First Time Builder NEED ADVICE

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
M

Michaelk93

Reputable
Jul 18, 2015
5
0
4,510
This will be my first build and I was looking for some input/feedback on some of the hardware I've chosen.

I mainly use my computer for school, so I mostly use the web (many website open at once), office (several Word, Powerpoint and Excel docs open at once). I also steam Netflix and YouTube quite often. I also plan to eventually run a dual monitor setup. I will also be using an HDD and an SSD.

My budget for the build (no peripherals) is between 1000$-1200$ and could put up a little more if it will be worth it.

Here's some or the hardware I was looking into:

- i5-4590 (or something just above/below this one)
- msi z97 gaming 5/asus z97-a/gigabyte ga-297x-ud3h *considering these 3*
- I have absolutely no idea which graphics card to choose
- For memory I was thinking of running 2x8Gb DDR3 but I'm looking for advice on which brand to use. Also I was wondering if someone could explain to me which speed RAM I should use since the MOBO will be able to OC it but I don know much about OC and how it works
- 1 TB western digital HDD 7200 RPM
- 120 Gb Samsung SSD
- 120mm 212 EVO
- And I need some suggestions for cases that will fit this and will also leave me room for cable management, airflow and room upgrade in the future.

Thanks in advance for any feedback/recommendations
 
Solution
p_nut_uk
Ok I go a couple examples

1. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/sj7PkL $500

This one will do everything you need it to do, web browse etc, the R7 240 graphics card can display 2 monitors, slightly larger SSD than you wanted but SSD's have become more reliable than HDD's now. I chose a single stick of ram as it'll be fast enough for your needs and gives you the option to upgrade in the future.

Also the case is more of a placeholder, red might not be your thing, you can of course change, there'll be plenty of room for cable management in most tower style cases.

2. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/cBdCQ7 $550-$600

This one is much the same but in Mini itx form with cooler and a more powerful card, not that you need it but it does have 2 DVI-D ports...
Sort by date Sort by votes
p_nut_uk

p_nut_uk

Reputable
Oct 28, 2014
591
0
5,160
Is gaming on the agenda at all? If not then you may be best served by an AMD processor which has inbuilt graphics something like a A10 -7850K. That would also require a different motherboard

As for memory 16gb is probably overkill, 8gb is enough for your purpose, but if you want 16gb then that's fine, (it's your money). As for speed, it honestly doesn't matter all that much (if someone can prove to me why it does please let me know, honestly), so many other things will hold a system back before memory speed.

As the AMD CPU is much cheaper you could spend more on an SSD and get a bigger capacity one.

Everyone will have a different opinion on cases, as you'll be able to see it, get one you like the look off.

You could build a pc to meet your needs for under $600, spending $1000 on a web browsing machine for me is not worth it.

If you wanted me to piece an example together I could so you could get an idea,

 
Upvote 1 Downvote
M

Michaelk93

Reputable
Jul 18, 2015
5
0
4,510
No gaming is not on the agenda. I decided to stay away from the AMD A series based on the fact that I will be running dual monitors and assumed that a decided GPU would be best. That being said I read several negative reviews on a few AMD CPU's which scared me away. The Intel's in the same price range had nothing but good reviews.

I was only considering a 120Gb SSD because I was not planing on storing the bulk of my files on it but rather my OS plus the programs/files I use most often.

It would be amazing if you could take the time to piece an example together for me.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
p_nut_uk

p_nut_uk

Reputable
Oct 28, 2014
591
0
5,160
Ok I go a couple examples

1. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/sj7PkL $500

This one will do everything you need it to do, web browse etc, the R7 240 graphics card can display 2 monitors, slightly larger SSD than you wanted but SSD's have become more reliable than HDD's now. I chose a single stick of ram as it'll be fast enough for your needs and gives you the option to upgrade in the future.

Also the case is more of a placeholder, red might not be your thing, you can of course change, there'll be plenty of room for cable management in most tower style cases.

2. http://pcpartpicker.com/p/cBdCQ7 $550-$600

This one is much the same but in Mini itx form with cooler and a more powerful card, not that you need it but it does have 2 DVI-D ports and an HDMI port for a 3 monitor setup should that be a future consideration.

Bare in mind those prices, I'd look at the base price an add a little bit for shipping, although you can look elsewhere for the same parts.

Additionally if you wanted to you could change the CPU for an i3 but you probably wouldn't see any improvement for your needs.

The watercooler is not needed but again if that's what you want then feel free. These are just my suggestions :)
 
Upvote 1 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom