Sub $1000 PC for work

jawsthemeswimming428 · Dec 6, 2011

I recently started at a new job and was given the option to custom build my PC for under $1000. I'm not a system builder so I'm not 100% up on all the newest and best components. I'm open to suggestions/recommendations but here is what I've found.

RAM - G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314

Case - Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

CD/DVD - ASUS 24X DVD Burner - Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

Motherboard - GIGABYTE GA-Z68XP-UD3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128512

CPU - I was looking at the $300 Core i7 but that's a bit pricey. Open to suggetions?

Power Supply (Is this overkill?)- CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX750M 750W ATX12V v2.31 / EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular High Performance Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139030

HDD - Western Digital Caviar Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136769

Graphics Card - I have dual 24 inch monitors so I'd need dual DVI but other than that I have no clue.

SSD - I'd like to use an SSD as well but they can get pricey. I'd prefer at least a 120GB.

I'll be running Windows 7 Enterprise. Again, this needs to be under $1000 at most. Is this doable?

nekko · Dec 6, 2011

Case: (Antec 300) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042
CPU: (i7 2600k) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115070
MOBO: (GIG GA-Z68M-D2H) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128523
RAM: (G.SKILL) x2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277
PSU: (Antec BP550 Modular) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016
GPU: (EVGA GT 440) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130612
HDD: (Samsung F3 1TB) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152185
DVD: (ASUS) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

Way better HDD, PSU will be fine and is very good (Have it in 10+ budget builds), and the GPU will do what you need for your dual displays.
If you are stuck on a Corsair PSU then get the 650HX ($50 more).. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139012

Comes out to be: $859.41 before shipping.

Also what are you going to be doing? You may can save $ and go to an i5 and maybe even 4 gigs of RAM.
Why do you need an SSD?

jawsthemeswimming428 · Dec 6, 2011

I'm an IT admin so I have a bunch of stuff running at all times. I could honestly be doing anything under the IT sun. I was going with an SSD for the performance benefit over traditional HDD's. I don't need a 1TB HDD as I have networked storage. As far as the PSU I'm not too sure either way, I just want to make sure it will fit in the case and provide the proper power (and is reliable).

nekko · Dec 6, 2011

Hold on I will change a few things.

g-unit1111 · Dec 6, 2011

CPU - I was looking at the $300 Core i7 but that's a bit pricey. Open to suggetions?

What are you going to use it for? I'm getting by with an i3-2120 right now and I never come close to using 80% of the full CPU load.

SSD - I'd like to use an SSD as well but they can get pricey. I'd prefer at least a 120GB.

The Crucial M4 is one of the best SSDs on the market right now but you're right that they are quite pricey. The 128GB model will run you about $210.

Power Supply (Is this overkill?)- CORSAIR Enthusiast Series TX750M 750W ATX12V v2.31 / EPS12V v2.92 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular High Performance Power Supply

Not really overkill - but if you want to be future proof this is the way to go, it's the exact same PSU I run (and have two of) - it's perfectly suitable for any needs.

CD/DVD - ASUS 24X DVD Burner - Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6827135204

No I wouldn't go with this choice - I've had really bad experiences with this burner. Lite-On, Plextor, Sony, LG, all are far better choices than Asus.

nekko · Dec 6, 2011

drunkducki · Dec 6, 2011

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157251&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Motherboards%20-%20Intel-_-ASRock-_-13157251&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID= - $99.99
ASRock Z68 PRO3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115070&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Processors%20-%20Desktops-_-Intel-_-19115070&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID= - $319.99
Intel Core i7-2600K Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 3000 BX80623I72600K

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428 - $29.99 x 2
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL x 2

