[Build Log] Mini-ITX PC - Middle School
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- Intel i5
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Build Your Own
Last response: in Systems
DonkeyOatie
October 9, 2014 6:46:51 AM
My middle school students will be putting together a mini-ITX PC for my wife ($700 of MY money). This thread will document our progress.
The build from pcpartpicker
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($194.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Micro Center)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: Silverstone ML07B HTPC Case ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Gold 450W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($87.99 @ NCIX US)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK270 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($20.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $693.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-09 09:43 EDT-0400
The parts arrived very promptly and in excellent condition.
![]()
Hope this works.
I was sure to uncheck the questions. Why is this not a discussion?
Could a Mod/Admin please fix or tell me how to.
Changed it for you
The build from pcpartpicker
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($194.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($82.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($109.99 @ Micro Center)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: Silverstone ML07B HTPC Case ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Gold 450W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($87.99 @ NCIX US)
Keyboard: Logitech Wireless Combo MK270 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($20.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $693.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-09 09:43 EDT-0400
The parts arrived very promptly and in excellent condition.

Hope this works.
I was sure to uncheck the questions. Why is this not a discussion?
Could a Mod/Admin please fix or tell me how to.
Changed it for you
More about : build log mini itx middle school
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Reply to DonkeyOatie
ImDaBaron
October 9, 2014 7:23:22 AM
DonkeyOatie
October 9, 2014 9:53:42 AM
It's actually an after-school activity. I have a group of about 12 students who are interested. Four of the eighth grades have a $600 to $800 budget which I cleared with their parents and, after this build, they will start on their own. I'll post there questions on this board so they can get experience using such a thing, and they have already spent time on pcpartpicker.
I also got them to do an inventory of 'bits' that they could use at home in old or dead computers.
This will take some weeks and the photos need to be vetted by the school so there will be a delay with them.
We are interested in hearing suggestions or warnings if you know anything about the specific stuff we are using.
Mod/admin. Thanks. What did I do wrong?
EDIT: If anyone wants me to take photos of specific parts or features please let me know here and I'll post them. (Maybe you always wondered about the Silverstone ML07 case
)
I also got them to do an inventory of 'bits' that they could use at home in old or dead computers.
This will take some weeks and the photos need to be vetted by the school so there will be a delay with them.
We are interested in hearing suggestions or warnings if you know anything about the specific stuff we are using.
Mod/admin. Thanks. What did I do wrong?
EDIT: If anyone wants me to take photos of specific parts or features please let me know here and I'll post them. (Maybe you always wondered about the Silverstone ML07 case
) -
Reply to DonkeyOatie
Related resources
- All in One build Middle School - Forum
- $1500 budget, looking for a mini-ITX build for gaming+school use - Forum
- Mini-ITX Gaming/Video editing/multimedia PC [Final Build Help] - Forum
- Mini-ITX Gaming Build Log - Forum
- New PC Build (Mini-ITX) - Forum
tsuneo6
October 9, 2014 4:44:31 PM
DonkeyOatie
October 9, 2014 4:50:08 PM
tsuneo6
October 9, 2014 4:52:28 PM
DonkeyOatie
October 9, 2014 4:56:14 PM
tsuneo6
October 9, 2014 4:57:43 PM
DonkeyOatie
October 10, 2014 4:13:04 AM
Here is the first build from one of my students. I could make suggestions, but I want them to get experience here.
