Suggestions on a budget AMD CPU/Motherboard/Ram combo

Modomodo · Jul 29, 2014

I recently built an intel gaming system with an experienced friend of mine and I would like to swap the motherboard, CPU and Ram out of my old PC. I'm only doing this so I can #1 learn (I'm kind of a noob) and #2 let my girlfriend use this PC and keep her off my new one

I'm wanting to get an AMD processor, micro atx motherboard and some ram that isn't too crazy. I won't be doing any overclocking and the PC won't be used for any real gaming. Just some multi media usage is all she really does. Most of the other parts in the PC are decent, 600w power supply, good HD and an older discrete GPU. The card is about 5 years old... so an APU processor will probably be a smart choice as the card may go out. My budget is $200. I can go higher for the right performance to money ratio... But this PC doesn't need all that much performance..

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Zircoben · Jul 30, 2014

This is a great little combo here:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($106.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Asus A78M-A Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($59.77 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($76.50 @ Newegg)
Total: $243.25

I built nearly the same build, and the performance was quite impressive. It is an excellent PC for basic gaming and everyday tasks.

What is your "older discrete GPU?" It might be better than the APU's graphics, and in that case, I would steer you towards an Intel build.

DroneDroneDrone · Jul 30, 2014

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

CPU: AMD A8-6600K 3.9GHz Quad-Core Processor ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A55M-S1 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($34.69 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($79.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $204.67
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-07-30 00:57 EDT-0400
$4 over your budget but will do good. But if you can afford it, go with the a10 5800k in zicroben's build. Better APU

Modomodo · Jul 30, 2014

The GPU is a PX 7800 GT 256mb... lol wow, I didn't realize how old this card was.. Maybe an APU would be better... Thanks for the responses so far!

Zircoben · Jul 30, 2014

DroneDroneDrone :

Oh, nice I like that build. I overlooked the $200 budget, and I the only thing I would change is the RAM. Here is what i'd do:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($106.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A55M-S1 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($34.69 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($78.30 @ Newegg)
Total: $219.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-07-30 01:19 EDT-0400

The A10-5800K is nearly the exact same CPU performance wise as the 6600K, but the graphics portion is 10-20% better, so in my opinion, is worth the extra bit of money.

The 2400 mHz RAM is definitely a jump, but the motherboard can support it, and that will boost your graphics considerably.

If you wanted to save a few dollars, the only thing that I would recommend dropping is getting the A8-6600K instead, or if you can find a single 4GB stick of 2133 or 2400 RAM. The motherboards don't get any cheaper than this though.

DroneDroneDrone · Jul 30, 2014

Zircoben :

DroneDroneDrone :

Oh, nice I like that build. I overlooked the $200 budget, and I the only thing I would change is the RAM. Here is what i'd do:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($106.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A55M-S1 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($34.69 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($78.30 @ Newegg)
Total: $219.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-07-30 01:19 EDT-0400

The A10-5800K is nearly the exact same CPU performance wise as the 6600K, but the graphics portion is 10-20% better, so in my opinion, is worth the extra bit of money.

The 2400 mHz RAM is definitely a jump, but the motherboard can support it, and that will boost your graphics considerably.

If you wanted to save a few dollars, the only thing that I would recommend dropping is getting the A8-6600K instead, or if you can find a single 4GB stick of 2133 or 2400 RAM. The motherboards don't get any cheaper than this though.

Yeah fast RAM is good for APU's.

Modomodo · Jul 30, 2014

I'm really liking the A-10 5800k, it's priced just right and seems to be the best for what I need. That gigabyte Mother Board seemed a little cheap at first but I looked at the specs and it has everything I need.. Just as long as it supports that speed of ram.. This should be perfect!! Wow, thanks to everyone for the suggestions. This turned out way better than I expected for a $200 swap.

Zircoben · Jul 30, 2014

Modomodo :

Yeah! You will have to overclock the RAM if you get that 2400 RAM, it will probably run at 1600 out of the box. It's a quick, easy thing in the BIOS though, don't stress about it at all.

I think you'll really like the build. I had the same CPU for a few months (the 5800K) and it was a great CPU. I switched it out to an Intel i3, and I have to say, I wish I kept the A10. It is a great performer.

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Suggestions on a budget AMD CPU/Motherboard/Ram combo

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