Building a slim amd a8-3850 desktop

[Kangdavi]

Approximate Purchase Date: This month (September 2011)

Budget Range: Want to stay around $400

System Usage from Most to Least Important: web surfing> some light gaming (starcraft 2)> hook up to my 42" tv to watch movies

Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Newegg but I'm not opposed to using other sites

Country of Origin: USA

Parts Preferences: For my price range, i was looking at the AMD a8-3850

Overclocking: Maybe? Didn't think I would need to for my purposes

SLI or Crossfire: Maybe? Don't know anything about this

Monitor Resolution: 1440x900 VGA

Additional Comments: Looking for something slim and easy to transport. I would love to have it quiet as well because my bed is right next to my computer desk

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

Here is what I've put together so far (mostly from looking at other peoples builds). Will I have a problem fitting these components into the case I've chosen?

APEX TX-381-C Black Steel Micro ATX Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811154094
$34.99

GIGABYTE GA-A75M-S2V FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128516
$89.99

ASUS PCE-N13 PCI Express 150/300Mbps Transfer/Receive Rate Wireless Adapter
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320048
$27.99

Antec EarthWatts Green EA-430D Green 430W Continuous power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS 12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371034
$54.99

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428
$54.99

Seagate Barracuda Green ST1500DL003 1.5TB 5900 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
LITE-ON DVD Burner - Bulk Black SATA Model iHAS124-04 - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.696128
$77.48

Total is $340.43

 

[jmsellars1]

That looks ok if that case is small enough for you. I don't think you need 430W though, need 300+ i think.

I just tried for a while to come up with a nice little Mini-ITX build but it's very hard at that budget, the low end very small cases are terrible.

 

[cgleckman]

Looks like everything will fit fine, however I disagree with JMSellars. I believe you should keep the 430W PSU.

Also I would recommend thinking about buying this hdd instead $59.99 (10 dollar instant discount if ordered by tomorrow)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185&Tpk=samsung%20f3

and then you could still get the dvd drive you chose $18.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289

Better HDD and its only going to cost you $1 more...

 

[jmsellars1]

It doesn't look like he wants that kind of drive. High capacity, low rpm drives are usually better for this type of build. Plenty of space for movies and low power consumption + noise.

 

[cgleckman]

It doesn't look like he wants that kind of drive. High capacity, low rpm drives are usually better for this type of build. Plenty of space for movies and low power consumption + noise.

fair point, I didnt really think about this.. For some reason I read 5900 rpm and thought 7200 so I posted a better 7200, my mistake.

 

[Kangdavi]

I decided to get a different case that has a 120mm fan instead of a 90mm hoping that it will help keep the noise down

Fractal Design Core 1000 Micro ATX Computer Case w/ 1 x 120mm fan
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352009
$39.99

The case includes a 120mm fan only in the front of the case. Will that be enough? Should I buy another 120mm to install into the back of the case?

 

[ervinelim]

I'd change the ram though

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL9D-8GBRL

$5 off w/ promo code EMCKAKJ22, ends 9/7

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311

It's $15 dollar cheaper and you won't see much difference unless you plan to overclock which I don't recommend you doing on an a8.

 

[ervinelim]

Get this power supply.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341017

Free ASUS DVD burner w/ purchase, limited offer. only $50 after rebate. I know it's overkill but for the price? It's the best bang for the buck. It's modular too! Ir's free shipping too!

 

[Outlander_04]

The power demand of a Llano system maxed out are about a 100watts

I'd be looking for a 300 - 400 watt MODULAR psu .

 

[Kangdavi]

The power demand of a Llano system maxed out are about a 100watts

I'd be looking for a 300 - 400 watt MODULAR psu .

Are there any cons to using a power supply that is too powerful? It looks like the power supply listed "OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W" w/ the asus dvd drive and rebate is the cheapest option for me

 

[Outlander_04]

Are there any cons to using a power supply that is too powerful? It looks like the power supply listed "OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W" w/ the asus dvd drive and rebate is the cheapest option for me

They can be a little less efficient , but its not a big issue .
If its a cheaper option then sure its a good idea

 

[ScrewySqrl]

a good case: Rosewill R102.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147111
Its $29.99 and includes a rear-mounted 120mm fan.

for $7.99 and free shipping, you can add a second copy of the same fan with blue or red LED lights ($5.99 w/ $1.99 shipping for no LEDs)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835200048
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835200049
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835200050
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835200051

best option for a cheap, but reliable PSU:
Antec Basiq BP350: $25.99 with promo code
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371003

more than plenty for the A8. and enough room left to hybrid crossfire a 6670 later