Building a PC

[Megan8]

I am currently working on an assignment about building a PC from a list of computer components.

My scenario is a computer user with basic requirements of the following:
- general work and office tasks
- nothing cutting edge but made of modern parts
- extensible and upgradable
- not for computer games but may be required to hook up the system to a tv as a media centre.

Currently I have selected the following parts:
case- Bitfenix Shinobi
Motherboard - Asus P8H61 - USB3 - V3
Processor- Intel Core i5 2500
Optical drive - LG Blu-Ray reader
Hard disk - Seagate Barracuda 500GB
Memory - DDR RAM Kingston 8GB 1600HX
Graphics card - Gigabyte HD6870 1GB

My graphics card needs to be compatible with Windows Vista & 7, and Kubuntu 11.10 Linux.
Can anyone please make any suggestions based around my selection and give opinions.
I'm not sure about compatability??

Thanks

 

[andrewcarr]

what is the price you have to keep it under?
I would recommend the 6870 but you say you don't need a great GPU so then 6670

 

[Megan8]

no greater then $900.
6670 is not on my selection list.

Would the 6870 be compatible with the programs I listed in my first post?

 

[andrewcarr]

no just thought it may be too expensive for only HD playback

 

[andrewcarr]

it is compatible though

 

[Megan8]

When looking at my requirements list the 6870 is $201 where as the next step down in price is the zotac 512Mb at $69

 

[andrewcarr]

512mb isn't a GPU what is the exact model

 

[andrewcarr]

would it be possible to link a picture of the list and I would tell you exactly what I would pick, the prices on that list are inflated too

 

[andrewcarr]

that case only has two fans are there any other choices?
lastly look into a CPU cooler

 

[Megan8]

MOTHERBOARDS
Asus P8H61-USB3-V3 $99
Gigabyte GA-78LMT-S2P $66
Gigabyte GA-970A-D3 $201
Gigabyte GA-A75M-UD2H $138
Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD4 $220

PROCESSORS
Core i3 2130 $147
Core i5 2500 $220
Pentium G850$90
A6 3500 $88
FX-6100 $180
FX-8120 Oct-Core $235
Phenom II X4 960T Black Edition $138
Phenom II X6 1090T $150

Case
Bitfenix Shinobi $75
Cooler Master Centurion V II [500W] $108
Cooler Master Elite 100 mini ITX [150W] $79
Cooler Master Elite 341$70
ThermalTake Armor+MX $140
ThermalTake V3 $76

OPTICAL DRIVE
Liteon IHAS324 DVD-RW $24
Liteon IHBSamsung DVD-RW $25
LG Blu-Ray Reader$69

HARD DISK
3.5" HDD
Seagate 3TB XT 7200 $265
Western Digital 160GB IDE $79
Western Digital 3TB STATA3 Green $180
Samsung 2TB EcoGreen $179
Seagate Barracuda 500GB $80
Seagate Barracuda Green 2TB $139

MEMORY
DDR DDR3 or server RAM

GRAPHICS CARD
AGP Graphics
Gigabyte 1GB 4650 AGP $115
Nvidia/ATi Graphics (PCI-Express)
Asus 2GB HD6950 810MHz [x16] $329
Gigabyte HD6450 1GB $205
Gigabyte HD6870 1GB $201
MSI 1GB GTX560OC Ti [x16] $269
XFX Radeon 6950 XXX 2GB $329
Zotac 512MB ION [x1] $69

 

[Megan8]

The selections that I think are correct are in my original post.
Feel free to share your thoughts as I am not an expert.

 

[andrewcarr]

You made the right selections but the computer is incomplete. It doesn't have a PSU (power supply unit) at the moment. The GPU (graphics processing unit) is far overpriced, you can pick one of those up on newegg for $145. For $900 the best computer there is still some what crappy. Would it help at all if I posted the system I would buy for $900? Could have one far better and more realistic.

 

[Megan8]

Ok sure can you please provide some reasoning behind your selections to help my understanding?

Thanks for being a great help.

 

[andrewcarr]

CPU (central processing unit)- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
The i5-2500k lets you overclock giving you better value than non k processors, for $205.

CPU Cooler- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099
Because the 2500k is a processor to overclock you need a good cooler. This is an upgraded model of the most popular CPU cooler. Comes with thermal grease saving you the cost of buying some. Cost is only $5 more than base model at $35.

Motherboard- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131771
Comes to $150 after rebate with support for SLI/CF so you can add a second GPU in the future.

