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Basic Linux build for light games and work

As a complete newbie, I'd really appreciate component selection advice. I’m looking to build a basic micro ATX system for web browsing, word processing, spreadsheets, etc., as well as basic programming and light gaming.

Approximate purchase date: Next 3 weeks
Budget range: $300-$400 before rebates/ shipping
System usage (Most-least): Schoolwork, light coding, light gaming
Buying monitor: No
OS: Linux
Location: Minneapolis, US
Preferred sites for parts: Newegg, Amazon
Parts preferences: None
Overclocking: No
SLI or Crossfire: No
Monitor resolution: 1920x1080
Additional comments: I’d eventually like to upgrade to an i3 or i5 over a year from now.

Components:
CPU: Intel Pentium G680 2x3.0GHz
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-Pentium-Dual-Core-Processor-Cache/dp/B005LLBBSS/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1352669261&sr=1-1&keywords=pentium+g860
GPU: EVGA GeForce GT 630 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130808
RAM: Corsair XMS3 1333GHz
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-1333MHz-PC3-10666-240-pin-CMX4GX3M1A1333C9/dp/B003ZDJ42O/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1352669193&sr=1-10&keywords=corsair+ram
Board: MSI LGA1155 B75MA-E33
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130654
PSU: Corsair CX430 430W 80 PLUS Bronze
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026&Tpk=corsair%20430%20watt
HDD: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB SATA III 7200RPM
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Caviar-Cache-Desktop/dp/B00461G3MS/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1352669447&sr=1-1&keywords=wd+caviar+blue
DVD-RW: Samsung DVD-RW
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151256
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 micro ATX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352009

Am I cheaping out on the Motherboard?
How much will I be able to upgrade the Processor with the same board?
Are these parts compatible with each other?
5 answers Last reply Best Answer
More about basic linux build light games work
  1. All the parts are compatible, but even for light gaming I would recommend a card better than a GT 630
  2. Best answer
    1. Go with the Pentium G2120 . It's newer, has better integrated graphics, and runs at 400MHz higher clock speed.

    2. That graphics card is TERRIBLE. Just go with the graphics that the Pentium uses. It'll save you money.

    3. Now that you have an Ivy Bridge processor, you can get 1600 clocked RAM. Not much difference in performance, but still, it's only like $3 more.

    4. I'd go with the ASRock H77M . No you aren't missing out of very much with B75, but H77 allows you to do a little bit more. But, you still could just get the motherboard you picked out.

    Everything else seems fine. No, since you really don't have all $300 components resting on that board, there won't be any bottleneck.

    The possibilities are endless on the 1155 socket. You can upgrade to i3, i5, i7, or even SB-e

    And finally, yes.
  3. Daboydman said:
    All the parts are compatible, but even for light gaming I would recommend a card better than a GT 630

    Thanks for the response, I had a feeling the card was wrong. What would you recommend?
  4. BreadWhistle said:
    1. Go with the Pentium G2120 . It's newer, has better integrated graphics, and runs at 400MHz higher clock speed.

    2. That graphics card is TERRIBLE. Just go with the graphics that the Pentium uses. It'll save you money.

    3. Now that you have an Ivy Bridge processor, you can get 1600 clocked RAM. Not much difference in performance, but still, it's only like $3 more.

    4. I'd go with the ASRock H77M . No you aren't missing out of very much with B75, but H77 allows you to do a little bit more. But, you still could just get the motherboard you picked out.

    Everything else seems fine. No, since you really don't have all $300 components resting on that board, there won't be any bottleneck.

    The possibilities are endless on the 1155 socket. You can upgrade to i3, i5, i7, or even SB-e

    And finally, yes.


    Wow, looks great. Thanks a lot for the advice.
  5. Best answer selected by The Prime Mediocre.
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