2 Similar Builds, 2 Different Purposes

On PC #2 - if you're buying it for MS Office, it is not that resource intensive. You don't need the 3570K for that. You could get an AMD A8-based system and run on the integrated graphics for like 1/2 the cost.

And then on PC #1 - 50 tabs? Really? The internet is not that interesting.

For $1250 I would suggest something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung Spinpoint F3 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($309.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (White) ATX Mid Tower Case ($109.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair 650W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On DS-8A8SH DVD/CD Writer ($30.98 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $1159.88
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-21 01:07 EDT-0400)

And then for PC #2 I'd suggest something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A8-3870K 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock A75 PRO4 ATX FM1 Motherboard ($87.86 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($43.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($73.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 912 ATX Mid Tower Case ($64.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 380W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($42.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($21.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $445.76
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-08-21 01:24 EDT-0400)

Your build looks good, but your mother's build is overkill. You can get by with an A8 APU for her uses.

He meant the Radeon 7950.

I'll have to add a "me too" to this thread. The second system definitely should have an AMD APU.

In fact, you could go with an A8-3870 for both builds, and just add a discrete graphics card to the first one.

But the second system in particular... You'd be a fool not to consider an AMD A8 or even an A6 for that one.

1st system...was that GPU a typo? I would think a HD 7850 would be a better choice, especially for the money. From my research, the HD 3950 was outdated a few years ago? Or did they release a new version?
Power supply you chose is perfect for the 1st system, and a darned good price on that, too.
I like the idea of the SSD, but research SSD cache before you build. Something like OCZ Synapse, for example. I think Crucial makes a version, too. You don't have to spend a lot to buy a huge SSD. If you get an SSD 'cache' drive, you can turn any cheap spinning platter hard drive into a gigantic SSD. That's what I did for my cloud server build. I've got a 500GB notebook style hard drive that boots windows with MANY programs at startup...in about 10 seconds. Thanks to an OCZ Synapse cache drive.

2nd system...Corsair builders series makes me nervous. For $49, it would be a much better idea just to get another OCZ 600W modxstream. You are NOT going to find a better power supply for $49 or less. It makes most sense, if you can get a bargain like that, to just get TWO of them...
OK, so the CX430 would save you 15 bucks, but it would be literally like 4 or 5 level downgrade. Kind of like buying a Yugo for 29,000 when you could have bought a Lexus for 30,000...makes no sense to skimp here.

Other thoughts...the Lian Li is definitely a high quality case. But for what you're getting, it's overpriced and kind of bland looking. As a less expensive alternative that kinda sorta looks the same (but still high quality), consider an Antec Three Hundred or (really thinking out of the box) a NZXT Source 220.

Funny I'm kind of that way about OCZ power supplies. Personally for the $40 - $50 range I've found that the Seasonic S12 II 430W is a better choice than just about anything you can get. If you need less power, the Antec Earth Watts 380W meets all those needs and is less than $40.



I agree, I personally find Lian Li is extremely overrated and very expensive for what you get. Solid build quality sure, but again they're very overrated, IMO.

I can't argue with the Seasonic recommendation, and most of the Antec labeled PSU units are OK. But if we're considering a Corsair "builders series", then a OCZ Modxtream is definitely an upgrade, and a *significant* one...
I'm kinda (upset) that Corsair ever released the builders series. It used to be you could say "just buy a Corsair". Now you have to *specify*. Sigh...

Yeah the builder series is really hit or miss, so is the Gaming Series (GS) - not that great either. If you go Corsair - it has to be the TX, HX, or AX series, avoid the lower end units.

Thanks for all the recommendations guys!

Yes, I meant the 7950. Sorry about that.

I went with the mushkin chronos deluxe for both PCs. Found them for 175$ and couldnt resist at that price point. I had considered a cache drive, but I figured at that price point (and I already have a 3 TB harddrive on my network), I may as well go full SSD.

Seasonic was a great choice. Why I didn't think of that, I don't know. For the first build I went with a 700W modxtream as it was only 10$ more than the 600W.

I stuck with the core i5 3570 for my moms build, and went for an i7 3770 for mine as it was only $60 more and I can't see myself overclocking.

The case I wanted wasn't available in the end, so I went for a lian-li PC-6. The last thing I want is a flashy case. Black brushed aluminum is all I wanted. I can't stand shiny plastic...

Thanks for all your help!