PC Build vs Pre-Built

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BrunchToaster

BrunchToaster

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Apr 8, 2015
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Right now I use a MacBook Pro (2.3GHz Intel Core i7 / 8GB 1600Mhz DDR3 / 256GB SSD).

Looking for a good equivalent or better performance windows SFF PC build/Pre-built for under $1300US/$1600CAN. I've been looking at Alienware X51 and other suppliers like Origin and Digital Storm. Alienware X51 seems like a good fit but it has a pretty low rating on BestBuy.ca and no reviews: http://bit.ly/1aCnwfY

Use: for Gaming, Maya / 3DSMax, and CS6 After Effects / Flash / Photoshop.
Size: Small Form Factor / Laptop
Preferences: i7 4790 or better, SSD storage, quiet & cool, 8GB - 16GB RAM (1600MHz DDR3 or better)

Any suggestions for good PCs? Builds? or Laptops?
 
Solution
James Mason
You don't need to 212 evo, you can't overclock the CPU and the stock fan will be fine, also you live in Canada, it doesn't really get hot there.

650 is quite a bit more than you need wattage wise, the 450 I had before is still fine, you only need 350 to actually run the system.

The reason I chose this faster Ram is because you specifically stated you'd be doing 3d graphics and such, and in that instance the faster ram helps. For gaming only 1600 would be fine, and these are also the same price.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($372.85 @ shopRBC)
Motherboard: MSI H97M-G43 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($90.04 @...
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James Mason

James Mason

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Jan 2, 2014
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Well, you can't build your own laptop.

But you won't get a laptop that performs anywhere near as good as a PC you built yourself, you can keep the macbook for projects you need on the go, but then keep the desktop at home to do real work with.

This is still a pretty small build that could carry around under your arm or in something the size of a duffel bag though.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($372.85 @ shopRBC)
Motherboard: MSI H97I AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($141.00 @ Vuugo)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($150.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Storage: Samsung 850 Pro Series 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($198.98 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Canada Computers)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 960 2GB Video Card ($258.98 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 130 Mini ITX Tower Case ($64.99 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 450W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($96.50 @ Vuugo)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSC0 DVD/CD Writer ($17.50 @ Vuugo)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (32/64-bit) ($107.92 @ shopRBC)
Total: $1459.69
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-11 15:29 EDT-0400
 
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BrunchToaster

BrunchToaster

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Apr 8, 2015
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Awesome, thanks! What do you think of this build?
I think 650W PSU is a bit much and I'm not sure about the Motherboard or the GPU I chose. What changes would you make?
http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/WFqqyc
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($372.85 @ shopRBC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($33.05 @ Vuugo)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($93.50 @ Vuugo)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($139.99 @ NCIX)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($143.94 @ shopRBC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.95 @ Vuugo)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($384.99 @ NCIX)
Case: BitFenix Prodigy M Midnight MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($99.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: Corsair RM 650W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($109.99 @ NCIX)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($114.99 @ Canada Computers)
Total: $1558.24
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-11 15:49 EDT-0400
 
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James Mason

James Mason

Titan
Jan 2, 2014
13,553
7
74,965
You don't need to 212 evo, you can't overclock the CPU and the stock fan will be fine, also you live in Canada, it doesn't really get hot there.

650 is quite a bit more than you need wattage wise, the 450 I had before is still fine, you only need 350 to actually run the system.

The reason I chose this faster Ram is because you specifically stated you'd be doing 3d graphics and such, and in that instance the faster ram helps. For gaming only 1600 would be fine, and these are also the same price.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i7-4790 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($372.85 @ shopRBC)
Motherboard: MSI H97M-G43 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($90.04 @ DirectCanada)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($139.99 @ NCIX)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($143.94 @ shopRBC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($64.95 @ Vuugo)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($399.98 @ DirectCanada)
Case: BitFenix Prodigy M Midnight MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($99.99 @ Memory Express)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 450W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($96.50 @ Vuugo)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSC0 DVD/CD Writer ($17.50 @ Vuugo)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($114.99 @ Canada Computers)
Total: $1540.73
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-04-11 19:11 EDT-0400
 
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Solution
James Mason

James Mason

Titan
Jan 2, 2014
13,553
7
74,965


Yeah, what you'll have to do i believe is just remove the center drive cage, shouldn't be too hard, you'll still have 2 slots open for the two HDD's you'll be putting in there.
 
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