£200-250 Budget Everyday Use Build

[SamODJ]

Hi guys, long time since i've popped onto the Tom's Hardware forums but I come looking for some advice.

I'm embarking on my first build of a custom pc, which in this case is for an everyday use/office based computer for the family. Currently the parts i've settled on are:


CPU:
Intel Pentium Dual Core E5400 2.7GHz 800FSB Socket 775 2MB (2x1MB) L2 Cache Retail Boxed Processor
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/159452

Motherboard:
Gigabyte GA-G31M-ES2L iG31 Socket 775 onboard VGA 7.1 channel audio mATX Motherboard
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/152225

RAM:
Kingston 2GB 800MHz/PC2-6400 Memory Unbuffered Non-ECC CL6 1.8V
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/148853

GPU: Using On Board graphics

Hard-drive:
Samsung HD103SJ Spinpoint F3 1TB Hard Drive SATAII 7200rpm 32MB Cache
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/173804

Case: Unknown, preferably one with fans and PSU included

OS: Looking to pick up a copy of 32-bit Windows 7


I'm going to be transplanting my old computer's monitor and DVD drive so no need to buy any of those. Really this is just a standard, vanilla build with nothing like Overclocking intended. I'm trying to keep it simple.

Also, I was unsure on the mATX mobo: i'd prefer to buy a full size one but my knowledge of decent motherboards is severely lacking.



Any help or thoughts on this build are much appreciated!

 

[Atotalnoob]

IMHO a bigger budget, and buy something that is semi-future proof.....
Get 64 bit, everyone seems to want 32 bit....
get core2 at least

 

[scubba85]

I would go for an amd cpu in this case, a cheap triple core will pull its weight a lot more than an older duel core. As far as cases+psu's go, antec is probably a good bet, they usually have good bundles. Get 64bit windows. When I get home tonight, I'll work on a build.

 

[Atotalnoob]

I would go for an amd cpu in this case, a cheap triple core will pull its weight a lot more than an older duel core. As far as cases+psu's go, antec is probably a good bet, they usually have good bundles. Get 64bit windows. When I get home tonight, I'll work on a build.

+1

 

[SamODJ]

AMD is the way to go then? Before the build i'd posted came to fruition, I had been looking at AMD processors (i'd actually picked out an Athlon X2) to go with an ASRock M3A770DE AMD 770. http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-034-AK

EDIT: Taking a look at AMD processors, Overclockers UK have a deal on atm for a quad core priced at just £70: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-259-AM

That seemed pretty damn cheap to me. To go with this I was looking at the Asus M4A78LT-M 760G: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-424-AS. Although I'l be honest, this is a cheaper board so i'm unsure on the potential stability of it.

 

[SamODJ]

After having taken a look at this, it seems im going to looking at around £300. Wouldn't really want to spend much more than that as this is just a general build for my parents.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

the 770 is a fine board...but has no onboard video. its a gamer's board.

For about the same price as the 770 (+/- US$5 usually) you can pick up the 880G board, which has a built in video, perfect for basic use up to HD Video.

this will do nicely:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-278-GI

 

[SamODJ]

Hey ScrewySqrl thanks for the reply. My only issue with that board would be the price tag, a good £20 on the Asus 760G. I will say though that the addition of the HD 4200 GPU is pretty sweet, a definite bonus.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

the 760 is a bumped up AM2+ board, with only 2000 MT/s fronst side bus. 880 is a newer, AM3 chipset, with 5200 MT/s in addition to the better graphics.

 

[SamODJ]

Haha admittedly what you just said is generally gibberish to me, but I trust you know what you're talking about.

Currently my set up looks like:

CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 Quad Core 630 2.80GHz (Socket AM3) - Retail

Mobo: Gigabyte GA-880GM-UD2H AMD 880G (Socket AM3) microATX DDR3 Motherboard

HD: Western Digital Caviar Blue 500GB SATA-II 16MB Cache - OEM (WD5000AAKS)

RAM: OCZ Gold 2GB (1x2GB) DDR3 PC3-10666C9 1333MHz Low-Voltage Single Channel Module (OCZ3G1333LV2G)


I'm on the prowl for a cheap case that comes with PSU included as we speak.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

beware those cheap PSUs.

This one, however, has a reliable PSU included:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-003-AM&groupid=701&catid=7&subcat=160

 

[SamODJ]

Do you think I should avoid OcUK branded PSU's then? I was looking at http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-018-OP&tool=3 if only because of the price, but if it is likely to be that unreliable I guess i'll have to go with the pricier option you suggested.

 

[ScrewySqrl]

the other option is to buy a case and PSU separately

 

[SamODJ]

I'm going to keep bombarding you with stupid questions here ScrewySqrl: as a DDR3 board, I assume that means it can only make use of DDR3 memory?

 

[ScrewySqrl]

yes., you can't use older memory with a DDR3 board

 

[SamODJ]

OK I think I have my build sorted. It is as follows:

CPU: AMD Athlon II X4 630
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/176579
£66.97

Mobo: Gigabyte GA-880GM-UD2H 880G
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/218935
£58.99

RAM: OCZ DDR3 PC-10666 - 1333MHZ GOLD 2GB MODULE
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/222090
£25.33

HD: Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500GB SATAII 7200RPM 16MB Cache - OEM
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/124228
£30.63

Case: Antec NSK 3480 MATX Micro Tower - With 380W EarthWatts PSU ATX12V 2.2 USB/FireWire/Audio
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/130946
£76.26

CPU Cooler: Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/176157
£14.97

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium - Complete package
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/168373
£89.99


Total Price: £363.14


What do you think ScrewySqrl? (Probably shouldn't ask that seeing as half this build is basically what you suggested to me!)

 

[SamODJ]

EDIT: Changing from that quad core to the X3 450 (due to the quad core being sold out).

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/238326

 

[ScrewySqrl]

should work great

 

[SamODJ]

Thanks for the help buddy.