BUILD TM01
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: AMD 3850 1.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($36.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock AM1H-ITX Mini ITX AM1 Motherboard
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($95.92 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GT 610 1GB Video Card ($42.54 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone PS08B (Black) MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec TruePower Classic 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($78.79 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)
Monitor: Acer G206HQLbd 60Hz 19.5" Monitor ($95.07 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: i-rocks RF-6577L-BK Wireless Slim Keyboard w/Laser Mouse ($38.24 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Cyber Acoustics CA-2002 6W 2ch Speakers ($9.88 @ Amazon)
Total: $431.43
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-10 07:11 EDT-0400
BUILD TM01
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: AMD 3850 1.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($36.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock AM1H-ITX Mini ITX AM1 Motherboard
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($95.92 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GT 610 1GB Video Card ($42.54 @ Amazon)
Case: Silverstone PS08B (Black) MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec TruePower Classic 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($78.79 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit)
Monitor: Acer G206HQLbd 60Hz 19.5" Monitor ($95.07 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: i-rocks RF-6577L-BK Wireless Slim Keyboard w/Laser Mouse ($38.24 @ Amazon)
Speakers: Cyber Acoustics CA-2002 6W 2ch Speakers ($9.88 @ Amazon)
Total: $431.43
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-10 07:11 EDT-0400
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Reply to DonkeyOatie
Novuake
October 10, 2014 5:55:48 AM
SyncViews
October 10, 2014 6:17:51 AM
Pairing an AMD Sempron 3850 APU (not A8, which looks to be multiple times faster) with a GT 610 seems odd. Assuming I got this right (http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/compare.php?cmp[]=33&cmp[]=2914 ) the 610 is actually slower than whats in that APU. Seems to me if possible it would be better to just pick a faster APU and drop the discrete graphics.
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Reply to SyncViews
DonkeyOatie
October 10, 2014 7:56:26 AM
Novuake said:
This is pretty awesome. Where you guys from anyway?
So this student of yours that you are posting the second build for(maybe start naming the builds) to make this simpler.
Ask him what he want to play/do on the machine?
And what his budget is?
Central Florida
Good idea to name builds. Lets call this TM01. Yes this is the first build for the first student.
$600-ish. Assume that for all of these. Assume they have a keyboard and monitor, but no OS.
mostly Minecraft at the moment, but the future awaits! So as good as possible.
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Reply to DonkeyOatie
ImDaBaron
October 10, 2014 7:58:00 AM
Novuake
October 10, 2014 7:58:35 AM
ImDaBaron
October 10, 2014 8:14:28 AM
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($97.98 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-HD3 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($55.18 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($71.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($54.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $378.09
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-10 11:14 EDT-0400
I dont think that's too bad
CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($97.98 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88XM-HD3 Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($55.18 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($71.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ OutletPC)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($54.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 430W 80+ Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $378.09
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-10 11:14 EDT-0400
I dont think that's too bad
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Reply to ImDaBaron
tsuneo6
October 10, 2014 8:39:38 AM
I saw someone make this build earlier
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($98.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($72.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($73.80 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 270X 2GB DirectCU II Video Card ($175.66 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill Galaxy-03 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $595.37
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-10 11:38 EDT-0400
it's without OS though. but dont you think you can buy a key that'll work on multiple PC's? you're from a school, so I assume schools can buy that... may save you some money
oh, and that hyper 212 evo, it' snearly identical to my zalman cnps10x optima and the zalman is about 8 dollar cheaper.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($98.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($72.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($73.80 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 270X 2GB DirectCU II Video Card ($175.66 @ Newegg)
Case: Rosewill Galaxy-03 ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $595.37
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-10 11:38 EDT-0400
it's without OS though. but dont you think you can buy a key that'll work on multiple PC's? you're from a school, so I assume schools can buy that... may save you some money
oh, and that hyper 212 evo, it' snearly identical to my zalman cnps10x optima and the zalman is about 8 dollar cheaper.
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Reply to tsuneo6
DonkeyOatie
October 10, 2014 1:34:35 PM
That looks like a great low-cost AMD build Baron.
What GPU does the APU approximate to?
I know of several more kids who could spring for $400.
It would be a waste of the APU, but I assume that a dedicated GPU could be added later or would it be better to hand-me-down, and start again?
I think I have access to a Windows 7 license set, for educational purposes.
I'm supplying my own Windows 7 license from a dead net-book for MY machine.
Did some work today prepping the case. Am I going to need/want case fans. I have a place to mount up to three 120mm fans.
The PSU has one and I have the stock cooler too, and the GPU will have it's fans.
If I need more, which would you recommend?
What GPU does the APU approximate to?
I know of several more kids who could spring for $400.
It would be a waste of the APU, but I assume that a dedicated GPU could be added later or would it be better to hand-me-down, and start again?
I think I have access to a Windows 7 license set, for educational purposes.
I'm supplying my own Windows 7 license from a dead net-book for MY machine.
Did some work today prepping the case. Am I going to need/want case fans. I have a place to mount up to three 120mm fans.
The PSU has one and I have the stock cooler too, and the GPU will have it's fans.
