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Building a low end pc for my step son.

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  • build discussion
  • new computer
  • build help
  • Desktop build
  • Systems
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August 5, 2014 3:25:18 PM

Approximate Purchase Date: Two Weeks
Budget Range: $150 USD
System Usage from Most to Least Important: Xbox 360 video capturing (for now using a cheapo dazzle until I can buy him a half decent capture card), Minecraft
Are you buying a monitor: No
Do you need to buy OS: No
Preferred Website(s) for Parts: Amazon, Newegg, ebay if absolutely necessary.
Location: 16117 ZIP Code
Parts Preferences: No preferences
Overclocking: No
SLI or Crossfire: No
Your Monitor Resolution: 1024 x 768

My own additions:
Case Needed: No
Power Supply Needed: No, I have a low end 250w power supply that I'd like to use.
Optical Drives Needed: No
Hard Drive Needed: No
Ram Needed: Yes
Motherboard Needed: Yes
CPU Needed: Yes

Additional Comments: I would like to keep it as small as possible, I'm building a "unique" portable desktop pc for him, case from wood.
I have plenty of fans lying around, I basically need a half decent micro atx or mini itx motherboard, a processor (APU?) that can handle games half decently, and 3-4 gigs of any half decent ram.
I'd like to keep it as small and compact as possible.

I may also need to include a wireless mouse/keyboard, preferably mid-size, but even a small one will work, he has small hands.


Is it possible on this budget or less?
If I forgot anything, please let me know, thanks!

More about : building low end step son

August 5, 2014 3:33:04 PM

$150 isn't a lot for a MB, CPU capable of gaming graphics and RAM. In addition, the 250w probably won't be enough, and might not have a 24pin connection and 8pin eps connection required by most modern motherboards.

Up your budget and you could for a new AMD-APU, PSU, MB and RAM.
August 5, 2014 3:36:04 PM

getochkn said:
$150 isn't a lot for a MB, CPU capable of gaming graphics and RAM. In addition, the 250w probably won't be enough, and might not have a 24pin connection and 8pin eps connection required by most modern motherboards.

Up your budget and you could for a new AMD-APU, PSU, MB and RAM.


You're right there, it's 20/4 pin connectors.
Up the budget by how much? Could you give me an example setup that would be a fair budget?

Thank you for your rapid response!
Related resources
August 5, 2014 3:42:48 PM

PSU's I'm not the best at knowing what brands are on the good list and hte bad list, but a rough idea of what I'd do.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Rw4t99

August 5, 2014 4:39:20 PM

getochkn said:
PSU's I'm not the best at knowing what brands are on the good list and hte bad list, but a rough idea of what I'd do.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Rw4t99



Thank you, is there any other cheaper options closer to $200?
Money is a bit tight at the moment, I'm willing to spend the money if I absolutely must, but name brand products aren't all that vital to me. Even a fairly decent cheapo PSU would be fine, as well as a lesser known ram would suffice.
August 5, 2014 4:44:46 PM

PwnFx said:
getochkn said:
PSU's I'm not the best at knowing what brands are on the good list and hte bad list, but a rough idea of what I'd do.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Rw4t99



Thank you, is there any other cheaper options closer to $200?
Money is a bit tight at the moment, I'm willing to spend the money if I absolutely must, but name brand products aren't all that vital to me. Even a fairly decent cheapo PSU would be fine, as well as a lesser known ram would suffice.


4GB RAM instead of 8GB, and a cheaper PSU. $205

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/wjd8bv
August 5, 2014 5:32:55 PM

getochkn said:
PwnFx said:
getochkn said:
PSU's I'm not the best at knowing what brands are on the good list and hte bad list, but a rough idea of what I'd do.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/Rw4t99



Thank you, is there any other cheaper options closer to $200?
Money is a bit tight at the moment, I'm willing to spend the money if I absolutely must, but name brand products aren't all that vital to me. Even a fairly decent cheapo PSU would be fine, as well as a lesser known ram would suffice.


4GB RAM instead of 8GB, and a cheaper PSU. $205

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/wjd8bv


Would it be any cheaper to go standard atx?
August 6, 2014 8:01:50 PM

I'd also like to get something that will be upgradeable, meaning able to add a graphics card in the future when I can afford one.
August 7, 2014 2:33:27 AM

ATX size doesn't matter, the board I picked is only $34, can't get much cheaper than that. You can add a graphics to this later on. You're on a $200 budget, cut down the wish list. lol.
!