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129065&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Cases%20(Computer%20Cases%20-%20ATX%20Form)-_-Antec-_-11129065&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID= - $84.99
Antec Three Hundred + BP430 Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case 430W Power Supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136240 - $16.99
LG 22X Super-Multi DVD Burner 22X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 22X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model GH22NS90B - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148443&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-Solid%20State%20Disk-_-Crucial-_-20148443&AID=10440897&PID=3938566&SID= - $369.99
Crucial M4 CT256M4SSD2 2.5" 256GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-2-5-Inch-3-5-Inch-Mounting-BRACKET25SAT/dp/B001EHNG36/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323194006&sr=8-1 - $9.99
StarTech.com 2.5-Inch SATA Hard Drive to 3.5-Inch Drive Bay Mounting Kit BRACKET25SAT

Total: 961.92

g-unit1111 · Dec 6, 2011

Also I have used the ASUS burner in about 15 builds. Have had zero problems. That is just my experience tho. Have 2 in the computer I am on right now.

Interesting - maybe I just got a bad one.

Try this:

Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 - $59.99
PSU: PC Power & Cooling Silencer MKIII 600W - $89.99
Motherboard: Asrock Z68 Extreme 3 Gen 3 - $124.99
CPU: 3.30 GHz Intel Core i5-2500K - $219.99
Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo - $34.99
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaw 8GB 1600MHz - $42.99
HD: 500GB Western Digital Caviar Blue 7200 RPM Bare Drive - $99.99
SSD: 64Gb Crucial M4 - $108.99
Optical: Lite On 24X DVD Burner - $21.99
Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 6850 - $144.99

Total: $937.56

jawsthemeswimming428 · Dec 6, 2011

Some of the links in your post don't work and I wasn't able to determine what they are. The links for the following are the issue:

MOBO
RAM
GPU
HDD

Just want to make sure I have the right stuff to check out.

Thanks again nekko

nekko · Dec 6, 2011

No problem!

They should be fixed now!

let me know if there is any you cannot get to.

jawsthemeswimming428 · Dec 6, 2011

Thanks, they work. After a little more research, I'm wondering if an SSD is a good investment. The lifespan on the drives isn't very long. Can anyone speak to this? I have no experience with SSD's.

Eddie C · Dec 6, 2011

If you like the speed factor, then SSD's are the way to go. Unlike HDDs, they do not have any mechanical parts moving inside, which means they don't heat up as easily, as well as they last quite the while longer (possibly forever). What you want to consider is if having a SSD is necessary for you to do your work - do you need to boot up your computer relatively fast? Are there particular programs you need to launch quickly? SSD's are expensive for what you gain - the cost of a 120GB SSD would allow yourself to buy 3TB HDD storage, so you really do see the difference in $/GB.

I currently have a Crucial M4 128GB SSD, and I don't think I could live without it now, though I do sometimes think it wasn't needed and I should have spent it on something else.

But yes, if your work requires you to boot up applications quickly, then sure, go for it - it's not even your money haha.

g-unit1111 · Dec 7, 2011

I currently have a Crucial M4 128GB SSD, and I don't think I could live without it now, though I do sometimes think it wasn't needed and I should have spent it on something else.

I second this recommendation - I have the 64GB model and it has been AMAZING so far. I run everything else off a 1TB Samsung Spinpoint F3 so the minimum space - it is a bit of a problem but I've been managing so far.

jawsthemeswimming428 · Dec 7, 2011

Ok, so here's what I have. Please let me know if this looks good and everything will work together. Also, do I need to order any extra internal cables/fans for this setup? Anything you can add would be appreciated.

Case - Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

Processor - Intel Core i7-2600 Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000 BX80623I72600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115071

Motherboard - GIGABYTE GA-Z68M-D2H LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=13-128-523&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=2#scrollFullInfo

RAM - G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314

Video Card - EVGA 01G-P3-1441-KR GeForce GT 440 1024MB (Fermi) DUAL DVI PCI Express 2.0 x16 Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130612

SSD - Crucial M4 CT128M4SSD2 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148442

HDD - Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500413AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148701

CD/DVD Burner - ASUS 24X DVD Burner - Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

Mounting Kit for SSD - Rosewill RX-C200P 2.5" SSD / HDD Plastic Mounting Kit for 3.5" Drive Bay
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817997013

PSU - Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016

nekko · Dec 7, 2011

jawsthemeswimming428 :

Ok, so here's what I have. Please let me know if this looks good and everything will work together. Also, do I need to order any extra internal cables/fans for this setup? Anything you can add would be appreciated.

