Budget Office PC Space Saver - $500-$700

[TiLT_Racing]

Please review/comment on this build for a "template" office Intel-based PC. If this build works out we'll use it as a template for several identical builds. In the past have purchased Dell Optiplex Small Form Factor PCs, but now have employee with the skill to do our own build:

Approximate Purchase Date: next week (before July 8)
Budget Range: $500-$700
System Usage: MS Office 2007, SQL Client, Email, Visual Studio Development
Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com or amazon.com
Country of Origin:USA
Overclocking: No
SLI or Crossfire: No
Monitor Resolution: Dual Monitor Support Required (VGA + DVI)
Additional Comments: Lower Power & Lower Space & Mid Range Performance, NO Gaming

Also any thoughts on "home built" versus the Dell option appreciated (for business use). Obviously we can save a good deal of $$$ this way -- wouldn't be worth it for a single PC, but with potentially 10-15 added over time could be significant. Downside is we don't get the 3 year on site service with our own build so doing this single build as a trial to see how it goes.

CPU: Intel Core i3-2100 $124.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115078
MOBO: ASRock H67M Micro ATX $84.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157233
RAM: G.SKILL Value Series 2X4GB $64.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231424
HD: WD Caviar Green 750GB $39.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136847
Case: In Win BK623.BN300TBL $69.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811108092
PSU: 300W included with case
DVD: Lite-On iHAS424-98 $24.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106335
OS: Windows 7 Pro 64-bit $134.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116992

~$562 after shipping and promo codes

Thanks in advance.

 

[TiLT_Racing]

Addendum: Just noticed this option for MOBO that still has USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb/s in case we add SSD in future:

ASRock H61M/U3S3 $74.99 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157236&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=4176827&SID=np9calji66ae

$10 cheaper plus free ship reduces build price by $17+

 

[jerreddredd]

go with the Intel Core i3-2105 CPU that way you get the intel 3000 graphics instead of the 2000.

Go with the less expensive H61 MB unless you need Raid support then go with the H67.

you will need this adapter if you use the PSU that comes with that case. it only has a 4pin CPU power connector. both the MB's you selected use the 8pin 12v EPS type

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812200459

Case review:
http://bigbruin.com/2007/inwinmtjade_4

other than that is look like a good build.

 

[TiLT_Racing]

Thanks for that tip, I didn't realize about the HD 3000 vs 2000.

On the case review you posted I noticed this:

While the case may work with any type of mATX motherboard, it will only work as designed when used with an Intel socket 775 processor and the stock cooler. The PPCT is designed to fit around the fan on the stock cooler provided by Intel, and while you may get lucky on other coolers or other processors, you will most likely wind up using it without the PPCT, one of the main draws of this case.

Does anyone know if the PPCT (Partition Plate Cooling Tech) will work with the stock cooler on the i3-2100/i3-2105? That review was written a while ago it looks like (2007) so maybe the 1155 is fine?

 

[jerreddredd]

Does anyone know if the PPCT (Partition Plate Cooling Tech) will work with the stock cooler on the i3-2100/i3-2105? That review was written a while ago it looks like (2007) so maybe the 1155 is fine?

Look at the very latest review Socratease 6/16/2011 is using a Z68 MB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811108092&Tpk=BK623
the H67 and H61 has the CPU about 3/4" further away from the I/O plate, so I don't think you will be able to use the PPCT. the CPU's position on Z68 MB the CPU is really close to the 775 CPU position, so it may work. even without the PPCT the i3 with a stock cooler should be ok.

 

[TiLT_Racing]

Best answer selected by TiLT_Racing.