1st Build - 500-600$ - Photo/Video editing, Web

[dr3am000]

I am thinking about building my first PC. I have never built a full PC but have some experience working with computer components.


Approximate Purchase Date: Within 1 month

Budget Range: $500-$600

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Photo editing (PS 5.5), Movie Editing, Web Browsing

Parts Not Required: Power (Antec EA 650), CD/DVD drive, Monitor (Samsung 2253BW), Mouse, Keyboard (wouldn't mind replacing KB)

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.com

Country: USA

Parts Preferences: Best bang for buck.

Overclocking: No

SLI or Crossfire: No

Monitor Resolution: 1680 x 1050

Additional Comments: Definitely trying to build a QUIET machine here. The one I am replacing has a PNY 9800 GTX card in it and sounds like a jet taking off. It doesnt need to be silent, but would prefer quiet components. Also, I do have working keyboards available, but wouldnt mind picking up a new one if there are some good deals. I do want to have wireless LAN.

 

[dr3am000]

PS - Was planning on running this with Ubuntu

 

[Proximon]

■SAMSUNG 22X DVD Burner SATA Model SH-222BB/BEBE - OEM
■Fractal Design Arc Midi Black High Performance PC Computer Case w/ USB 3.0 and 3 x Fractal High Performance 140mm fans
■Western Digital Caviar Blue WD7500AALX 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
■SAPPHIRE 100322L Radeon HD 6450 1GB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
■G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-8GBNT
■ASUS P8H67-V (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
■Intel Core i5-2400 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz (3.4GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000 ...
TOTAL: $602.93

Note the promo code on the HDD will take $20 off that price.

 

[dr3am000]

■SAMSUNG 22X DVD Burner SATA Model SH-222BB/BEBE - OEM
■Fractal Design Arc Midi Black High Performance PC Computer Case w/ USB 3.0 and 3 x Fractal High Performance 140mm fans
■Western Digital Caviar Blue WD7500AALX 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
■SAPPHIRE 100322L Radeon HD 6450 1GB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
■G.SKILL Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model F3-10600CL9D-8GBNT
■ASUS P8H67-V (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel H67 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
■Intel Core i5-2400 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz (3.4GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 2000 ...
TOTAL: $602.93

Note the promo code on the HDD will take $20 off that price.

Alright, so i nixed the DVD burner because I already have one, and that took the total down to 586.94.

I like the suggestions you have made, and it looks like good components for what I need. I have a couple questions regarding this package:

1. How much benefit would it be to use the next level i5 processors? (Such as the 2500 or 2500K)
2. Also, I noticed some talk of newer processors coming out soon. Would it be in my best interest to wait until then to buy if I can manage with what I have for a little longer? (or is that irrelevant at this price point)
3. Do I need any additional components to what you have listed (CPU Fan? Mounting supplies?)
4. Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Proximon]

The onboard graphics would work kinda, but you'll get better driver support on the dedicated card, and that's why I recommended it.

1. Not much. You can get better performance out of an i7 though. 2600 for instance.

2. There's always something new coming along. Just buy now.

3. The CPU comes with a fan, and that should be all you need. The MB will have two SATA cables.

4. Be sure to consult the master sticky at the top of the forum, where you will find a link to an excellent build guide.

 

[confish21]

I this is about what I'm planning to build. Except for a 6870.

I want to pull the trigger but whats 1-2 months anyway?
I'd like to check out Ivy bridge and see what other MBs come out too.

Unless your current machine is dead, I would wait. Thats what im doing.

 

[samuelspark]

AMD FX-8120 Eight Core CPU ($199.99)
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0375765
M5A97 Asus Motherboard (FREE with CPU)
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0382961
MSI Radeon HD 5670 Graphics Card ($69.99) ($10 rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127600
G.Skill Value Series 8GB DDR3 1333 MHz ($36.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231422
NZXT Source 210 ATX Computer Case ($39.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146076
Corsair Builder Series CX430 430w PSU ($44.99) ($20 rebate) ($8 off with promo EMCNJHD22, ends 2/1)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026
Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB HDD ($69.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136814
Asus x24 DVD Burner ($18.99)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204
Total = $480.93 without shipping, tax at Microcenter, rebates ($30), or promocodes

$500 FX 8120 build. Only problem is you have to have a Microcenter near you.

 

[aznshinobi]

Check out my $600 build here:
http://www.squidoo.com/electronicandmore
Just drop the video card and use the iGPU in the i5 2400 (-160)
Total Approx.: $451

I disagree strongly with the FX chips, they're terrible. Even though they have "8" cores, they fail to perform compared to Sandy Bridge chips. In a few multi-threads the FX-8120/50 performs but in general, loses out.
FX-8150 vs i5 2400
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/434?vs=363
Keep in mind the 8150 is $270 or $260 @ Microcenter and the i5 2400 is $190 or $150 @ Microcenter.

 

[dr3am000]

Best answer selected by dr3am000.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey