Basic build for a co-worker

[mcopinger]

Good Morning,

I'm building a computer for a co-worker who's old system finally gave out on him. He'll only use it for surfing the net, watching some online videos on checking e-mail, he also has some kids so I left some room to upgrade if they (two girls) should get into gaming. doubtful but better safe then sorry.

Here's what I got!

Case: NZXT Crafted Series Tempest 410 Elite
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811146080

CPU: AMD A6-3670K Llano 2.7Ghz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819106002

CPU cooler: Artic Cooling Freezer 13 CO
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186065

Motherboard: MSA A55M-P33 (Hudson D2) M-ATX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130641


RAM: G.Skill Ripjaw Series 8GB (2x4GB)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314

Hard Drive: Seagate momentus XT 500GB 7200 RPM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148591

PSU: Rosewill 430W 80 Plus certified
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182202

Optic Drive: Asus DVD Burner
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

I may be able to use his OS off his old computer (windows Vista... yay -_-). I'd like to make sure the case has a side window and black interior for a nice clean look. aside from that you guys are free to rip the build apart. trying to keep it under $400-$500

 

[malbluff]

Whist overall, it's a decent enough system, it could be so much better using Intel Ivybridge. If you used an i3-3225 and a H77 motherboard, you'd have much better performance, at least equal graphics, more up to date, and not a total dead end, in terms of upgrades. In itself, that would add around $70, but you can get a much cheaper case, that would still be decent quality, with side window, in a CoolerMaster Elite 430. I don't think Newegg do it, but if you're not stuck with Newegg, you can get it around $35. Also, for around the same price as that Seagate HDD, you should be able to get Western Digital Caviar Black, better performance, and warranty.
Just think going up to i3-3225, for basically $30 is well worth it.

 

[g-unit1111]

I definitely agree that the i3-3225 would be a far better CPU than the AMD Llano. The integrated graphics aren't as good but if you're buying that kind of CPU you're probably not that concerned about processing power. Knowing the budget would help to suggest parts.

 

[malbluff]

I'm not so sure the llano graphics do beat the HD4000 graphics in that particular CPU. Certainly the on board graphics in llano A8 (6550d) is probably better, by I would have thought, purely in terms of onboard graphics, it was a close call with the 6530d in that Llano. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

[cin19]

I will go get the i3-3220 and if you want get the HD6670 for basic game. If you have to need the cup cooler I will get the CORSAIR CAFA50 120mm CPU Cooler for $10 after MIR.

i3-3220 $120, after $10 off w/ promo code EMCNAJF78, ends 9/20
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116775

MB for $85, you can get the cheaper one too.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157304

8GB RAM for $27 after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145315

CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 V2 for $20 after MIR and $5 off w/ promo code EMCNAJB27, ends 9/24
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026

DVD for $17, Free shipping w/ promo code EMCNAJB47, ends 9/24
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106289

Case with 6 Fans for $50
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147108

SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 6670 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 for $75 after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102958

CORSAIR CAFA50 120mm CPU Cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181012

For the HD you can get the one you list or use the one from the old PC if it can fix (w/ SATA connector).

 

[obsama1]

^^^
Great build. Good for light gaming, and more than enough processing power.

 

[mastrom101]

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/hXhK

Another option

 

[malbluff]

OP isn't looking for a PC to game on. What he's looking for is a decent familly computer, that the children COULD play some games on. The i3 Ivybridge processors are going to give him the best overall performance, for familly use. The i3-3225, specifically, has the higher performing HD4000 graphics in it, to give the capability to play games reasonably, WITHOUT seperate graphics card, which is what OP wants. It's true, the graphics themselves aren't any better than on the llano (I reckon about the same), and they're not going to play BF3 at high, on 1080p, but then neither is a weak seperate graphics card. I would say that i3-3225 and H77 mobo gives OP exactly what he needs. If the girls get really into gaming, and want to play the BF3 type games, at high res, THAT'S the time to add a DECENT graphics card.

 

[g-unit1111]

I'm not so sure the llano graphics do beat the HD4000 graphics in that particular CPU. Certainly the on board graphics in llano A8 (6550d) is probably better, by I would have thought, purely in terms of onboard graphics, it was a close call with the 6530d in that Llano. Maybe I'm wrong.

When the Trinity APUs (socket FM2) are released they'll be based on the Radeon 7XXX platform so they'll be better but as far as whether or not Intel HD 4000 is better that's certainly up for debate.

 

[mcopinger]

Ahh I thought this thread went on deaf ears! The guy ended up taking his old vista machine to a PC repair shop instead but I've passed this info onto him (I agree with the i3-3225) and he said he'd Think on it