Computer for wife v. casual gaming - upgrade later, $600 to $800

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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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Sep 16, 2014
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I have been researching and have come up with the following configuration for a computer for my wife's internet, productivity, photo, and very, very light gaming, that could be upgraded in the future..

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

CPU: Intel Core i3-4330 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI H81I Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($66.99 @ Mwave)
Memory: Pareema 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($73.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Micro Center)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: Silverstone RVZ01B Mini ITX Desktop Case ($87.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Gold 450W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Wireless Network Adapter: TRENDnet TEW-726EC 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($26.79 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK270 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($17.95 @ Amazon)
Total: $655.65
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-23 07:28 EDT-0400

Reasoning behind this:
CPU has best Intel Integrated Graphics at modest premium over 4130.
Cooller (hope not needed, or stock will do)
Motherboard - seemed like a good idea at the time.
RAM - low latency, don't know any better - never heard of brand.
Storage: SSD for software and OS
Storage: HDD: Didn't want to buy 512Gb SSD, 500GB HDD would do.
Case: One of the few small cases that my wife likes the look of (almost no negotiating room here)
Power Supply: Right size, but extra wattage for future Graphics card
WiFi: Need good WiFi out in our Lanai.
Keyboard: No cables

Have 17" monitor which this system is too good for.
Have Win 7 on dead laptop

What changes?
What graphics card should be added later?
Will this stay cool enough?

 
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RaDiKaL_

RaDiKaL_

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If you plan to upgrade that build later, I'd suggest to invest a little more in the mobo, you don't want its capacitors to start failing in a few years.

I'd also go with a bigger case, fitting a video card / CPU cooler (in the long run might become a need) could be problematic with a mini ITX case, you should be able to find a bigger case of your like for the same or even lower price than the one you picked up.

Having no dedicated card right now you could invest in a cheaper PSU as well, aim for bronze certification instead of gold (go with a 650w model so your PSU will be able to handle a new video card when that time comes).

Then again if budget is not an issue you could go for a gold certified PSU, but you should still get one with at least 600w so it will be able to handle future upgrades in your build.
 
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I

i7Baby

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On such a low budget build, I wouldn't include an SSD. Maybe a Hybrid SSHD instead of the HDD. It'd be a lot better with a graphics card eg

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($69.97 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($28.65 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($85.66 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Elite 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($85.84 @ Adorama)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon R7 260X 1GB Video Card ($99.99 @ Newegg) - or for another $80 - an R9 270x
Case: Cooler Master Elite 311 (Silver) ATX Mid Tower Case ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $539.07

Plus wifi card and keyboard combo.
 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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Sep 16, 2014
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Thanks for the quick input. I've added further explanation which addresses some of your concerns. There is no budget as such. I want it right, good, efficient, and inexpensive (as opposed to cheap). The SSD will bring harmony to my house :).

RaDiKat what motherboard would you suggest?
 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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As wonderful as computers are, I prefer my wife. :) For a little money, I get both.

I will look again at SSHD, but the reviews suggested that pure SSD were faster for booting and software loading.

Indeed a graphics card would improve harmony but, at the moment, it is not in the picture (no pun) Future birthday present awaits.
 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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Thanks for the help. Unfortunately, the case is almost non-negotiable (unless I can go SMALLER!). I started trying an all-in-one configuration and decided that this approach would be better so that I could add a single half-decent graphics card later.

No FPS here, but we have Skyrim, ME3, CoH-2 and Witcher 2 awaiting hardware in the future.

 
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angaddev

angaddev

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Do you even need a hard drive at all? You could get a 512GB SSD instead. Anyway, I came up with this. The 2400 RAM will increase the performance of the built-in graphics and the motherboard is higher quality.
[PCPartPicker part list](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/gHbYf7) / [Price breakdown by merchant](http://pcpartpicker.com/p/gHbYf7/by_merchant/)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4330 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($135.45 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M Anniversary Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($70.38 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($73.80 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Micro Center)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Mini R2 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: TRENDnet TEW-726EC 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($26.79 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK270 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($17.95 @ Amazon)
Total: $648.32
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-23 08:35 EDT-0400
 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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Yes. This build originally had only the MX100 512Gb, with better performance than the 256. I am still tempted and it's only $50 more expensive than these two. I have an external 500Gb USB drive I could use for backup.