Case - Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

Processor - Intel Core i7-2600 Sandy Bridge 3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000 BX80623I72600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115071

Motherboard - GIGABYTE GA-Z68M-D2H LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=13-128-523&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=2#scrollFullInfo

RAM - G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314

Video Card - EVGA 01G-P3-1441-KR GeForce GT 440 1024MB (Fermi) DUAL DVI PCI Express 2.0 x16 Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130612

SSD - Crucial M4 CT128M4SSD2 2.5" 128GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148442

HDD - Seagate Barracuda 7200.12 ST3500413AS 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148701

CD/DVD Burner - ASUS 24X DVD Burner - Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS - OEM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

Mounting Kit for SSD - Rosewill RX-C200P 2.5" SSD / HDD Plastic Mounting Kit for 3.5" Drive Bay
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817997013

PSU - Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016

Looks good!
Glad I could help you

I noticed you went to the i7 instead of i5. Nice choice, just didn't know if you had room for it.

*I always buy one of these because I have had issues with certain CPU power cables not being long enough for cable management
http://www.amazon.com/CB-6V-6-Pin-Extension-Premium-Cable/dp/B0036ORCKI

jawsthemeswimming428 · Dec 7, 2011

Yea, it comes out to 988.40 with the i7. Did you mean you weren't sure if I had enough room price wise or in the case? Just to clarify. And thanks again for your help.

nekko · Dec 7, 2011

I meant $ wise. But awesome!

*You will be very happy with the build

g-unit1111 · Dec 8, 2011

jawsthemeswimming428 :

One thing you need to keep in mind with the 2600 is that it can't be overclocked. But if you don't need to, that's perfectly fine.

Otherwise that build looks excellent but one thing I will say - the Antec 300 should come with an SSD mounting bracket, if it doesn't, you can get the Cooler Master HAF 912 which actually does come with a mounting bracket for SSDs and then you can drop the one you have and invest the difference getting the unlocked CPU.

jawsthemeswimming428 · Jan 13, 2012

Any issues with switching to this board? The other one is out of stock at NewEgg and I'd like to buy soon. Thanks for the input.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128502

I also saw the case was out of stock but noticed this one. Any issues buying this one over the other?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129065

mkenney · Jan 13, 2012

I'd personally stay away from Gigabyte at the moment. I just RMA'd a board because of a bent pin and the issue they are having with cold boot recycling needs to be addressed before I'd touch another one. Wanted to love it but just a bit too flaky at the moment. Might want to stick to Asus or even an Intel board. ASRock I just don't know enough about to give you an opinion.

g-unit1111 · Jan 13, 2012

jawsthemeswimming428 :

The built-in PSU would be a huge red flag. They're often cheaply constructed and have no certification or rating.

Get this one instead: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233

I'd personally stay away from Gigabyte at the moment. I just RMA'd a board because of a bent pin and the issue they are having with cold boot recycling needs to be addressed before I'd touch another one. Wanted to love it but just a bit too flaky at the moment. Might want to stick to Asus or even an Intel board. ASRock I just don't know enough about to give you an opinion.

I haven't had a lick of trouble with the Gigabyte board I'm using right now. It's been a good setup so far. www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128506

jawsthemeswimming428 · Jan 13, 2012

g-unit1111 · Jan 13, 2012

jawsthemeswimming428 :

It should be pretty decent, but again I'll say do not get a case with the built-in PSU. Especially if you're already buying one. You're buying the same product twice.

This would be a better case and PSU combo:

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233
PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028 *OR* http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207013

With that case you can chuck the SSD mounting bracket since it comes with one (plus the Cooler Master has better cable and routing features than the Antec does). If you use these everything looks good, I'd say go for it.

That HD is quite a bit small but the prices are so ridiculous right now that there's not a lot we can do about it. If you're not getting the second PSU (a waste, IMO) you could up the HD to this and it would be way better:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136073

Sub $1000 PC for work

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