Building Computer For average user

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Cptcribbs

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Aug 19, 2014
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Hey Everyone,

I am building a computer for my mom and wanted some feedback on the components of the machine before I bought them, mainly to make sure they are compatible or and that I am not overlooking something. I have done a fair amount of research but I have never built a computer on my own before, so I didn't wanna mess up my first time. My mom uses her computer for everyday use, email, photos, youtube, ect... So far these are the parts I planned to get.

Mother Board/cpu/gpu: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1800777

case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811345016

ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231190

HD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148840

SSD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820721107

superdirve: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

power: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=17-371-016

The key feedback I am looking for is
A: Make sure everything is compatible and will work when put together
B: Make sure that I am not overpowering/under-powering anything
C: Make sure I am not leaving anything critical out
D: Will an integrated CPU/GPU be ok?

Thank you all for any feedback!!!!
 
Solution
MeteorsRaining
Considering your input OP (no gaming, general usage), here's what I think:

RAM: Oh its enough, no need for 8GB, it won't be worth it for general usage.

Storage: SSD? Nah. I don't think 10 second faster boot will make a difference to anyone using a PC for general use. And you can utilize those $50 somewhere else (elaborated below).

CPU/ GPU and MoBo: Yours is a good combo for any general usage. Its $120, not at all bad for the money. But if you drop the SSD (Not worth it on non gaming general purpose PC IMO), you have $50 to spare. So in $175 you can very well get an i3 and a suitable MoBo. Intel has included HD 4400/ 4600 iGPU in 4th gen i3. It'll just be better performance wise, nothing wrong with A6. Or you can go lower to Pentium...
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MeteorsRaining

MeteorsRaining

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Jul 27, 2014
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A: Yes everything is compatible.
B: You don't really need a SSD on an avg PC.
C: Nope every critical item (except OS) is ticked.
D: For day to day non gaming or very mild gaming, Yes its ok.

Btw, by average build do you mean an average-user oriented build, or average-gaming build? I hope its the former one as it won't do be even entry level in gaming.

Suggestion, get 4GB 1600/9 RAM, won't affect the cost but will still be better to go with.
 
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kanewolf

kanewolf

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May 29, 2013
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I would get 8 GB RAM, and skip the SSD. If you wanted the benefits of SSD, get a hybrid drive like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822178340&cm_re=hybrid_drive-_-22-178-340-_-Product. Having a C: drive of 120GB will only cause confusion on where to save/install things in the future. A hybrid drive gets rid of the confusion. Get a 64bit O/S to go with the 8GB RAM.
Will she be using it wireless? You don't have a wireless adapter. What will be used for a monitor? Do you need an HDMI cable to use a TV as a monitor?
I would also get a USB 3.0 external disk for backups plus something like Acronis. Create a backup schedule which will automatically backup a weeks worth of versions to the external disk. That way there is a chance to recover something if she deletes or corrupts it. Also setup Team-Viewer on the machine and test remote support for her before you turn it loose to her.
 
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C

Cptcribbs

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Aug 19, 2014
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Hey thanks for the input so far. Couple things to add. This is to replace her old computer. No gaming will be done on the computer and things like monitor and internet and such will be already taken care of. In regards to the SSD I was wondering if I should just switch to the hybrid instead of buying two separate drives. I was planning to put the OS on the SSD to speed up boot times. Also for the RAM upgrade from 4gb to 8gb, is 8gb kinda the new standard minimum for most 64 bit systems?

 
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MeteorsRaining

MeteorsRaining

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Jul 27, 2014
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Considering your input OP (no gaming, general usage), here's what I think:

RAM: Oh its enough, no need for 8GB, it won't be worth it for general usage.

Storage: SSD? Nah. I don't think 10 second faster boot will make a difference to anyone using a PC for general use. And you can utilize those $50 somewhere else (elaborated below).

CPU/ GPU and MoBo: Yours is a good combo for any general usage. Its $120, not at all bad for the money. But if you drop the SSD (Not worth it on non gaming general purpose PC IMO), you have $50 to spare. So in $175 you can very well get an i3 and a suitable MoBo. Intel has included HD 4400/ 4600 iGPU in 4th gen i3. It'll just be better performance wise, nothing wrong with A6. Or you can go lower to Pentium G3258 which comes with HD graphics, you can get CPU + MoBo combo in $150. $20 saved there as APU won't really be needed for general purpose.

You can also upgrade to Broadwell down the road if you decide to make it a better PC (with a H/Z 97 MoBo). A6 doesn't really have any room for upgrades, if that matters to you.

 
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DHFF

DHFF

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Sep 18, 2012
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I agree in dropping the SSD and getting a straight HDD. If you want to give her a speed boost down the line you can upgrade the Hard drive to a 1TB SSD which in a few years should be a lot more wallet friendly.

I like MeteorsRaining's idea of switching to an i3, its a solid chip for general use an more, I actually run a data server on an i3 and 4GB of ram so honestly you can get more out of those chips then people think. Then integrated graphics that come with the chip are ok, you can If for whatever reason she does need more video power down the line you can slap in an R7 250 on the cheap. I think you can get them for $75-$85 and they do plenty for the money.

IF you want to stick with the A6, you actually do have a little upgrade room because you have an FM2+ Motherboard, currently you can upgrade to an A10 7850 and from what I read the FM2+ platform will be home to AMD's next few APU lines so you are in a good spot.
 
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C

Cptcribbs

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Aug 19, 2014
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Cool! I think that is about all I need to know! Thank you two so much for the quick and helpful response. I will be dropping the SSD and going a little higher on the MoBo. I think i am going got end up keeping the ram at 4 gb, most intense thing my mom does on her comp is watching youtube. This has really been immensely helpful. :D Props to both of you.
 
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