New build for Neighbor

[welchs101]

It has been almost a yr since i built my last computer for my parents and my neighbor wants to build one. I told him i would research the components and then we could order the items and put it together. I am not an expert but i have built two systems over the years.

The last build i did can be found here

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/299773-31-build-parents#t2224756

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/301442-31-another-build-parents

In these two builds i basically used the same components. I am wanting to build another computer with mainly the same level of specs .......ie.....not a gaming rig but one that is good for word processing, email, skype and surfing the web......and not slow.

I am thinking of windows 7 (64 bit) machine like the two above.

I assume that since its been over a year things have probably changed a little. Any suggestions for this build?

 

[Emelth]

If its not for gaming then anything would do, go to bestbuy, staples, walmart, etc... and grab one that is within his budget. I see no real reason why someone should build one if its just for everyday use, in the end with taxes and shipping included you could have got one at a local store close by.

 

[IH8U]

Case/PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147082
$50 Rosewill R218-P-BK-450W MicroATX Mid Tower Computer Case, come with 1x 120mm Fan, 450W Power Supply
MB: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157277
$59 ASRock A55M-HVS FM1 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103943
$120 AMD A6-3650 Llano 2.6GHz Socket FM1 100W Quad-Core Desktop APU with DirectX 11 Graphic AMD Radeon HD 6530D (could cheap out for an A6-3500, at $30 less)
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820178333
$32 PNY Optima 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333
HDD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145299
$85 HITACHI HDS721050CLA362 (0F10381) 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb
ODD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136240
$17 LG 22X Super-Multi DVD Burner
OS: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986
$100 Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium (64bit)

Total: $463 + S&H (not counting MIR, or combo/special)

 

[welchs101]

quick question:
In comparing this build plan to the one i did a year ago i was looking at the cpu.

The cpu above is

AMD A6-3650 Llano 2.6GHz Socket FM1 100W Quad-Core Desktop APU with DirectX 11 Graphic AMD Radeon HD 6530D AD3650WNGXBOX
cost: ~ $120


The cpu i used a year ago was this one

AMD Athlon II X3 450 Rana 3.2GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core Desktop Processor ADX450WFGMBOX
cost: ~ $78


when i compared these two the newer one is slightly better but not by much........i used anandtech's web site to do the comparison.......i tried using "Toms Hardware" to compare but could not find it..............

any comments on the cpu?

 

[FinneousPJ]

The A6 CPU has relatively good integrated graphics.

 

[IH8U]

The A6 (socket FM1) is a GPGPU, meaning that the CPU has a GFX core built in. It is still able to crossfire with any ATI card, but I doubt you'll need it as the A6 will play back HD video without stuttering. In other words, it will perform perfectly for what his needs are for relatively cheap.

 

[welchs101]

sorry for not responding sooner.......been busy with the holidays.......now back on this............

Does the
AMD Athlon II X3 450 Rana 3.2GHz

not play back HD without stuttering?

Again, i am not an expert...........i used the anandtech comparison and to be honest it looke dlike the Rana was better.

hope all of you had a great holiday thus far.

 

[majorgibly]

That should handle HD fine. I mean you could get a Quad core I suppose.

 

[welchs101]

which one should i get you think............i think the A6 has some definite advantages but i am just not sure its needed.

Any thoughts?

Also,about the MOB is USB 2.0 only..........should i consider a USB 3.0 board..............not sure .........any thoughts?

 

[welchs101]

Best answer selected by welchs101.