Any suggestions/changes?

[iedgar10]

Hello everyone! I'm building a computer for one of my family members with a $600 budget. Here is what i selected so far. Do you guys recommend any substitutions on any of the parts below and most importantly, everything works together, right? I've built two systems so far but i'm always slightly worried that I'm getting something that won't work well together.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811208027
- CASE

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130293
- MOBO

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103871
-CPU

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104216
- Memory

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136497
- HDD

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136177
- DVD Burner

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341022
- PSU

and Windows 7 HP Retail....

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
PS- I know he's missing a graphics card but $600 is his budget now. He said he would get more things for it later so it made sense for me to leave room to upgrade the video later on...it seems more reasonable than downgrading his CPU and other stuff.
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Approximate Purchase Date: this week

Budget Range: 550-650 (my total as of now is $650ish with shipping)

System Usage from Most to Least Important: All kinds of things. No intense gaming unless a sub $150 upgrade will allow this build to do it.

Parts Not Required: Graphics card AT THE MOMENT

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: any with the lowest prices

Country of Origin: United States of America

Parts Preferences: AMD way

Overclocking: Not unless a high percentage of people suggest I do it.

SLI or Crossfire: No

Monitor Resolution: N/A

 

[Twoboxer]

Memory - would suggest 4GB if you can afford it (2x2GB), or 2x1GB if you can't to take advantage of dual channel operation.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134637
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231253

HD - Suggest Samsung Spinpoint F3, faster drive, same price:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152181&cm_re=samsung_spinpoint_f3-_-22-152-181-_-Product

Case: Not suggesting anything is wrong with your choice, but the real staff here did a two part review of many cases "under" $50 that you might find fun to read through:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/antec-three-hundred-enermax-staray-cooler-master-elite-430,2707.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/nzxt-gamma-rosewill-challenger-silverstone-precision,2723.html

PSU: Better PSU, a few bucks less:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151094

 

[iedgar10]

Thanks so much TwoBoxer! For the RAM I do have four GB. I forgot to mention that I had two of each for the Kingston RAM.

I read through the articles that you posted as well. Although I think the other cases are probably better quality but my uncle said he liked what the other one looked like the best so i guess we'll stick to what he wants since he's the one paying for it lol

I DID swap out the psu i had originally selected for the one you recommended, thanks!

Besides the points above, any other suggestions? Is the RAM i selected okay or do you think other brands would be better/cheaper?

 

[ScrewySqrl]

by taking advantage of combos, you can get a decent gaming system for $600.

Quad core, 4 GB RAM, USB3/SATA3 motherboard, and a mid-range video card.


Rosewill Destroyer and AMD Phenom II X4 955: $189.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.514425
a solid phenom II, easy to mildly overclock. The destroyer case comes with 3 fans, and can take up to 4 more 120mm fans (2 side, 1 top, one bottom)

G.Skill 4 GB DDR3-1333 (10666) RAM: $61.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231396
Cheap. Reliable. What more do you want?

AS Rock 770 Extreme 3 motherboard: $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157195
cheapest reliable USB3/SATA3 mobo, for future upgrades. Its a 16x/4x PCIe slots, so its really single card.

OCZ 550W Fatal1ty PSU an 1 TB Samsung F3 Spinpoint hard drive: $114.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.514469
solid enough psu,

LG 24x DVD burner: $16.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289
Again, cheap, reliable.

Asus HD 6850: $179.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121399

total $638.92

with shipping $658.99
if thats too much, swapping some combos around can get you an Athlon II X4 640 instead for abot $30 less

 

[iedgar10]

Sqrl!

Thanks for the advice! I swapped out the DVD drive for the one you suggested to save a couple bucks. Unfortunately, I can't swap the other things because the budget is $600ish dollars INCLUDING the cost of a full retail version of WIN7 HP.

 

[Atotalnoob]

Try and get a cheAper gpu, once i get home i'll put something together, imma on my phone..... Xd, long board meetings stink

 

[Twoboxer]

May I ask why you're buying a full retail version instead of the OEM copy for $100 (and usually part of a combo for $90.)? Does your uncle expect to call Microsoft for support?

Good thinking on the case - give him what he chose, unless its a known problem. Only other choice is to let him read those articles lol - and that's prolly not worth it.

Its a nice thing you are doing - good luck on the build.

 

[etk]

The RAM sqrl suggested is cheaper (and better) than the two sticks of RAM you had, since his 61.99 includes both sticks. You'll want to buy it in pairs anyway.

