My first build. Building for expandability, light gaming ...

mallozzi

Reputable
Apr 19, 2015
10
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4,510
Hi guys,

I've been wanting to build my own computer for ages. I always thought the idea of building a new computer meant it would last longer and be easier to upgrade. I do a lot of photography and video editing and my current PC (HP 7330N) can't keep up anymore. I can't really complain as its lasted what seems like forever.

My ultimate goal with this build is to have something that once again will seemingly 'last forever' or at the very least give me a very healthy upgrade path.


Budget Range:
$700 - $800 Canadian Dollars

System Usage from Most to Least Important:
Currently: Adobe Suites, Video editing, Casual gaming (if I see something I like), basic internet stuff (email, surfing) Mostly basic internet stuff for now.
In the future: I want to possibly get into sound recording and be in an okay position to view / manipulate 4k video content.

Parts Not Required:
From my current PC I plan on salvaging a Wireless card (a/b/g/n), Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black (intend to use as a media drive and boot from a SSD) and an older Nvidia video card (though I believe on board video from most of these new intel processors is quite good)

Preferred Website(s) for Parts:
I've been using PCpartpciker.ca to help gather all the different items I'll need.

I've created a saved part list which outlines the direction I'm going with the build and include: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/WmpXjX

Country:
Canada

Parts Preferences:

CPU: I'm thinking of using a Pentium g3258 and doing a low overclock to 4ghz (something safe with a stock fan). Down the road, once I've saved up enough I want to drop in a i5 4690K or a use a i7 4790K. (I need to save up for these as they're quite a bit more expensive than i'm willing to spend right now.) Is this a sound choice?

Motherboard: Definitely looking for advise on this. I know that I want Z97 because I intend on overclocking the processor and I've already purchased a case (the Corsair Air 240) so the motherboard has to be MicroATX or Mini ITX. I don't see myself using SLI so that isn't required. I do intend on maxing out ram. Currently looking at: Gigabyte GA-Z97M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150

Memory: Newegg had a deal for their Crucial Ballistix Tactical 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory. Its low-profile so it'll promote better airflow in the case. I've already purchased this ram and intend on maxing it out in the future. (I know its overkill)

Case: Bought the Corsair Air 240. Liked the separation and cable management.

PSU: Corsair? EVGA? Opinions? I'm thinking 500w should be good for now. Advise?

GPU: I'm thinking of using on board video until I find a card or deal I like.

SSD: as a boot drive i'm thinking Samsung EVO 850 250gb. Anyone with alternate suggestions?

Monitor Resolution:
I have a Samsung 245bw monitor. I believe the resolution is 1600x1200 (16:10 aspect ratio) I'm fine working at this resolution and if I were to use the computer for gaming this would be my max resolution.

Additional Comments:
I intend on building this computer over the next month or so. Buying parts as they go on sale and as I can find the funds. I do have a few more questions though:

- I'm thinking that I might initially hold off on the GPU purchase and either use my current GPU or stick with the onboard video that the Intel powers for budget reasons. (Your thoughts on this? Good move, bad move?)

- I have a copy of Windows 7 Pro (non OEM) on my HP, will I be able to bring that over? or should I pony up for a OEM copy of Windows 10?

I hope I was able to provide enough info. If you have any questions please let me know!

Thanks guys!
 
Solution
This will be an awesome build for ya but it does not have any integrated graphics so if you have one laying around, this will be a beast:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($359.08 @ shopRBC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($111.31 @ DirectCanada)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($99.99 @ NCIX)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($113.19 @ Vuugo)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Canada Computers)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX Power Supply ($52.64 @...
This will be an awesome build for ya but it does not have any integrated graphics so if you have one laying around, this will be a beast:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($359.08 @ shopRBC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($111.31 @ DirectCanada)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($99.99 @ NCIX)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($113.19 @ Vuugo)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Canada Computers)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX Power Supply ($52.64 @ shopRBC)
Total: $806.20
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-01-23 14:18 EST-0500

If you don't have a random graphics card laying around, then this will be less powerful definitely but based on Skylake:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($277.19 @ Vuugo)
Motherboard: MSI B150 Gaming M3 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($149.75 @ Vuugo)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2400 Memory ($113.88 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($113.19 @ Vuugo)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($69.99 @ Canada Computers)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX Power Supply ($52.64 @ shopRBC)
Total: $776.64
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-01-23 14:22 EST-0500
 
Solution