Help with budget "family" PC build, please.

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testudoAubreii

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Jun 20, 2012
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10,780
Hello.

I am looking to build a budget PC. The PC will be used for general web browsing, occasional movies and streaming (media files from the PC to TVs and devices on home network) and Microsoft Office...just general stuff really. I will also need it to have wireless internet capabilities.

I am open to any build type, but I would like to keep it as small as possible. I really dig the Thermaltake V1 mini-ITX case, though.

I am not sure what CPU I should go with. I mean, would an i3 suffice, or perhaps something under it? Am I correct in thinking that 8GB of RAM should do the trick?

I would like my budget to be as inexpensive as possible. I would like to keep it below $350-400, if I can. I have a monitor, keyboard and mouse and Windows 10. And, I already have a 128 GB SSD. I have external HDDs for added storage.

Anyhow, I would really appreciate any and all help, advice and suggestions that you all have.

Thank you in advance for your responses!
 
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logainofhades
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Hlsgsz

Hlsgsz

Champion
Feb 29, 2016
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Go for an i3, as you never know when you may want to throw a PGU in there and game a little. It's good to have.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-6100 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor ($110.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H110M-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($61.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($30.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Tower Case ($42.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX Power Supply ($33.69 @ Directron)
Total: $280.63
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-15 16:08 EDT-0400
 
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geofelt

geofelt

Titan
Oct 9, 2006
54,334
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I like the case, no reason not to buy one.

I3-6100 is a great cpu.
It includes an adequate cooler.
The integrated HD530 graphics will do the job.
It is perhaps the equivalent of a $80 discrete graphics card.
It will play hd movies.

You can use any lga1151 ITX motherboard.
I would pick one that uses DDR4 ram.
Buy a 2 x 4gb ddr4 ram kit of 2400 speed.
You always want dual channel for better performance.
Particularly using integrated graphics.

Many things want to go on windows "C" drive.
120gb is ok for starters, but I would plan on a future capacity upgrade.
Can you possibly use that 120gb ssd to perk up a laptop?
If you should ever want to use a discrete graphics card, look for a motherboard with wifi included. It will be a bit more expensive.
USB wifi dongles will work, but without an antenna, they are weak.

 
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logainofhades

logainofhades

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Moderator
Apr 27, 2009
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Mostly agree with this one. I would change the PSU to the new Corsair CX450M. Better quality and modular. You even have the budget for a graphics card, should you want to do any gaming.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-6100 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor ($110.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H110M-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($61.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Aegis 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($30.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 950 2GB Video Card ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Tower Case ($42.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: Corsair CXM 450W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $436.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-15 16:50 EDT-0400
 
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Hlsgsz

Hlsgsz

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Feb 29, 2016
8,003
5
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Are the new CXMs better than teh old CX/Ms?
 
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Barty1884

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
Apr 16, 2015
22,250
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Not sure if you're factoring in an OS in the $350-$400 range?

I'd throw an alternative case out for consideration. Smaller profile, albeit more expensive. Still room for a full-size GPU in future if you want to go down that route.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-6100 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor ($110.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG C7 40.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($37.33 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H110M-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($61.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: GeIL EVO POTENZA 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($32.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone RVZ02B HTPC Case ($64.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 300W 80+ Certified SFX Power Supply ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($89.00 @ B&H)
Total: $436.26
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-16 10:28 EDT-0400

That's including an aftermarket cooler & an OS. Realistically, the stock cooler would be fine, bringing it just under $400 with the OS.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i3-6100 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor ($110.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H110M-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($61.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: GeIL EVO POTENZA 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($32.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone RVZ02B HTPC Case ($64.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 300W 80+ Certified SFX Power Supply ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Home OEM 64-bit ($89.00 @ B&H)
Total: $398.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-08-16 10:30 EDT-0400
 
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