 

[iedgar10]

@twoboxer
I'm getting the full retail for the JustInCase support and to later be able to upgrade components as he wishes. I think this one might last him all the way through until new tech comes around. I've never used an OEM copy of windows before but on my computer I've swapped my MOBO and CPU around left and right without having a problem. I don't know if there REALLY is a problem or if there REALLY IS NOT a problem when upgrading using an OEM version. It could be that you're just "not supposed to do it" but I don't really know since a lot of different forums on the web say different things and I've never really had any experience with it. BUT, if you guys say that we CAN upgrade parts with some minor tweaking I'll trust you guys. I'm all in for saving him $80 bucks and putting it towards something else.

@etk
Is the G.Skill really that much better? This is an honest question, i really don't know lol The reason I went for the Kingston is because it has blue heat spreaders and it'll look nicer inside his case. I think he would enjoy looking at the blue kingstons better. But if there is more than a marginal performance difference then I WILL swap out looks for performance.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

here's a second build, including windows this time:

AMD Athlon X3 445 and Asus 785G: $142.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.526610

Antec BP550 and Aerocool case: $104.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.540187

G.Skill 4 GB DDR3-13333 (10666) RAM: $61.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231396

Samsung 1 TB HDD [strike]$69.99[/strike] $54.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185

LiteOn 2x4 DVD burner: [strike]$16.99[/strike] $15.29
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289

MSI GTS 450 1 GB : $119.99 w/ $25 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127527

Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit OEM: $99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754

Total: $600.21 plus $12.80 shipping
$613.01 with a $25 rebate.

 

[Twoboxer]

@twoboxer
I'm getting the full retail for the JustInCase support and to later be able to upgrade components as he wishes. . . . BUT, if you guys say that we CAN upgrade parts with some minor tweaking I'll trust you guys. I'm all in for saving him $80 bucks and putting it towards something else.

Regardless of full retail or OEM, whenever you change the HD or mobo you will need to re-activate Windows. The procedure is simple and you are led through it online. Most times it happens automatically with the click of a mouse. I can also verify from personal experience that a cpu change (same mobo & HD) has not triggered re-activation; some others say it has.

Given the rapidly changing state of technology and the failure rate of HDs and mobos, Microsoft would never require that those components be replaced with identical components. And the fact is, they don't. Microsoft's main interest is that one copy of Windows is used on one and only one PC.

So, don't be afraid of being unable to replace and/or upgrade parts. DO expect to have to call in or go through an additional procedure if you, say, replace the mobo three times in a short period.

The real issue is this: with an OEM copy of Windows, Microsoft provides ZERO free support. Support is to be provided by the builder (ie, you) of the system in return for the steep discount on the license. If your uncle isn't going to call Microsoft, go OEM. If he might call Microsoft, go retail to get a limited amount of support and to make him independent of you, the builder, if you want.

@etk
Is the G.Skill really that much better? This is an honest question, i really don't know lol The reason I went for the Kingston is because it has blue heat spreaders and it'll look nicer inside his case. I think he would enjoy looking at the blue kingstons better. But if there is more than a marginal performance difference then I WILL swap out looks for performance.

G.Skill and Mushkin are often recommended here because they are quality vendors and they seem to be least likely to wind up the subject of a thread here lol. That's important to those of us who recommend stuff to you.

Kingston memory will perform at its advertised spec, and if that's the same spec as, eg, G.Skill parts . . . the performance will be identical. Which one is least likely to arrive DOA? fail prematurely? Overclock better? Dunno without testing that sample. At the end of the day, Kingston is not "memory to be avoided" . . . OTOH, G.Skill is easier for us to recommend. Go with what you want.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

G.Skill and Mushkin are often recommended here because they are quality vendors and they seem to be least likely to wind up the subject of a thread here lol. That's important to those of us who recommend stuff to you.

Kingston memory will perform at its advertised spec, and if that's the same spec as, eg, G.Skill parts . . . the performance will be identical. Which one is least likely to arrive DOA? fail prematurely? Overclock better? Dunno without testing that sample. At the end of the day, Kingston is not "memory to be avoided" . . . OTOH, G.Skill is easier for us to recommend. Go with what you want.

one addition to that quote: "G.Skill and Mushkin are often recommended here because they are quality vendors and they seem to be least likely to wind up the subject of a thread here." ... and they tend to be at the top of the 'Lowest Price' sorting on Newegg, meaning you save a few dollars getting them

 

[iedgar10]

@TwoBoxer:
I guess I'll go for the OEM version! the only reason to call MS is.....well i can't think of one! haha but I'll ask my uncle and see if he's okay with loosing the MS support. I don't mind helping him out when something is wrong. Plus, I doubt something will go wrong often.