If I need more, which would you recommend?
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Reply to DonkeyOatie
ImDaBaron
October 10, 2014 2:08:35 PM
tsuneo6
October 10, 2014 2:27:16 PM
DonkeyOatie said:
That looks like a great low-cost AMD build Baron.What GPU does the APU approximate to?
I know of several more kids who could spring for $400.
It would be a waste of the APU, but I assume that a dedicated GPU could be added later or would it be better to hand-me-down, and start again?
I think I have access to a Windows 7 license set, for educational purposes.
I'm supplying my own Windows 7 license from a dead net-book for MY machine.
Did some work today prepping the case. Am I going to need/want case fans. I have a place to mount up to three 120mm fans.
The PSU has one and I have the stock cooler too, and the GPU will have it's fans.
If I need more, which would you recommend?
I have a windows vista...yea vista... license laying around, if you're interested (from a dead laptop, not planning on ever using vista again sooo.... it is 32 bit though)
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Reply to tsuneo6
DonkeyOatie
October 10, 2014 2:56:48 PM
DonkeyOatie
October 10, 2014 2:59:22 PM
ImDaBaron said:
I believe it's equivalent to a R7 250 and you could add a R7 250 in crossfire if you wanted. It's a nice cheap build for playing minecraft...should have no issues there.I recommend at least 2 fans for the system your building.
Any particular sort of fans or are all 120mms about the same? (I doubt it, like everything there are good, bad, cheap, and value)?
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Reply to DonkeyOatie
tsuneo6
October 10, 2014 3:05:59 PM
I personally like these fans
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/aerocool-case-fan-shark120...
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/aerocool-case-fan-shark120...
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Reply to tsuneo6
DonkeyOatie
October 10, 2014 3:26:12 PM
DonkeyOatie
October 12, 2014 11:29:30 AM
zeyuanfu
October 12, 2014 3:33:36 PM
DonkeyOatie
October 12, 2014 3:49:57 PM
zeyuanfu said:
I would suggest the Pentium G3258 for future builds as it's stronger than AMD CPUs in its range and has the awesome upgrade path to the 4690K and Broadwell CPUs.While I see your point and agree with it to a great extent, for a 11 - 14 year old, an APU based solution might work well for a first build, which would be handed down or cannibalized later. The APU can play Minecraft moderately well without the expense of a GPU.
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Reply to DonkeyOatie
zeyuanfu
October 12, 2014 3:55:17 PM
DonkeyOatie said:
zeyuanfu said:
I would suggest the Pentium G3258 for future builds as it's stronger than AMD CPUs in its range and has the awesome upgrade path to the 4690K and Broadwell CPUs.While I see your point and agree with it to a great extent, for a 11 - 14 year old, an APU based solution might work well for a first build, which would be handed down or cannibalized later. The APU can play Minecraft moderately well without the expense of a GPU.
I hope you realise APUs can only upgrade to APUs. There is no switching sockets. The G3258 and a low-end GPU (something like a R7 260X) will CRUSH the APU, especially in processing power.
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Reply to zeyuanfu
DonkeyOatie
October 12, 2014 4:04:56 PM
Yes, I realize that. Some students have $300 burning a hole in their pockets and, I would rather give them an opportunity to build something than tell them to wait until next year (they'll spend it on something else, delayed gratification happens to other and older people
), even though it will put them in a bit of a hole. About half of the money will be salvageable.
), even though it will put them in a bit of a hole. About half of the money will be salvageable. -
Reply to DonkeyOatie
zeyuanfu
October 12, 2014 4:08:50 PM
DonkeyOatie
October 12, 2014 4:24:00 PM
zeyuanfu said:
You do realise you can game on the integrated graphics, right? It won't be as powerful as an APU, but the CPU itself, I cannot stress it enough about how IT'LL CRUSH ANY APU.Absolutely. I'm doing that myself for the next few months.
What you are saying, in effect, is DON'T buy an APU under any circumstances and that there is no reason at all to choose one? And I should not allow my students to make that choice either because it is so weak.
You are also saying that it would be better to play games on the most powerful i3/i5 and integrated graphics a student can afford, rather than go with an APU because of the APU's weak CPU which will cripple the system.
