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Built for now, Upgradable for later

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Hi everyone,

This will be my first time building a computer from the ground up, so to say. I'm a little strapped for cash at the moment but, my 10+ year old computer (that I've at since I was 11, 21 now) can't cut it anymore. I've postponed getting a new system for far to long.

I'd like to set up this computer for mainly internet/movie watching right now but, I want it to be able to upgrade to a mid-level gaming rig in the future. Help is needed and very much appreciated


Approximate Purchase Date: As soon as I have a build ready (no later than a week tho)


Budget Range: (500-600) Before Rebates


System Usage from Most to Least Important: Right now Internet/Movies - Later on Gaming (BF3 and Skyrim)

Parts Not Required: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg.com , Tigerdirect.com , Amazon.com


Country of Origin: USA


Parts Preferences: Mobo with LGA 1155, i3 2100 for now (an i5 for later), 4gb of RAM and Include Windows 7

Overclocking: maybe (for later upgrade)


SLI or Crossfire: No (I'll probably only ever use one strong GPU later on)


Monitor Resolution: 1440x900 (will be getting a 1920x1080 later on)

Additional Comments: In sort

- built to get me by for now but, be able to upgrade later

- Include Windows 7

- Don't need a GPU at the moment but, I will be ge one later as well (something like a 6850 or so, maybe higher), so atleast a 600w psu (to much to less)?

- want it to be as future proof as it can with my budget


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


CPU: Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz 2 x 256KB L2 Cache 3MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I32100

GPU: None for now (will get one later tho)

PSU: Not sure, would a 600w be safe? (Antec or Corsair if you can and of course 80+)

MOBO: I need this to have Dvi and HDMI ports

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9S-4GBRL - on sale for $34 if I order in the next 48hrs

Hard Drive: Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500418AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive - I don't think I'll need more than a 500gb but, if you can find a bigger one for the same price thats fine

Optical Drive: LG Black 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA CD/DVD Burner - OEM - On sale for the next 48hrs

Case: Haf 922 - I only paid $75 not $100. My friend sold it to me, so Factor in $75 into the budget (I spent a little to much of my budget on the case I know but, its already mine.)

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM

Thats all I've found. I need help on the MOBO and PSU (since I want these to work with the future upgrades) I'll get a GPU thats within range of my PSU later on. Thanks in advance for the help.



More about : built upgradable

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Do you live near a microcenter? If you do, that changes everything.

Also the i3-2100 goes on sale every other week on Newegg.

If you don't overclock or SLI/Xfire, then H67/H61 is the way to go.

If you must overclock, then P67/Z68 is the way to go.

I say get a Z68 board so you can use integrated graphics for now, and then easily add a GPU in later and you will have overclocking ability later on. So it'll be a close stretch but Z68 + i5-2500k will be around 400 dollars. Add another 60-70 for a good 650W PSU and then go cheap on a 20 dollar Optical drive. 50 bucks for a on sale Spinpoint F3 1TB when you can get one, and if you are a college student purchase Windows 7 through them for a discount. Go with 4GB of RAM for now, and you can always add more later.

Then later on when you have more money you can add a SSD if you want, GPU, and any other upgrades without having to sell you CPU and el cheapo H61 MOBO and taking a loss on them for a Z68 and i5-2500k.

geekapproved said:
Contrary to popular kiddy beliefs, only about 1% of computer users overclock.

So if he's not overclocking or SLI/Xfire, then that el cheapo H61 is all he'll ever need.

It's criminal not to overclock on Sandy Bridge, as it is about as time consuming as putting on a pair of shoes.

I'm not being obtuse. The user hasn't even decided if he wants crossfire/sli OR overclocking.

I clearly stated:
Quote:
If you don't overclock or SLI/Xfire, then H67/H61 is the way to go.

If you must overclock, then P67/Z68 is the way to go.


If he's not going to SLI/Xfire, then there is really no point to overclock cpu. A 2500(K) will not bottleneck any single gpu cards.

Well as it stands a 2500k isnt in the op's budget so GeekApproveds comments are good food for thought and you raptorjesus have not helped at all by just arguing and semi thread jacking. At least give build ideas to make your point somewhat acceptable beyond just a statement that has nothing to do with the build listed.

Stupid newegg wishlists.

GIGABYTE GA-Z68MA-D2H-B3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
$124.99 $124.99

CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
$69.99 -$13.00 Instant $56.99


Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52500K
$224.99 $224.99




Mushkin Enhanced Silverline 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model 996946

$42.99 $42.99


SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

$64.99 $64.99


ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM

$20.99 $20.99


Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM

$99.99 -$10.00 Instant $89.99
Subtotal: $625.93

geekapproved said:
Why does he need a full size board?

He doesn't but it's like 10 bucks more and if he ever wanted to upgrade its roomy, even though he said he will only run single card, and he has a mid-tower it couldn't hurt to have a ATX. It couldn't hurt to have a mATX but I figured I should give options.

I do belive there is a combo deal on the 2500k and the Corsair CX500 V2 thatll save you $15 or it might be the 2400 either way its a good deal. Also Phantom 62 his build includes a 2500k which you could downgrade to a 2400 and save money although he did show a 2500k will almost fit in the budget (might with combo deals and rebates)

I've decided that I'm not going to try and overclocking, even when I do upgrade (to a 2400 now, not a 2500k like I said earlier). I have everything picked out but, my motherboard. What do you guys think will work for me the best?

H67 if you dont plan on multi graphics card setup or at least not SLi. Z68 if you want SLi. I didnt say P67 because you are getting a graphics card later and P67 has no display outputs.

Here's what I'm thinking, let me know if anything should be changed;

Cpu/Mobo combo: i5 2400 and an Asus Mobo - $287 - Let me know if you think I should get another mobo

PSU: CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 V2 430W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply $45 - I will give this to a friend and buy a 600w or so when I get a GPU later

RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 $40 w/ promo code - In features it says designed for P67 boards, in some of the reviews I've read it leads me to think it will work in others. Will it work in mine?

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM $85 with promo

Case: $75

Optical Drive: $20

HDD: Samsung 1 TB Spinpoint 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.5 inch Bulk/OEM Desktop Hard Drive $61 - I don't think I need a TB tho. Anyone know a 500gb that costs less but is as efficient?

TOTAL: $613

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