Since I we'll be getting an OEM WIN7 this leaves an extra $80 to put towards something else. What shall it be? I was thinking of upgrading his processor to this
UPGRADE TO THIS:
AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727
at $159.99

UPGRADING FROM THIS:
AMD Athlon II X4 640 Propus 3.0GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103871&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=3463938&SID=

Is the processor upgrade worth it or should i put the $80 towards something else? Like a mid range video card? I personally think he would get a bigger boost in performance with a video card, or no?
I was looking at this:
VisionTek 900329 Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129163&cm_re=HD_4850-_-14-129-163-_-Product
@ $89.99

All this help is awesome guys! Thank you!

 

[etk]

Personally, I'd spend it on a boot SSD. He can always throw in a video card later, but he may not be as willing/able to go through re-installing windows, etc.

Otherwise, the Video card (for games) or the 955CPU(for a general purpose computer) would work.

 

[iedgar10]

I'm not sure the SSD would be that great of an idea since I'm sure he's going to store a lot of music and stuff on there. I don't think 60ish GB will be enough for him after he installs programs on there and stuff and if he gets another separate drive then i think he's gonna go way over his budget. Thanks for the suggestion though!

 

[Twoboxer]

one addition to that quote: "G.Skill and Mushkin are often recommended here because they are quality vendors and they seem to be least likely to wind up the subject of a thread here." ... and they tend to be at the top of the 'Lowest Price' sorting on Newegg, meaning you save a few dollars getting them

Amen!

 

[iedgar10]

Best answer selected by iedgar10.

 

[iedgar10]

i ended up getting everything I originally said with the following changes:

1tb samsung spinpoint for about $56 with a 10% discount
I got the Seasonic psu suggested by the best answer

I'm working on the build now and will confirm everything works when i'm done!
Thank you guys so much!

 

[iedgar10]

ps- the total came to 608.23 including shipping, a hdd promo code and a promo code fomr something else which i can't remember which it was at the moment
Also, i got OEM win7 so i guess i'll burn in before activating just in case lol I don't want the build to take longer than it has to. I know my uncle is eager to get his pc. We also did some paint work on the interior of the case so it's a metalic blue inside as opposed to the standard greyish color that was originally on the inside. It looks pretty nice.

 

[Atotalnoob]

awesome =D

 

[Cratevoodoo]

Ok, I'll try to be brief because I know its just another post of 'tell me what to buy!'.

Here is what I have been using for last 6 or 7 yrs. I built this thing for 600 bucks and absolutely have loved it. I have had it continually overclocked at what I'm guessing is around 10-11% and only issues I have had is smoking a RAM module, burned up 2 PSU's, and had to upgrade cpu fan as well as anually (ANUALLY...not anally) reapply some ArcticSilver. Only complaint is she is gettin old now and can NOT handle any of the newer stuff with any eye candy turned on or the system just hangs, locks up, etc. Assassin's Creed, Fallout, etc. I was pushing the machines limits when I was playin Oblivion and was absolutely at its best playing BF2 or DAoC.


MSI 865PE Neo3 motherboard (LGA775 socket) with 2.9ghz Prescott cpu (OC'd to 3.26ghz) I have 4 case fans I have added with an independant powersupply
4gb dual channel DDR400 PC-3200 RAM
1 80gb WD PATA drive (only has OS on it)
1 320GB Raid-0 drive (2 WD caviar 160gb SATA drives)
1 Nvidia 7600GT 256mb AGP 8x card
550w PSU
other usb peripherals, flight sticks, throttles, wireless keyboard/mouse, etc.

I guess what my main question is is this:
What the heck can a guy salvage out of this to at least jump me forward to the stoneage? I would not be opposed to new cpu if that would help things as I know mine is tired,...soooo..would ANY LGA775 processor work? Surely not, right? How about a good MB/CPU combo with new ram...what's a good pkg for a full time gaming PC? I'm having a hard time finding a MB where I don't have to replace my graphics card as well. I have seen a couple where you can use an older AGP for a bit on an AGP port then later when you can afford an nice PCI E you can switch. I even saw two boards where you can use both simultaneously somewhat like a crossfire or SLI pairing. Anyways. What I am trying NOT to do is buy a new PC's worth of parts. That's the plan next year, I'll build a new one when budget is no concern...but right now I just want to bump up the graphics to full on Fallen Earth.

Hopefully my question is clear enough to you folks. I have twin 4yr olds needing some Dad-time so I might be choppy and terse. Anyhow, any help or insight you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Atotalnoob]

uhh open your own thread =D