Help make this $700 Micro ATX build cheaper

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thomasshera

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Jun 10, 2015
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Hello,

I'm building a Micro ATX build which will mainly be for gaming. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/fYt7Jx

Any advice? I want to save money without compromising gaming performance.

I realize I haven't picked a GPU. I'll decide that later.

Thanks! :bounce:

I'm pretty much sold on the case and keyboard and mouse set, but everything else is fair game to change.
 
Solution
Archaic59
-Upgraded i3 to core i5.
-Removed 212 EVO. Not needed for locked CPU.
-Upgraded motherboard from B85 to H97 Pro4.
-Upgraded ram to 2 sticks for dual channel.
-Removed SSD. Better CPU is far more important.
-You didn't include a power supply, added good quality Antec.
-All those case fans are a waste of money. Wait to see how case temps are.
-This is a far more powerful build.Just need to add a video card.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($176.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($79.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99...
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Archaic59

Archaic59

Polypheme
Jan 6, 2015
10,038
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-Upgraded i3 to core i5.
-Removed 212 EVO. Not needed for locked CPU.
-Upgraded motherboard from B85 to H97 Pro4.
-Upgraded ram to 2 sticks for dual channel.
-Removed SSD. Better CPU is far more important.
-You didn't include a power supply, added good quality Antec.
-All those case fans are a waste of money. Wait to see how case temps are.
-This is a far more powerful build.Just need to add a video card.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($176.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($79.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 350D Window MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($87.98 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($27.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $632.78 after rebates
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-13 23:07 EDT-0400
 
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Solution
nguyenm

nguyenm

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May 1, 2013
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10,640
Switch your i3 to a price equivalent AMD CPU and motherboard. Better bang for your buck with those cheap CPUs. Extra thermal paste is unnecessary since third party coolers always have their own. Spend a few extra bucks to get a 2x4gb ram kit, better performance. Switch the SSD+HDD with a SSHD, its not the best option but its better than nothing. For OS, if you're a University student or know anyone who is, then you can buy the education version for cheaper. Case's a bit premium for this price range but if you're already set on it then i respect that. For fans and fans controller, i believe you should use the on-board controller and occupy to the maximum of allowed fans.
That should save off a few bucks for ya
 
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Tchota

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May 11, 2015
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5,160
he case is too expensive for your build, you should get a 40$ case and invest on components that will really matter for you PC's performance



Build without SSD:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($176.98 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($79.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280 3GB Black Edition Double Dissipation Video Card ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Enermax OSTROG ATX Mid Tower Case ($37.50 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($58.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Keyboard: Cooler Master CM Storm Devastator Gaming Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($27.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $744.29
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-13 23:32 EDT-0400

you can also go with B85 motherboard that will make your build a bit cheaper:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/H834Q7

Build with SSD: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/7N4MYJ
 
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thomasshera

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Jun 10, 2015
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Thanks! I'm not sure about that case, (the case seems worth extra money since it will last decades), but everything else I think is worth a trade. I'll update my parts list :D

 
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thomasshera

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Jun 10, 2015
45
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4,530


Thanks! For me the case isn't something I consider budgeting the way I do with components, since the case will be top-notch for years (since cases don't get outdated the way parts do).

Quick question: How would you set up the fans in this case? No water cooling (too expensive and unnecessary for locked CPU), How many 140 / 120 mm fans? A reference image: http://www.monkey-gamers.com/forums/topic/best-fan-set-up-for-corsair-350d/

Also, in this setup http://pcpartpicker.com/p/X2dbQ7 , can I overclock the GPU, using this MOBO? Thanks! You've helped me get toward my dream (and budget) micro ATX.
 
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Archaic59

Archaic59

Polypheme
Jan 6, 2015
10,038
648
69,240
The case has 2 good fans, one intake and one exhaust already. The core i5 will not run hot like an AMD cpu. With the CPU fan, PSU fan and 2 case fans, you've got 4 fans already. Your GPU will also have 1-2 fans. That's 6 fans without even buying any extras. Wait and see how temps are after building it. There's plenty of free monitoring software you can use to keep track of temps. It's very likely you won't need any more fans. Don't fill fan spots just to fill them.

Overclocking the GPU is independent of the motherboard when the GPU uses external PCIe power connectors. As long as the GPU supports software OC and the power supply is good you'll have no problems.
 
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