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Reply to DonkeyOatie
zeyuanfu
October 12, 2014 4:30:53 PM
Yes, I'm saying exactly that, but if your students only have 300$, the APU road would be the only way to go unless the aforementioned students have other parts lying around their houses. You technically cannot restrict your students' CPU choices, but for their good, I would not recommend an APU.
Also, yes. Since games like Minecraft are heavily CPU-based, a weak processor will render the game quasi-unplayable (20-30 FPS), while you can lock in at 60 FPS on the integrated graphics with the i3-4150 which costs about 120-130$ (the price of an A8 or A10). APUs are so bad I'd recommend ANY FX or Athlon processor if I were given the choice.
Also, yes. Since games like Minecraft are heavily CPU-based, a weak processor will render the game quasi-unplayable (20-30 FPS), while you can lock in at 60 FPS on the integrated graphics with the i3-4150 which costs about 120-130$ (the price of an A8 or A10). APUs are so bad I'd recommend ANY FX or Athlon processor if I were given the choice.
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Reply to zeyuanfu
DonkeyOatie
October 12, 2014 4:39:21 PM
Thanks for your input.
I have not used APUs and rejected them myself when looking at the system here and you have given me the ammunition to resist their poor choices. I can, in practice, restrict their choice, if only by making a strong, credible, alternative suggestion.
I'd be interested in hearing what ImDaBaron has to say.
I have not used APUs and rejected them myself when looking at the system here and you have given me the ammunition to resist their poor choices. I can, in practice, restrict their choice, if only by making a strong, credible, alternative suggestion.
I'd be interested in hearing what ImDaBaron has to say.
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Reply to DonkeyOatie
zeyuanfu
October 12, 2014 4:42:50 PM
No problem, you'll thank me later when you discover how i3s are overpowered compared to an APU
You can suggest the i3 previously mentioned or even the G3258, which can be overclocked (I don't think you'd like your students to set an absurd 1.5-1.8 volts for the CPU power, though
).
I'm sure ImDaBaron agrees, unless he/she is an AMD fan.
You can suggest the i3 previously mentioned or even the G3258, which can be overclocked (I don't think you'd like your students to set an absurd 1.5-1.8 volts for the CPU power, though
).I'm sure ImDaBaron agrees, unless he/she is an AMD fan.
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Reply to zeyuanfu
DonkeyOatie
October 12, 2014 4:47:11 PM
ImDaBaron
October 12, 2014 5:34:39 PM
I'm actually not a G3258 fan...especially after plenty of stories about problems with games. I would definitely recommend an I3. But this is for middle school students...I made a build that wouldnt take took much from them or their parents. If all they are going to do is play Minecraft then go with an A10- whatever model they can afford. Keep in mind I almost never recommend APUs. But for this situation it's not bad. For an HTPC I would recommend the G3258.
No dont overclock to 1.8 lol
No dont overclock to 1.8 lol
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Reply to ImDaBaron
Novuake
October 12, 2014 10:53:54 PM
Right so I am back.
In regards to the student builds.
600$ is a sizable budget and more than sufficient for a discrete GPU build WITH a decent CPU.
Just because of the simplicity behind Intel builds, less heat, less of a worry to get a quality motherboard because motherboard vendors don't cheap out on Intel boards so much(don't ask me why, I do not know why), lets give the kids an I3 based build.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($108.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M Anniversary Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($73.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Team Vulcan 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: HIS Radeon R9 270X 2GB IceQ X² Video Card ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $630.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-13 01:50 EDT-0400
Why such an overkill PSU? 1. Its quality, 2. Its cheap for that quality, and 3. It allows pretty much any single GPU upgrade path.
2 x 4GB RAM to benefit from dual channel.
H97 board in case of I5 upgrade at some stage. (H97 will support the Broadwell refresh)
Windows 8, just because.
EDIT : As a side note, I believe APU builds are decent if you have a very small, less than 500$(including OS), budget. But once you are looking at 600$, you need to be looking at a better platform.
In regards to the student builds.
600$ is a sizable budget and more than sufficient for a discrete GPU build WITH a decent CPU.
