Advice re spec and parts

[happybuzzbob126]

Hi,

I need some advice regarding a new build I would like to put together. I had an old Dell but that died recently and I'd like to build a computer, although I just broke my arm, so I might need to enlist some help!!

I’ve approximately €800-950 – ($1,100 – 1,300)

The main uses for the computer would be a recording live TV, watching/burning Blu-Ray, streaming music and Video along with interwebbing and some video/audio editing/encoding, also, at some stage in the future maybe some gaming(I've a 10yr old son) although it isnt a major requirement at the moment.

My current Keyboard, mouse and speakers are fine and I’ll hang on to them.
With that in mind some advice re. suitable/compatible/necessary parts etc would be helpful. I’m based in the Ireland.

What I had in mind was,

Processor: Intel Core i5 750
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-299-IN

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-P55-UD5
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-203-GI

RAM: Corsair XMS3 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C8
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-202-CS

Case:? Doesnt have to be fancy.


Cooling units:? What would you suggest, does it need any?


Video card:??? bearing in mind the use, I would prefer functional rather than powerful.

Power supply:? What will I need?

Internal Hard drive:Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 500GB

Optical Drive: LG BH10LS30 10x BluRay-RW / 16 x DVD±RW Drive - Black
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CD-106-LG&groupid=701&catid=10&subcat=

Or
LG BDRW SATA Blu-ray rewriter BH10LS30.AUAR10B
http://www.microdirect.co.uk/Home/Product/44767/LG-BDRW-SATA-Blu-ray-rewriter-BH10LS30-AUAR10B


Operating system: Windows 7 Profesional

Monitor: Samsung F2080 20" Widescreen LCD Monitor or any better suggestions?
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-123-SA


Extras? Good TV card?


I was intending to install the hard drive from my old computer as it worked fine and was only recently updated. With that, I was thinking of dual booting with xp. Could you see how this might cause any problems?

Any advice appreciated.


Thanks.

 

[gkay09]

^ Hi...for your usage, I feel the i5 750 is overpowered...but will last you long though...
Your usage seems to be more like a HTPC requirement...
Why not try the Intel i5s/ i3s with the inbuilt graphics card ? They have ultralow power consumption, the inbuilt graphics card would suffice all your needs(but for gaming, you will need a discrete card though)...
But if you want to buy a powerful rig, then stick with the i5 750

 

[happybuzzbob126]

^ Hi...for your usage, I feel the i5 750 is overpowered...but will last you long though...
Your usage seems to be more like a HTPC requirement...
Why not try the Intel i5s/ i3s with the inbuilt graphics card ? They have ultralow power consumption, the inbuilt graphics card would suffice all your needs(but for gaming, you will need a discrete card though)...
But if you want to buy a powerful rig, then stick with the i5 750

I was thinking about the Core i5 650 instead, but it is a bit of a toss up between longevity and practicality. If it really would save me on a graphics card I'd probably go for the 650, but since gaming might be an option, I thought the 750 and a card might be a better bet... Is the power consumption that much lower between a an i5 650 and a 750?

 

[gkay09]

^ Well you have a good point there about the gaming...
And as for the power consumptiom, Yes it would noticeably be less -
i5 750 Setup - CPU - 95W TDP + Graphics card -> ~50W-75W - Total - ~180W
i5 650 Setup - CPU + Graphics card -> 73W Total (The TDP of the CPU includes the TDP of the graphics too)

Also you can always add a discrete graphcis card, which can handle games well and also the i5 650 is powerful enough to run games at decent levels and resolution with a good graphics card...And by the way what kind of games are you talking about ?

 

[gkay09]

It would be good if you could read more reviews of those CPUs before you take your decision....

 

[happybuzzbob126]

It would be good if you could read more reviews of those CPUs before you take your decision....

Thanks for your advice about the processor, I'm certainly considering my options about which i5 650/750 to choose based on the power consumption. Concerning the rest of the set up do you have any recommendations.

 

[happybuzzbob126]

Does anyone else have any other suggestions re the psu and case choices I might need?

thanks

 

[gkay09]

^ Just noticed that monitor...Why go for a low resolution one ?
Go with a 1080p monitor...For nearly the same price or even less, you can get good 1080p monitors...
http://www.ebuyer.com/search?sort=pricelow&ca149=1920%2Bx%2B1080&store=5&cat=12&condition=new&limit=10&page=1

CASE - Depends on your taste...
If you dont mind a Mid tower case standing next to your TV, then go for Antec 200/ 300...Or just browse through the options and post the case which you like...So that we can check if its of good quality...

As for the PSU, if it was just a media center PC, then a 400W PSU would have sufficeied...but as you want to keep the option of adding a graphics card later on, then atleast a 500W PSU from any of these manufacturers - Antec/ Silverstone/ Seasonic/ PCP&S/ Corsair/ OCZ/ Cooler Master Real Power, Silent PRO...
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/500W-Silverstone-ST50F-Silent-PSU-120mm-Fan-Dual-plus12V
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/120377
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/152009
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/500W-Silverstone-Tech-Strider-SST-ST50F-ES-80-Plus-SLI-CrossFire-EPS-12V-20-24-pin-120mm-Fan