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Budget server/media PC/with occasional gaming, AMD-10? Case, mobo, CPU advice needed

Tags:
  • media pc
  • home server
  • Systems
  • New Build
September 7, 2014 1:02:46 PM

I'm looking to build a new desktop but don't have a lot of time for research this time around, so I thought I'd appeal to the collective wisdom of this great forum.

Approximate Purchase Date: Friday September 12th, but I'm also patient and will be probably be adding components each paycheck (every two weeks).

Budget Range: $300 for the CPU and mobo before tax and shipping, limited budget for the rest but open to suggestions on the merits spending more here vs. there

System Usage from Most to Least Important: always on for remote access, media PC, file server, occasional office/videoconferencing work, occasional gaming

Are you buying a monitor: No, already have a 24" 1920x1080p and a 21" 1920x1080p.

Parts to Upgrade: CPU, mobo, RAM, probably new case, may need more powerful PSU (currently have a Corsair CX500M, which I may reuse for a separate build if it's not enough power for this one).

Do you need to buy OS: No - have a non-OEM Win 8.1 Pro license

Preferred Website(s) for Parts: canadacomputers.com, ncix.com, amazon.ca, newegg.ca, tigerdirect.ca, in that order

Location: Ottawa, ON, Canada

Parts Preferences: Leaning toward AMD because of relative cheapness of multi-core CPUs

Overclocking: Maybe, probably not

SLI or Crossfire: No

Monitor Resolution: 1920x1080 mainly, but I have a Gigabyte Geforce GTX 750 with dual HDMI and dual DVI outputs, so four potential monitors

Additional Comments: Space is a consideration, have a lot of tech in my room already. Energy-efficiency is also a high priority as this will be always on. Preferably quiet. But expandability is a big concern too, so I larger mobo with spare RAM slots may be necessary

And Most Importantly, Why Are You Upgrading: My old desktop (my first build) died when I tried to run my GTX 750 in it. Killed the old power supply, but the whole board has been increasingly flaxy, won't POST now. Built in 2010. Looking to game with this but also use for remote access to VMs, home server processes, torrenting, etc. Only use for occasional gaming, maybe a couple times a month if that.

Parts:

Will be looking for at least 16GB RAM, prefer G.Skill; eventually may need 32GB, but I'll probably buy the sticks one at a time.

Have the GPU: GeForce GTX 750 GV-N750OC-1GI
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E1681...

Have a PSU, Corsair CX500M 500 Watt modular, would likely buy the same brand if need to upgrade for more power.

Have a mATX Antec case, but it's worse for wear, I would prefer to get a new one without spending a fortune (preferably less than $100).

Will get a new SSD, 128GB probably fine as I have a spare Samsung one the same size that can't boot Windows 8 but is fine being used for extra storage for installing games, etc. All important files are stored on a NAS, so no new HDDs needed.

What I really need advice on is the MOBO/CPU purchase, I've only been vaguely paying attention to the new stuff AMD's doing. I know it can't compare for sheer speed and power but for multitasking and acting as a central network hub would a one of the 95W AMD A10s be sufficient?

Would also love to get anyone's recommendations on peripherals, esp. best 'hybrid' (wired and wireless and bluetooth) headsets, but of course that's an entirely different request.

More about : budget server media occasional gaming amd case mobo cpu advice needed

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