GPU- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102948
This 6870 is made by one of the best brand names in graphics and after rebate is only $5 more than the cheapest at $145.

PSU- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016
Good brand and after rebate comes to only $35 for modular and 500w.

HDD- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145299
500 GB maid storage drive, $80.

SSD- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227725
Main use is a boot drive and can also hold a few other programs to speed up performance, price is only $70 after rebate.

Optical Drive- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135252
This is a Blue Ray writer so it can read and write DVD/CD/BR for $70.

Memory- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314
1600 speed of memory that's a good brand and only $35 due to 20% off.

Case- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233
One of the best cases for the price although only includes two fans its still very good, Price $50.

Total comes to $875 (rebates included) before shipping although you still need a OP (Operating System) which is $100 I figured you don't need that for your class. Along with keyboard and mouse not being needed.

With the extra money I'd pick up two more fans, one for the top and one for the side- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103069
$8 each

Edit- Sorry I forgot I recommended a Motherboard that can support CF/SLI and I don't have a PSU that supports that. This PSU is 750w and has the needed connectors to support CF/SLI. Cost is $75 though bringing you over the $900 by $41. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341041

 

[Megan8]

Thanks so much for all of your help.

I will take all of this into consideration when making my selections.
Keeping in mind that I can only choose parts from my list provided.
You have definately pointed me into the right direction.

 

[andrewcarr]

Ok no problem.

 

[rmiiirusty]

MOTHERBOARDS
Asus P8H61-USB3-V3 $99
Gigabyte GA-78LMT-S2P $66
Gigabyte GA-970A-D3 $201
Gigabyte GA-A75M-UD2H $138
Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD4 $220

PROCESSORS
Core i3 2130 $147
Core i5 2500 $220
Pentium G850$90
A6 3500 $88
FX-6100 $180
FX-8120 Oct-Core $235
Phenom II X4 960T Black Edition $138
Phenom II X6 1090T $150

Case
Bitfenix Shinobi $75
Cooler Master Centurion V II [500W] $108
Cooler Master Elite 100 mini ITX [150W] $79
Cooler Master Elite 341$70
ThermalTake Armor+MX $140
ThermalTake V3 $76

OPTICAL DRIVE
Liteon IHAS324 DVD-RW $24
Liteon IHBSamsung DVD-RW $25
LG Blu-Ray Reader$69

HARD DISK
3.5" HDD
Seagate 3TB XT 7200 $265
Western Digital 160GB IDE $79
Western Digital 3TB STATA3 Green $180
Samsung 2TB EcoGreen $179
Seagate Barracuda 500GB $80
Seagate Barracuda Green 2TB $139

MEMORY
DDR DDR3 or server RAM

GRAPHICS CARD
AGP Graphics
Gigabyte 1GB 4650 AGP $115
Nvidia/ATi Graphics (PCI-Express)
Asus 2GB HD6950 810MHz [x16] $329
Gigabyte HD6450 1GB $205
Gigabyte HD6870 1GB $201
MSI 1GB GTX560OC Ti [x16] $269
XFX Radeon 6950 XXX 2GB $329
Zotac 512MB ION [x1] $69

Because your build is not for gaming but more for video playback etc.... and within the confines of your list I would choose the following

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD4 $220
CPU: Core i5 2500 $220
Case: ThermalTake V3 $76
Opt.Dr.: LG Blu-Ray Reader$69
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 500GB $80
Ram: Crucial Ballistix Sport 1600mhz ddr3 $45
GPU: MSI 1GB GTX560OC Ti [x16] $269

As andrew stated you would need a power supply unit as well. a 600w 80+ efficient psu from a vendor like Antec,Corsair,Silverstone,or seasonic would be the best choices and a modular one would keep you from having a mess of cables.

Now the reason I chose the other components.

I chose the mobo because it has an extra slot in case you want to sli(double up your graphics cards) for better performance. I also think it is the better choice for your video application as it has the z68 chipset which allows the system to choose the most adequate graphics between your card and your processor and while using one gives the other a break.

The processor I chose because of the choices available it is the best for video editing. The amd 8 core is also good but I would never CHOOSE Amd over Intel if given a choice. For that price tho I would get a 2500k overclockable for a few bucks less. lol

I chose the case because it is cost efficient ,sturdy and has good connectivity,again keeping the reason for the build in mind.

