much

[PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/mnf8bv) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/mnf8bv/by_merchant/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80637i53470) | $189.18 @ SuperBiiz
**CPU Cooler** | [Noctua NH-U12S 55.0 CFM CPU Cooler](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/noctua-cpu-cooler-nhu12s) | $62.99 @ Mwave
**Motherboard** | [ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-z77extreme4) | $137.98 @ SuperBiiz
**Memory** | [G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f312800cl9d8gbxl) | $82.98 @ OutletPC
**Storage** | [Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz7pd256bw) | $189.98 @ OutletPC
**Storage** | [Seagate 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st3000vn000) | $119.99 @ Amazon
**Video Card** | [Asus Radeon R7 250 1GB Video Card](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-video-card-r72501gd5) | $79.99 @ Micro Center
**Case** | [Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/fractal-design-case-fdcadefr4blw) | $109.99 @ Micro Center
**Power Supply** | [SeaSonic G 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seasonic-power-supply-ssr550rm) | $85.99 @ Mwave
**Optical Drive** | [Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-optical-drive-drw24b1stblkbas) | $16.98 @ OutletPC
**Operating System** | [Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-wn700615) | $89.98 @ OutletPC
**Wireless Network Adapter** | [TRENDnet TEW-805UB 802.11a/b/g/n/ac USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Adapter](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/trendnet-wireless-network-card-tew805ub) | $29.98 @ Amazon
| | **Total**
| Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available | $1187.07
 
Solution
Obnoxious
The i5-3570K processor for example is designed for overclocking, whereas the same model without the "K" at the end is not e.g. i5-3570. The K edition simply has an unlocked CPU multiplier, hence is designed and released solely for the purpose of overclocking. In addition you need a compatible motherboard which supports overclocking, i.e. you'll need a motherboard with the prefix "Z" for example such as the (but not limited to) Z77, Z87 or Z97.

Since you're not planning to overclock, you can save costs by purchasing a non-K edition CPU as well as a H97 motherboard, rather than Z97. I am recommending the 9 series since they're the latest boards, and will support Intel's next generation of processors (5th generation, titled Broadwell)...
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getochkn

getochkn

Polypheme
Jul 2, 2006
12,407
54
65,040
Ditch the $70 cooler for starters. Get a cheap $30 case instead of a $110 case. There is $150 right there. Other than that, a cheaper motherboard, maybe $50 cheaper. You could maybe find a PSU $25 cheaper, so maybe $225 in savings, but other than that, can't trim much. You could get a 256GB SSD for about 90 less than the one you picked. $315 in savings.

You could look at a AMD build instead to save a bit of money.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/XCTH7P That is $600 with a cheaper PSU, case, SSD and you are in the middle of your budget with NO cpu or motherboard. You budget is a bit low for the want's you have.
 
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C

Calnin

Dignified
Dec 28, 2013
3,296
0
13,960
You can consider this. Like getochkn says, there's places you can save money on anyways.

CPU: you might as well go with a haswell refresh. It's still within the budget.

Cooler: If you're not planning on overclocking, you don't need a cooler. A non-k series cpu isn't an overclocking cpu anyways, only reason you would get it, is if you want it to be quieter or something.

Motherboard, z series is for overclocking. Since you're getting a non overclocking cpu, you can just go with an H series motherboard.

SSD, If its just suppose to be a boot drive, 120gb will do just fine. Especially with a 3tb storage.

video card, I just put the r9 270 here. You can change it to the r7 250x or something if you want.

case: Your choice. stick with your original one, or just go with a different case that's cheaper or whatever.

PSU, you don't need a gold psu for a system like this. If you're not gaming or anything, you can go with a CX for all I care. Otherwise the xfx 550w will do just fine. It's still a seasonic unit if you really want a seasonic.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/sL3Fbv
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/sL3Fbv/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($198.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($84.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Blu Red Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($71.88 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($84.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($102.80 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270 2GB Dual-X Video Card ($157.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 Blackout ATX Mid Tower Case ($77.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($94.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: TRENDnet TEW-805UB 802.11a/b/g/n/ac USB 3.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($29.98 @ Amazon)
Total: $979.53
 
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Obnoxious

Obnoxious

Distinguished
Jul 24, 2012
610
0
19,360
You're going with an elder Intel socket and generation processor. You should go with the latest 4th generation; it costs the same as the previous generation. You should also note that you've selected a motherboard which can overclock the CPU, however the processor is not compatible with overclocking; it's CPU Clock Ratio (otherwise known as multiplier) is locked. In addition since you cannot overclock the CPU, you could just use the stock Intel heatsink/fan provided, rather than purchasing another one for $70.

Something unusual with builds, your case costs more than your graphics card, LOL. :D Usually the GPU is the most expensive part of the system; of course if you're not planning to play any games, or minor gaming you're OK with that GPU.

You can save a lot more costs, but I've reduced them down for you whilst upgrading the components; i.e. I've reduced costs whilst improving performance. I've replaced the motherboard with a mATX board on H97 (supports 4th and 5th generation Intel CPUs), downgraded the 840 Pro to the 840 Evo (not major differences), replaced the USB WiFi dongle with a WiFi PCI card (slots into motherboard), and also replaced the Optical Disc Drive. Of course I have also replaced the CPU and GPU, but everything else is the same; yes even the case and PSU. ;)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($182.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($84.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($102.80 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 270 2GB Dual-X Video Card ($157.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: SeaSonic G 550W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($85.99 @ Mwave)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($99.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Encore ENLWI-N3 802.11b/g/n PCI Wi-Fi Adapter ($10.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $1063.65
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

You can still build a cheaper system, and you could even upgrade your GPU since the above build is cheaper than your initial selection.

