Budget Family Computer CPU?

[soloby]

Hi guys, I'm trying to build a PC for my family.
It's main purpose is to watch HD Videos.
I usually order from Newegg or Microcenter, whichever one has the lower price.



The hardest thing for this build is to keep it under my very thin wallet, and I set the budget to $250.
I have a Windows 7, a DVD-ROM, and the computer case, so I'll need recommendation for:

CPU
Motherboard
RAM
HARD DRIVE
PSU
Graphics Card (IF needed, I think some of the on board graphics on the newer mobos will be fine for our purposes)


Detailed help would really be appreciated.

 

[king smp]

I would definitley consider this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.679854

that is a SandyBridge Pentium G620 build with integrated graphics for
$225

would just need a PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026&Tpk=power%20supplies

that is a Corsair which is JohnnyGuru recommended
it is $25 after mail in so that would keep you at $250
for a decent budget build

 

[soloby]

I would definitley consider this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.679854

that is a SandyBridge Pentium G620 build with integrated graphics for
$225

would just need a PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026&Tpk=power%20supplies

that is a Corsair which is JohnnyGuru recommended
it is $25 after mail in so that would keep you at $250
for a decent budget build

I agree with the PSU (I was looking to purchase the exact same model)

but isn't the G620 a little weak compared to some of the newer ones?

If you don't mind me asking, how does it compare to some of the AMD models? such as 955 BE (with a mild overclock)?

I ask this only because while 955 is a little more expensive, there are much more cheaper AM3 motherboards then on that combo.


Thanks for the input

 

[king smp]

the G620 onboard graphics would be better than what you would get on a AM3 board
also gives you option to got to a I5 2400/2500 or I7 2600k later on
and remember the G620 is a Sandybridge
take a look at this review
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/pentium-g850-g840-g620_10.html#sect0

the 955 would be a better choice for now
but in the long run the upgrade path for the 1155 socket G620
is just to great
a year or two from now you could put in a I5 2500 quad core

 

[king smp]

the I5-2400 3.1 turbo 3.6 is only $189 right now
so in a year or two it hopefully will be under $150
and would be an awesome upgrade

 

[king smp]

the G620 is brand new
awesome budget processor

and that build gives you 4gb ram and a 1tb Barracuda drive

If you dont like it I understand
it is just my humble opinion
a Llano build could be interesting also
but dont know if it will under budget
do remember that the AM3 socket is near the end of its life
in the next year or two it will be becoming obsolete

 

[king smp]

I get the feeling since you mention OCing a 955 BE that is more of a budget
Performance PC than a family computer
Nothing wrong with that
Remember a Pentium SandyBridge CPU will match up core to core
easily with a 955
so unless you are using multhreaded apps link encoder/renderers
etc than really a quad core is overkill for a family computer
for most gaming,browsing and HD video a fast dual core like the G620 is great
and with the 1155 you could go with a I5 quad core
later and completely blow away a 955 BE
so for a budget Performance pc it makes sense
only in the short term is the 955 BE going to be better
and that is only for multitasking and multithreaded programs

 

[soloby]

I get the feeling since you mention OCing a 955 BE that is more of a budget
Performance PC than a family computer
Nothing wrong with that
Remember a Pentium SandyBridge CPU will match up core to core
easily with a 955
so unless you are using multhreaded apps link encoder/renderers
etc than really a quad core is overkill for a family computer
for most gaming,browsing and HD video a fast dual core like the G620 is great
and with the 1155 you could go with a I5 quad core
later and completely blow away a 955 BE
so for a budget Performance pc it makes sense
only in the short term is the 955 BE going to be better
and that is only for multitasking and multithreaded programs

I understand, you have been a great help, sir!

Now that I think about it, what you have said are all very true, and I am likely going to get the g620 with a combo.

I will look for more combos with that cpu and hopefully get a great deal. Thanks!

 

[soloby]

Best answer selected by soloby.

 

[king smp]

Thank you for selecting me as Best Answer
I didnt meant to "nag" about it LOL
but getting a 1155 SandyBridge build under $250
is just too good to pass up

 

[captaincharisma]

family pc? why not just get one of those nettops

 

[king smp]

he can get a Sandybridge dual core for $250 and upgrade for under
$200 later to a SB I5......
why would he get a nettop?