Just because of the simplicity behind Intel builds, less heat, less of a worry to get a quality motherboard because motherboard vendors don't cheap out on Intel boards so much(don't ask me why, I do not know why), lets give the kids an I3 based build.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($108.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M Anniversary Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($73.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Team Vulcan 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: HIS Radeon R9 270X 2GB IceQ X² Video Card ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $630.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-13 01:50 EDT-0400
Why such an overkill PSU? 1. Its quality, 2. Its cheap for that quality, and 3. It allows pretty much any single GPU upgrade path.
2 x 4GB RAM to benefit from dual channel.
H97 board in case of I5 upgrade at some stage. (H97 will support the Broadwell refresh)
Windows 8, just because.
EDIT : As a side note, I believe APU builds are decent if you have a very small, less than 500$(including OS), budget. But once you are looking at 600$, you need to be looking at a better platform.
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Reply to Novuake
DonkeyOatie
October 13, 2014 1:57:43 AM
ImDaBaron said:
I'm actually not a G3258 fan...especially after plenty of stories about problems with games. I would definitely recommend an I3. But this is for middle school students...I made a build that wouldnt take took much from them or their parents. If all they are going to do is play Minecraft then go with an A10- whatever model they can afford. Keep in mind I almost never recommend APUs. But for this situation it's not bad. For an HTPC I would recommend the G3258. No dont overclock to 1.8 lol
Thanks for the input Baron. That's just what wanted to hear. I think I'll be steering towards i3s with Pentium's as the 'cheap solution, after all you can replace one with an i7 later (they won't, but it's a good sales pitch)
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Reply to DonkeyOatie
DonkeyOatie
October 13, 2014 2:02:35 AM
Novuake said:
Right so I am back.In regards to the student builds.
600$ is a sizable budget and more than sufficient for a discrete GPU build WITH a decent CPU.
Just because of the simplicity behind Intel builds, less heat, less of a worry to get a quality motherboard because motherboard vendors don't cheap out on Intel boards so much(don't ask me why, I do not know why), lets give the kids an I3 based build.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant
CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($108.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M Anniversary Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($73.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Team Vulcan 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: HIS Radeon R9 270X 2GB IceQ X² Video Card ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 600B 600W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $630.88
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-10-13 01:50 EDT-0400
Why such an overkill PSU? 1. Its quality, 2. Its cheap for that quality, and 3. It allows pretty much any single GPU upgrade path.
2 x 4GB RAM to benefit from dual channel.
H97 board in case of I5 upgrade at some stage. (H97 will support the Broadwell refresh)
Windows 8, just because.
EDIT : As a side note, I believe APU builds are decent if you have a very small, less than 500$(including OS), budget. But once you are looking at 600$, you need to be looking at a better platform.
Yes. I like that approach a lot better and I can still cut it down further for people with much less budget. (No GPU, or a Pentium, and/or and old existing HDD)
I'll be putting the fans in today.
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Reply to DonkeyOatie
Novuake
October 13, 2014 2:10:26 AM
DonkeyOatie
October 13, 2014 2:17:35 AM
I'll be sseing the TM01 builder today, and will pass on the recommended build.
The $600 budget was my suggestion as a minimum to do something useful with, just to limit the 'cheapness' of parts.
Some of these students have 10+ old and/or dead Dell towers at home. I'm thinking that they can re-use some of the cases. For that matter, we have about 20 of them here at school, no longer in use.
Anyone here have experience making dust filter frames on a 3D printer?
The $600 budget was my suggestion as a minimum to do something useful with, just to limit the 'cheapness' of parts.
Some of these students have 10+ old and/or dead Dell towers at home. I'm thinking that they can re-use some of the cases. For that matter, we have about 20 of them here at school, no longer in use.
Anyone here have experience making dust filter frames on a 3D printer?
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Reply to DonkeyOatie
Novuake
October 13, 2014 2:19:25 AM
DonkeyOatie said:
I'll be sseing the TM01 builder today, and will pass on the recommended build.The $600 budget was my suggestion as a minimum to do something useful with, just to limit the 'cheapness' of parts.
Some of these students have 10+ old and/or dead Dell towers at home. I'm thinking that they can re-use some of the cases. For that matter, we have about 20 of them here at school, no longer in use.
That can drop a few bucks off. But some of them may not conform to ATX form factor. So do not rely on that too much.