All the best. :)
 
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Obnoxious

Obnoxious

Distinguished
Jul 24, 2012
610
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19,360
The i5-3570K processor for example is designed for overclocking, whereas the same model without the "K" at the end is not e.g. i5-3570. The K edition simply has an unlocked CPU multiplier, hence is designed and released solely for the purpose of overclocking. In addition you need a compatible motherboard which supports overclocking, i.e. you'll need a motherboard with the prefix "Z" for example such as the (but not limited to) Z77, Z87 or Z97.

Since you're not planning to overclock, you can save costs by purchasing a non-K edition CPU as well as a H97 motherboard, rather than Z97. I am recommending the 9 series since they're the latest boards, and will support Intel's next generation of processors (5th generation, titled Broadwell).

All the best. :)
 
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Solution
B

Bball124106

Reputable
Jun 27, 2014
23
0
4,510
Just to clarify, in a general sense.
A video card is not required unless you would want more than one video output. Correct?
A CPU cooler is not required unless you plan on overclocking? or have built in CPU cooling?
Really quickly, what are the barebones required peices needed to run simple internet and movies?
Thats all i will ask, I know i have no idea what i am doing
The solutions are really helpful!
 
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B

Bball124106

Reputable
Jun 27, 2014
23
0
4,510
So what is so much better about doing a build such as the following

[PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/KPPst6) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/KPPst6/by_merchant/)

Type|Item|Price
:----|:----|:----
**CPU** | [AMD FX-4350 4.2GHz Quad-Core Processor](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/amd-cpu-fd4350frhkbox) | $129.28 @ OutletPC
**Motherboard** | [ASRock 970 EXTREME4 ATX AM3+ Motherboard](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-970extreme4) | $86.48 @ OutletPC
**Memory** | [G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f312800cl9d8gbxl) | $82.98 @ OutletPC
**Storage** | [Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz7te120bw) | $84.98 @ OutletPC
**Storage** | [Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/seagate-internal-hard-drive-st2000dm001) | $82.99 @ NCIX US
**Case** | [Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-case-200r) | $39.99 @ Newegg
**Power Supply** | [Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-cx600m) | $44.99 @ Newegg
**Optical Drive** | [Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-optical-drive-drw24b1stblkbas) | $16.98 @ OutletPC
**Operating System** | [Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/microsoft-os-wn700615) | $89.98 @ OutletPC
**Wireless Network Adapter** | [Rosewill RNX-N250PCe 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter](http://pcpartpicker.com/part/rosewill-wireless-network-card-rnxn250pce) | $18.99 @ Amazon
| | **Total**
| Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available | $677.64

vs buying a already built desktop as the one seen here

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883220588
 
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byza

byza

Honorable
Sep 7, 2013
1,922
0
12,460
And the difference is that you get charged for labour in a pre built machine so they cost more for the same parts. If you just want a basic machine, some of the really cheap pre-built machines can rival what you can build yourself, but as you go up in price, so does the margin of difference.
 
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B

Bball124106

Reputable
Jun 27, 2014
23
0
4,510
From what it looked like to me, i could not find a comparable difference between what i could build and the machine i found already built. and the price was very similar. I just couldnt find the differences between the two since the price was the same. Sorry about the bad post earlier

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-4350 4.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($129.28 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 EXTREME4 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($86.48 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($84.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($82.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Rosewill RNX-N250PCe 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($18.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $677.64
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
 
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byza

byza

Honorable
Sep 7, 2013
1,922
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12,460
Some AMD chips do, some don't. The FX Series does not.

Another difference between pre-built machines is that they often use lower quality parts, such as PSU's, GPU's and mobo's. While these parts could work perfectly fine for the life of the computer, the chances are a lot higher of something failing.

It really depends on what you want to do with your system, as to the best build.
For a general use PC I would get something like this.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD A10-6700 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($148.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI A88X-G41 PC MATE ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($72.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Blu Red Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($71.88 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($102.80 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus PCE-N10 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($9.99 @ Micro Center)
Total: $586.60
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

It has decent integrated graphics, decent PSU, decent case and full size ATX motherboard. You could also get a micro ATX motherboard to save a little money.

For an entry level gaming computer I would get something like this. It's also going to have better dual monitor support.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6350 3.9GHz 6-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 Pro3 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Blu Red Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($71.88 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ NCIX US)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Asus PCE-N10 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($9.99 @ Micro Center)
Total: $671.78
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

If you can fit an SSD in the budget then get it, otherwise I worry too much about having an SSD for now. It would improve boot times and application loading times, but they are quite expensive for the benefits you get.
Since your not planning on stressing the system at all, you could possibly get away with a Corsair CX series PSU, but i'm not going to recommend one in my builds as they have a pretty bad reputation for cheap components. That being said, I wouldn't expect anything awesome from the cheap EVGA either. You also might want a better Wi-Fi adaptor, I just put something cheap in into those builds.

 
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