I chose the blue ray drive because with a movie oriented machine it only makes sence

I chose the hdd because seagate is a good product and while smaller than the other drives more worth the price. 500g is after all a lot of space and you can always add another one later if needed

while ram is listed there were no choices so I made my own and added the price. I chose it because I have used it in more than 10 builds and I have never had a problem with it. A good product and a good price

I chose the graphics card(GPU) because it was the only nvidea card listed and after twenty + builds under my belt, I have never had an issue with nvidea. The amd (radeon cards can be good and even out perform nvidea sometimes, but they have alot of issues with their oper. software called Catalyst. I have had problems with 5 out of 6 radeon builds. 4 of the six I ended up returning the gpu and getting nvidea

Lastly I would think you could find a power supply(PSU) for around $80 that is within my perameters listed above ,putting the total cost of the build @ $1059 however the prices listed for your components is way to much and this build should only cost about $850-$950 putting it well within your hypothetical budget.
That being said, I would save money on the mobo and get this for the better warrantee and many great features and overclocking stability and for the on board soundblaster for better movie experience. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131759

I would for the same money get the i5-2500k processor for overclocking ability

I would not choose such an expensive gpu and one like this should serve the build well
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121446

However I realize that you are not really going to build this and the choices are hypothetical so I picked parts from the list and explained for you why I picked each part. I hope it helps you with your quandery,

 

[michele8]

Because your build is not for gaming but more for video playback etc.... and within the confines of your list I would choose the following

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD4 $220
CPU: Core i5 2500 $220
Case: ThermalTake V3 $76
Opt.Dr.: LG Blu-Ray Reader$69
HDD: Seagate Barracuda 500GB $80
Ram: Crucial Ballistix Sport 1600mhz ddr3 $45
GPU: MSI 1GB GTX560OC Ti [x16] $269

As andrew stated you would need a power supply unit as well. a 600w 80+ efficient psu from a vendor like Antec,Corsair,Silverstone,or seasonic would be the best choices and a modular one would keep you from having a mess of cables.

Now the reason I chose the other components.

I chose the mobo because it has an extra slot in case you want to sli(double up your graphics cards) for better performance. I also think it is the better choice for your video application as it has the z68 chipset which allows the system to choose the most adequate graphics between your card and your processor and while using one gives the other a break.

The processor I chose because of the choices available it is the best for video editing. The amd 8 core is also good but I would never CHOOSE Amd over Intel if given a choice. For that price tho I would get a 2500k overclockable for a few bucks less. lol

I chose the case because it is cost efficient ,sturdy and has good connectivity,again keeping the reason for the build in mind.

I chose the blue ray drive because with a movie oriented machine it only makes sence

I chose the hdd because seagate is a good product and while smaller than the other drives more worth the price. 500g is after all a lot of space and you can always add another one later if needed

while ram is listed there were no choices so I made my own and added the price. I chose it because I have used it in more than 10 builds and I have never had a problem with it. A good product and a good price

I chose the graphics card(GPU) because it was the only nvidea card listed and after twenty + builds under my belt, I have never had an issue with nvidea. The amd (radeon cards can be good and even out perform nvidea sometimes, but they have alot of issues with their oper. software called Catalyst. I have had problems with 5 out of 6 radeon builds. 4 of the six I ended up returning the gpu and getting nvidea

Lastly I would think you could find a power supply(PSU) for around $80 that is within my perameters listed above ,putting the total cost of the build @ $1059 however the prices listed for your components is way to much and this build should only cost about $850-$950 putting it well within your hypothetical budget.
That being said, I would save money on the mobo and get this for the better warrantee and many great features and overclocking stability and for the on board soundblaster for better movie experience. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131759

I would for the same money get the i5-2500k processor for overclocking ability

I would not choose such an expensive gpu and one like this should serve the build well
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121446

However I realize that you are not really going to build this and the choices are hypothetical so I picked parts from the list and explained for you why I picked each part. I hope it helps you with your quandery,

IS THIS BUILD COMPATIBLE WITH THE HD 6870 1GB?

 

[andrewcarr]

If a motherboard has a PCE-E 2.0 x16 slot and your PSU has 2 PCI-E 6 pin connectors its compatible with a 6870. Most all 500w PSU and some below have these and almost all motherboards have the slot. So yes this is compatible.

He just chose the 560Ti because its a better GPU.

 

[Megan8]

Thanks for your input I have taken this into consideration when I have selected the parts that I think will work for the requirements I need to suit. I have done endless hours of research on a large number of parts and have narrowed it down to a few selections.