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Reply to Novuake
DonkeyOatie
October 13, 2014 2:20:39 AM
Novuake
October 13, 2014 2:27:10 AM
DonkeyOatie
October 13, 2014 4:03:45 AM
Novuake
October 13, 2014 4:08:02 AM
DonkeyOatie said:
That's really the whole point of this build.Watching them taking the case apart on Friday and reminding them of Lefty-loosey, Righty-tighty gave them REAL experience. There are limits, however. I want the computer to work!
Haha I am sure they will be fine, despite what people say and how fragile it all looks, breaking a computer component would require an abnormal amount of negligence. More than even middle school children have...
I think...
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Reply to Novuake
DonkeyOatie
October 13, 2014 4:28:40 AM
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Reply to DonkeyOatie
Novuake
October 13, 2014 4:55:49 AM
DonkeyOatie said:
They have already dropped the SSD on the concrete floor. I'm more concerned about bent pins and static/shorts than actual physical violence. If something does not fit, they tend to brute force and ignorance rather than investigating to see if there is a cause that can be remedied.
Ouch... In that case, goodluck.
SSD should be fine though, no moving parts.
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Reply to Novuake
zeyuanfu
October 13, 2014 5:02:06 AM
Wow, up already at 4 AM?
BTW, good build, Novuake, but:
1, If you're going to use:
Haswell: You can get a cheap 60$ H81 board and put the money toward a better PSU (at least Tier 2a or 2b)
Haswell Refresh: You can get the cheap ASRock Z97 Anniversary so that your students can overclock
2, I would trust a more known and widespread, if you will, company such as Sapphire, Asus, Gigabyte, XFX or Powercolor. Note that I've omitted MSI from that list as their Twin Frozr cards have coil whine and issues like that
3, The PSU is a Tier 3 unit, it can be used, but not for overclocking (I hope you have responsible students, because your CPUs WILL get fried if you set the voltage too high, better get a locked CPU or make your students pay for the CPU).
BTW, good build, Novuake, but:
1, If you're going to use:
Haswell: You can get a cheap 60$ H81 board and put the money toward a better PSU (at least Tier 2a or 2b)
Haswell Refresh: You can get the cheap ASRock Z97 Anniversary so that your students can overclock
2, I would trust a more known and widespread, if you will, company such as Sapphire, Asus, Gigabyte, XFX or Powercolor. Note that I've omitted MSI from that list as their Twin Frozr cards have coil whine and issues like that
3, The PSU is a Tier 3 unit, it can be used, but not for overclocking (I hope you have responsible students, because your CPUs WILL get fried if you set the voltage too high, better get a locked CPU or make your students pay for the CPU).
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Reply to zeyuanfu
Novuake
October 13, 2014 5:37:44 AM
zeyuanfu said:
Wow, up already at 4 AM?BTW, good build, Novuake, but:
1, If you're going to use:
Haswell: You can get a cheap 60$ H81 board and put the money toward a better PSU (at least Tier 2a or 2b)
Haswell Refresh: You can get the cheap ASRock Z97 Anniversary so that your students can overclock
2, I would trust a more known and widespread, if you will, company such as Sapphire, Asus, Gigabyte, XFX or Powercolor. Note that I've omitted MSI from that list as their Twin Frozr cards have coil whine and issues like that
3, The PSU is a Tier 3 unit, it can be used, but not for overclocking (I hope you have responsible students, because your CPUs WILL get fried if you set the voltage too high, better get a locked CPU or make your students pay for the CPU).
I am in a different timezone.
GMT+2. But yeah, I was up at 4.30AM anyway.1. H81 usually only provides 2 RAM slots.
Not for me to say if they will overclock, I would not recommend it for middle school students. I practiced on ancient celerons as a kid.
2. Not a big fan of MSI either, they make some very obvious blunders that I just can not overlook.
EDIT : In regards to HIS, they have GREAT products and I rank them MUCH higher than XFX for example, which has a ridiculous failure rate over the last 2 generations.
3. Always better to get a better PSU, but the one I chose is a very good budget unit, much better than most Tier 3 PSUs like the CX series, it also has MORE than ample amperage and wattage, which would make up for any small quality flaw that it may have below tier 2a and b PSUs. Point is, its a very good unit for the small price, but it ain't perfect.
Remember, students will not be overclocking, especially not on a 600$ budget with an I3 build.
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Reply to Novuake
KalTorak
October 13, 2014 5:39:16 AM
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