First build, non-gaming build.

[w177281]

Hi, I bought pre-built PC back in 2007 but it broke over the summer so this time, I decided to research on how to build a computer and build my own. This is what I have so far:

CPU: Intel Core i3-2100 3.1GHz Dual-Core Processor ($119.79 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: Asus P8H61-M LX PLUS (REV 3.0) Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($79.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Memory: G.Skill Value Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($40.49 @ Newegg Canada)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($99.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.98 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: Antec 520W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Optical Drive: Sony AD-7260S-0B DVD/CD Writer ($19.88 @ Canada Computers)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($105.92 @ TigerDirect Canada)
Total: $586.03CAD

GPU is not included in the build because I'll be using my old card (Nvidia Geforce 210 - not the exact same card but very similar) and this PC won't be used for gaming anytime soon so GPU is not a priority. I'm looking for a build that functions well and crunches numbers via programs like MATLAB.

Approximate Purchase Date: this week

Budget Range: 500-600 after rebates; after shipping

Parts to Upgrade: whichever you see fit

Do you need to buy OS: Yes

Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Your Monitor Resolution: 1440x900

Are there places where I can save money or improve on? The GPU can be upgraded as long as I remain in the $600CAD budget.

 

[g-unit1111]

If you're not going to get a GPU, spend a bit more on the CPU and go with an H77 / i5-3450 combo - that will make crunching numbers go a lot more quickly than H61 and i3-2120 will.

Try something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3450 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Memory Express)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H77-DS3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($84.99 @ Canada Computers)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($46.49 @ Newegg Canada)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F3 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.98 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: Corsair 430W ATX12V Power Supply ($41.99 @ Computer Valley)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.79 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $531.22
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)

 

[FinneousPJ]

For Matlab I would shoot for an i7.

 

[w177281]

If you're not going to get a GPU, spend a bit more on the CPU and go with an H77 / i5-3450 combo - that will make crunching numbers go a lot more quickly than H61 and i3-2120 will.

Try something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3450 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Memory Express)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H77-DS3H ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($84.99 @ Canada Computers)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($46.49 @ Newegg Canada)
Hard Drive: Samsung Spinpoint F3 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($79.99 @ Newegg Canada)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.98 @ NCIX)
Power Supply: Corsair 430W ATX12V Power Supply ($41.99 @ Computer Valley)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.79 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $531.22
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)

Is there a particular reason you chose Corsair 430W ATX12V Power Supply other than decrease in cost? Also, is the i5+H77 significantly better than the i3+H61 combo? Thank you for your advice.

 

[g-unit1111]

Is there a particular reason you chose Corsair 430W ATX12V Power Supply other than decrease in cost? Also, is the i5+H77 significantly better than the i3+H61 combo? Thank you for your advice.

This will tell you what you need to know about the i5-3450: http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/415/Intel_Core_i3_i3-2125_vs_Intel_Core_i5_i5-3450.html

And I generally like Corsair products - good brand, either one should work.