Thanks for the motherboard idea and the memory.
 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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Revised configuration incorporating advice. Motherboard is different because of mini ITX form factor.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/kq9Hpg
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/kq9Hpg/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i3-4330 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($135.45 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($103.38 @ Newegg)
Memory: *G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($81.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($209.99 @ Adorama)
Case: Silverstone RVZ01B Mini ITX Desktop Case ($87.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Gold 450W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Wireless Network Adapter: TRENDnet TEW-726EC 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($26.79 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK270 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($17.95 @ Amazon)
Total: $753.52
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-23 08:53 EDT-0400

Are you sure about the 2400 memory. Partpicker notes that it's voltage requirements are higher than the processor can provide/use. 1866 seems to be the maximum.

Still looking for future Graphics card. Just how good will this CPU/RAM/Board go and maintain balance? Radeon - NVidia?
 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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What's the maximum that the CPU can really handle? Or is that no real concern? There's no point in a horribly unbalanced system. There's also the limit of the power supply, although I could upgrade to 600W, and then there will be the thermal load. This is a mighty small case with a lot of gubbins in it. Finally, this motherboard won't fit much either.

What would be the recommendation today? Then I can keep track of the envelope as things develop.
 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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Heat is certainly a concern. The reviews say that the case and the cooling are good. The board is good for 2400, but I think the processor is limited to 1.5V and so 1866 is the limit for that.

One review put a GTX760 into this case with good results.and another put a HD 6850 in it and another a GTX 560 Ti.

I wonder what modern card will work? There is room for a good low-profile CPU cooler, if needed.
 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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I hadn't considered a card of that power.

This appears to work, and only 243 Watts too. Should keep the heat down.

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/K22CCJ
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/K22CCJ/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i3-4330 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($74.70 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($209.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX Video Card ($329.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone RVZ01B Mini ITX Desktop Case ($87.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Gold 450W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Wireless Network Adapter: Intel 6235AN.HMWWB 802.11a/b/g/n Half Mini-PCI-Express Wi-Fi Adapter ($21.71 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK270 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($17.95 @ Amazon)
Total: $1040.28
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-23 18:50 EDT-0400

Just realized that the motherboard comes with a dual band WiFi card, so that will save over $20 -Woo-hoo.
 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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OK Then.

Current Configuration:

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/yqKm23
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/yqKm23/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i3-4330 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($74.70 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 512GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($209.99 @ Adorama)
Case: Silverstone RVZ01B Mini ITX Desktop Case ($87.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Gold 450W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK270 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($17.95 @ B&H)
Total: $688.58

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-24 05:21 EDT-0400

With a later upgrade in about eight months to a Graphics Card such as: (or best equivalent then)

EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX Video Card (Current price 329.99)

Any other minor tweaks from passers-by, remembering the non-negotiability of the form-factor?

I could save $40 by going back to a 256GB SSD and 1Tb 3.5" 7200 HDD
I could save $35 by going to a i3 4150 and HD4400 graphics.

As a comparison. Her existing computer:

Intel 8600 CPU
2 GB RAM
500GB 5400 HDD
NVidia 9600GT GPU

I'm expecting even without a dedicated GPU the new build will be a big step up.
 
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lp231

lp231

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From her old computer to this new one, even a HDD will be extremely fast to her. The case, did you select a few you think she would like and showed it to her or did she picked that out herself?

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI B85M-G43 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($73.71 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($73.80 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: HIS Radeon R9 270X 2GB IceQ X² Video Card ($154.99 @ Newegg)
Case: BitFenix Prodigy M Arctic White MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($99.98 @ OutletPC)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSB0 DVD/CD Writer ($13.99 @ Newegg)
Wireless Network Adapter: Rosewill N600PCE 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($14.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $633.42
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-24 12:27 EDT-0400


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: MSI H97I AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($108.99 @ Mac Mall)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Z Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($73.80 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: Silverstone RVZ01B Mini ITX Desktop Case ($91.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Gold 450W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: EVGA 100-OD-S101-BR DVD/CD Writer ($43.39 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech MK120 Wired Slim Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($13.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $659.11
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-24 12:48 EDT-0400
 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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She wanted NO CASE and NO CABLES! but I was able to persuade her to go with a small case and she researched small cases. I excluded some that would be too small to handle a graphics card and she chose this one from the remainder when I made a mock-up of it to show how small it was.

