Advice on new workstation build that will last

[NukeRiskGuy]

I have built all of my computers for the past twenty years. As I have gotten older, I have much less time to stay current on the latest technology - used to be when I wanted to do a new build, I went through Computer Shopper (bigger than a phone book!) and PC Magazine. My current computer is showing its age and needs to be relegated to the family room as an internet portal or something. Using the template provided in this forum's sticky post:

Approximate Purchase Date: this week (plan on building Thanksgiving week)

Budget Range: Less than $800 if possible (not including monitors); I am willing to spend a little bit extra to make this last for at least 4 years with minimal upgrades (e.g., new video card)

System Usage from Most to Least Important: Microsoft VBA development; Access database development (small to medium size db's); management of large digital photo and music collections; ability to play games at a reasonable quality (very subjective, I know)

Are you buying a monitor: Yes x2

Parts to Upgrade: Everything - I have 2 HDs that I will continue to use

Do you need to buy OS: Yes, Windows 7

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: None, but over the years I have been partial to mwave and newegg

Location: south Texas; I am over 50 miles away from what most would consider civilization (i.e., no specialty electronic stores, etc.)

Parts Preferences: partial to Intel CPU, but could be swayed

Overclocking: Maybe

SLI or Crossfire: Probably not

Your Monitor Resolution: 1680x1050 at a minimum

Additional Comments: Very quiet! - don't care what it looks like (I've already done the clear boxes with LEDs, etc);

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: current computer is slow - need another computer as specified above.

Here is what I have come up with so far:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.97 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Biostar Hi-Fi Z87X 3D ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($159.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Samsung Spinpoint F4 2TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive ($95.94 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda ES 750GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7870 2GB Video Card ($183.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ Microcenter)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-16D1HT Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.00 @ Amazon)
Monitor: Samsung S22C300H 21.5" Monitor ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Monitor: Samsung S22C300H 21.5" Monitor ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard For Business Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard ($67.60 @ Adorama)
Total: $1476.39
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-17 19:10 EST-0500)

I would definitely appreciate advice to trim the cost somewhat - thanks in advance for your assistance!

NukeRiskGuy

 

[dottorrent]

If I'm honest, you don't need a Z87 board if you don't have an overclocking chip.

Since your monitors are of excellent quality, I will skip them, but you say you want $800 without monitors and HDDs, when the system build is at $1060. Also, an OEM copy of windows 7 is bad. If your motherboard breaks and the key is used, Microsoft won't supply you with another key for the repaired board, because the board's serial number will have changed. An OEM copy of Windows 8 however, grants you with a system builder's license, which you can use again and again with your Microsoft account.

I will say, your budget is going to be around $1000 wo/monitors and HDDs. So, here is a counter-build + SSD -

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($174.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock B85 Pro4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.55 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport XT 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($124.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M4 128GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($163.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus BC-12B1ST/BLK/B/AS Blu-Ray Reader, DVD/CD Writer ($57.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit) ($97.98 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard For Business Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard ($67.60 @ Adorama)
Total: $1000.02
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-17 19:53 EST-0500)

 

[NukeRiskGuy]

dottorrent

Thanks for your input, especially on the difference between Windows 7 and Windows 8 OEM. I took your advice, made some adjustments and just ordered my parts.

NukeRiskGuy