Budget productivity build

[ApprenticeBuilder]

This would be my first build, dedicated mainly at working on my side projects (editing, web design, programming). So I was thinking I need a good processor, lots of memory and SSD

My estimated budget is 650 CAD, including the taxes+shipping, but I'm willing to go 700 CAD for a better configuration.

Parts Not Required: keyboard, mouse, monitor, optical drive, power supply (Diablotek PSDA500), graphics card (GeForce 9500 GT 1Gb)

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg.ca, ncix.com, canada computers

Overclocking: Maybe later


Here's my list (also here) :

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core : $229.99 (I didn't include a cooler, as I don't intend to overclock)

Motherboard : ASRock Z77 Pro3 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard: $124.99 ($94.99 after $30 rebate)

Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600: $47.99

Hard Drive: OCZ Vertex 4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk: $119.99

Case: Rosewill CHALLENGER ATX Mid Tower Case: $54.99

Total: $577.95 ($640.38 with TX&S)

I would love an i7, but I don't think I can get it with less than 750 CAD. Also, I'm not very sure about the case - I loved the Corsair Carbide 300R or the Rosewill RANGER, but I'm not sure if I need the extra features.

Please let me know what you think - and thank you !

 

[avenseth12]

For your purposes I would think about the following:
maybe 16gb of ram - you can get corsair vengeance for $95 roughly
you dont have a traditional HDD for storage -- you will eat up that 128gb in a hurry (try WD or seagate 500g or 1 tb - you can find for about $100
You do not have an operating system listed - i would choose windows 7 (you could use linux for free if you choose
If you arent going to overclock you might think about this cputo save a little with the same mobo
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116505 Intel Core i5-3550 Ivy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo) LGA 1155 77W Quad-Core

 

[Proximon]

Absolutely no on the Diablotek PSU. Any decent office build needs a good PSU. Not a big one, but a good one.

The 9500 GT does not need much power, about 80W or so.

Get the updated version of the case, that has USB 3.0 ports. You can get it in combo with an adequate PSU:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.976593

Or get the case and a good PSU:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371033

I think I would use the Mushkin for the SSD:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226318
or
http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=30170DR2160&vpn=MKNSSDCR120GB&manufacture=Mushkin%20Enhanced

or the Crucial:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148442

I don't know, maybe the Indilux cotrolled OCZs are better. I have lost a lot of confidence in OCZ the last several years though.

reference
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ssd-recommendation-review,3194-3.html

I think the CPU/MB/RAM combo is good.

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

Sorry, you're absolutely right - I forgot to mention that I will use the SSD as the OS disk (OS, swap & program files), and another drive (1Tb) for the data.

Thank you for your suggestion - I'll check the i5-3550 and the memory.

 

[monocycliste]

If you don't plan on overclocking you could save money by going with the i5-3570 instead of i5-3570k. EDIT: NCIX has the 3570k for 229.99$
If you want some lower profile RAM you can check these Mushkin, Silverline or Blackline. 44.99$

Really good psu but also really cheap, Antec Green EarthWatts 650W 64.99$

Good quality, USB 3, long graphics card case, Antec ONE 44.99$ (34.99$ after MIR)


EDIT 2: NCIX has this nice bundle (i5 3570k + Asus P8Z77-V LK) with 6.99$ shipping on entire order: http://ncix.com/products/?sku=72062&vpn=3570K%20%26%20P8Z77-V%20LK&manufacture=Bundle%20Deals&promoid=1027

EDIT 3: Remember that you can price match on NCIX. Depending on where you live in Canada, maybe you could shop at MemoryExpress.com if they are near you and save on shipping (they price match as well).

 

[Guest]

Absolutely no on the Diablotek PSU. Any decent office build needs a good PSU. Not a big one, but a good one.

+1,000!

please consider the most inexpensive PSU that i would recommend for your build AS IS ATM:
Antec Basiq VP450 450W $44.99 CAD
After Mail In Rebate: $34.99 CAD

lacks a PFC circuit but get a pass from HW secrets.

 

[Proximon]

Nice. Good case for the build for sure.

 

[Proximon]

+1,000!

please consider the most inexpensive PSU that i would recommend for your build AS IS ATM:
Enermax Naxn ENP450AST Tomahawk II 450W $39.99 CAD

Is there a review somewhere? I don't see one here
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page567.htm

I see that it's CWT... some of the low end CWT are not too good.

 

[Guest]

Is there a review somewhere? I don't see one here
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page567.htm

I see that it's CWT... some of the low end CWT are not too good.

yep . .post edited. thanks for the catch, my bad.

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

Nice. Good case for the build for sure.

Are you referring to the Antec ONE case ?

 

[Proximon]

Yep, a good low budget choice. The Challenger is probably a bit nicer, but if you are still trying to trim it down the Antec is a good way to do it.

 

[ApprenticeBuilder]

Best answer selected by ApprenticeBuilder.