Thanks for the Ideas. The first case is out. It is too big, and I have an external ODD/burner. I'm thinking she won't be using one much.

NO CABLES is why the internet, keyboard, and mouse are wireless. One power cable to the wall is all. I'm going for a custom mount using the 75mm VESA on the back of the monitor and a small power strip to handle things, plus VERY neat cable work.

Can you please explain why you changed the processor, and why you selected that one exactly? I looked at the i5 and thought that the i3 HD4600 would be more suitable. What advantages do I get from the processor both now, and in the future? Any disadvantages?

Even though this is a modest system (although it will be a $1,000) system with a 970 or similar, I think an SSD will be worth it for general making her feel fast.
 
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lp231

lp231

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Well the first one does look like the previous gen Mac Pros. The config I did has a wired keyboard and mouse. Use the wireless one that you've picked.

I configured both machines to price match the total to what you had configured or less.
First one uses a Core i3 but it has a discrete graphic card.
The second does not have a discrete graphic card, but the processor is a more powerful Core i5.
Core i3 is a dual core with HT. Core i5 is a actual quad core. Physical cores are always better than virtual ones. Intel Core i5 also has Turbo mode and larger cache.
http://ark.intel.com/compare/80817,77769,77486
For what she does, GTX 970 will be overkill. wait for the GTX 960. SSD are fast, but comparing her current old computer to the one you're going to build for her now, it will be a huge difference with or without a SSD. But if you still want a SSD for the build, then it's your choice.
 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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Thank you for that link it was very helpful. I see what you mean. The processor 4460 is definitely better. It is, however, 33% and $45 more expensive. Is it that much better? What about the future, say three years from now? The advantage of the cheaper processor is that it will be easier for me to upgrade it sooner. I'll be 'throwing' less money away. Would I need an upgraded CPU cooling solution for the i5? How much of the 2400 speed RAM will I be able to see/notice. It will help with the HD 4600 graphics, right?

Price needs to be reasonable, but right, within my aesthetic and size limitations, is more important. My wife insists on a more expensive case which also requires a more expensive power supply, so $750+ is doable.

There seems to be general agreement that the Z97 board is right, if not that brand then similar, the same with the HDD and I like the idea of a SSD, either 256 or 512 GB. The motherboard handles wireless, I have a monitor/TV, and an ODD appears unnecessary. To get where I want to go, it is important that the GPU comes later, to ease the budgetary pain, but still have a functional system. If there is a cheaper similar sized case that can handle a single good graphics card, I could make that fly, but they seem very rare. I suggested flatter HTPC type cases, but they are 'too ugly'. The 450W SFX power-supply well-reviewed and rated and should give me enough to get many good GPUs. The i5 CPU does use another 20W over the 4330. I would rather not have to get a more expensive power-supply but it seems like I have few choices and I've chosen the modular one to help with the wiring in the smallish case.

I'm on this forum to listen to the experienced ideas and advice. I respond well to properly presented arguments.
 
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lp231

lp231

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This buy a cheaper CPU now and get a better one later one does not work because Intel's CPU prices rarely drops and if they do, it's not buy much. Oldest Core i5 running on socket 1156, still cost $167, that's about as close to the current gen Core i5 which cost $180. By going this route, you'll be throwing more money away not less. If you were to get the Core i3 and the Core i5 later on, the total combine for spending on these 2 processors would be close enough to get yourself a Core i7. Get a better CPU now so, you won't have to spend more on it in the future. And if you are, by that time, it will be a brand new motherboard with different CPU using a brand new socket and newer type of ram.
The only advantage for Z97 on the ITX is the official support for overclocking with a K part CPU, other than that, there is no benefit between Z97 and H97 or other 1150 based chipsets.
If the Core i3 is enough for her needs, then get that and save up or use that on a SSD as that is what you want to have for her build.
 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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Yes. I though that might be so. How about a i5 4690 instead? It's only a little more and seems even better.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($188.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($74.70 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.97 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: Silverstone RVZ01B Mini ITX Desktop Case ($87.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Gold 450W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK270 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($17.95 @ Amazon)
Total: $708.55
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-09-24 17:29 EDT-0400


I was looking for an H87 board as recommended somewhere above, but this one was cheaper than any H87 offered on pcpartpicker, so I though, why not?

I certainly have no overclocking planned.
 
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