*Purchasing Today* - Web Development Machine for under $800

[mtb286]

I'm a web developer and am planning to build a system for work. I'll use the machine as:

1. A development machine - Always used programs include - Windows 7, Outlook, Visual Studio, Sql Server Manager, Lots of web browser windows
Occasionally used programs include - IIS, Photoshop, Flash, MS Office, MySQL Workbench
2. A Test server - Programs include IIS 7, SQL Server, MySql and the computer will always be on

I frequently work remote so will probably remote desktop to the computer 50% of the time.

Approximate Purchase Date: Today

Budget Range: $600-800 After Rebates

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Development machine (quickly open and efficiently run programs), Test Server

Parts Not Required: I have all external peripherals (keyboard, mouse, monitors)

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com

Country of Origin: USA

I would like to include an SSD drive.

Note: I had a similar post before and genghiskron recommended a great build but unfortunately most of the deals have expired. http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/forum2.php?config=tomshardwareus.inc&cat=31&post=314116&page=1&p=1&sondage=0&owntopic=1&trash=0&trash_post=0&print=0&numreponse=0&quote_only=0&new=0&nojs=0

 

[mtb286]

I'm not sure what motherboard would be best but here's what I'm thinking for the rest:

Processor: i5 2400 - $171 with coupon code HARDOCPX629C

Memory - $55 with coupon code EMCKDGK49
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311&cm_re=g_skill_memory_8gb-_-20-231-311-_-Product

Case: $45 with coupon code EMCKCKE26
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153&cm_re=roswell_case-_-11-147-153-_-Product

Power Supply - $55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371034&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=4176827&SID=12gytupe6b2j3

DVD Drive - $20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

HDD - $39
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136771

SSD - $240 (after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227706&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=4176827&SID=1db3hn7asxzna

Am I leaving anything out? Any recommendations on a motherboard?

 

[mtb286]

For the harddrive, I'm now leaning towards this (much more memory for just a bit more $) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145520

I'm also considering this for an SSD - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148441
It's not as much space but would be plenty for the OS and all of my programs

 

[Emperus]

Do you really need the SSD?

 

[mtb286]

Do you really need the SSD?

Well I don't need it, but I think it would add a worthwhile performance boost.

 

[jeroly]

For your compiles you'll appreciate having as fast a processor as you can afford. Why not spend the extra bucks and get a 2500k or 2600k, along with an aftermarket HS/F, and overclock it?

I'd get a smaller ssd, perhaps 64GB for $100 or so. You really only will get a benefit from using it as a system disk and loading software, and your visual studio, outlook and SQL Server can probably all fit on it too. Even if they don't you only will see a difference when you start up the app.

For running virtual machines (a great platform for your test server(s) etc.) you'll appreciate a lot of memory so get 16GB of RAM now that it's almost free ($120 on newegg today)

I'd also spend more on a power supply to get a solid base for your system - who knows what you may want to add on to it in the future e.g. a RAID array, discrete graphics, etc.

Along the lines of, say, the following...

motherboard $180
case $75
hdd 60
ssd 100
2500k 220
16GB RAM 120
psu $120
HSF $50
cd/dvd $25

total $950

PS if you need 24x7 uptime on those servers you're also going to want to get a decent UPS for another $100 or so.