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1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Overclocking, Web browsing, strictly HTPC/Playback, etc. (If you have multiple things you want to do with the system, make sure you rank them from most important to least important).
This pc will be for my dad to use as his business computer. its primary function will be running microsoft office with some web browsing and the occasional youtube/netflix thrown in for good measure.
2. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?
$800, budget is flexible but cheaper is better.
3. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
we live in fort worth, tx. my dad has stated that he would prefer to purchase online. we do have amazon prime.
4. What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
itx motherboard, case, cpu, psu, ram, a 256gb ssd, dvd drive, windows 8, microsoft office. i know throwing the software in the mix is a lot to ask with the $800 price, but if it can be done we want to do it.
5. If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. For reused parts, list brands, model #s, and, if applicable, firmware revisions.
reusing monitor, external hdd, mouse, keyboard
6. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? etc. Which is more important, size of the system or having the particular feature? Make sure you indicate *required* vs. *wanted* for each feature you list.
my dad has said he would like "a lot" of usb ports, although this could also be accomplished with a hub. newer technology is always better imo so if i can get sata 6gbs and usb 3.0 thats what i want.
7. What resolution output do you need? 1080p, 720p, DVD quality, etc for HTPC or list Vertical/horizontal resolution for non-HTPC SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
his current monitor is 1600x900 i think, but this pc should be able to handle 1920x1080.
8. Does this system need to fit into a particular space? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc.
no, but it should be compact and he would prefer if it is small enough to easily transport in his car. he does a lot of presentations and usually just brings his netbook but every so often he needs more power.
9. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring? What tools do you have (Screwdrivers/Leatherman, Drill, Dremel, Metal snips, Soldering Iron, Bending Brake, CNC/Welding machines/Plasma cutter, etc...)?
i would prefer to not have to do any mods, but i can do some minor stuff if absolutely necessary. i have basic hand tools and a dremel.
10. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care
noise is a secondary concern, but it shouldnt be super loud. this pc will not be running a GPU and it wont be overclocked so i dont really forsee it being an issue anyway.
11. How mobile does this system need to be? Need a carrying handle or carrying straps? Is weight important (carry-on bag, etc)? Water cooling quick disconnects, etc?
a carrying handle or straps would be nice. it needs to be mobile enough that he could carry it with one hand. and it shouldnt weigh a ton, but mobility is not a primary concern.
12. Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit? Remember that OEM copies of Win7 have issues with new motherboards
he does have a legit reusable copy of windows 7 64bit, but he would like to upgrade to windows 8.
13. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
in the next week or two
This pc will be for my dad to use as his business computer. its primary function will be running microsoft office with some web browsing and the occasional youtube/netflix thrown in for good measure.
2. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?
$800, budget is flexible but cheaper is better.
3. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
we live in fort worth, tx. my dad has stated that he would prefer to purchase online. we do have amazon prime.
4. What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
itx motherboard, case, cpu, psu, ram, a 256gb ssd, dvd drive, windows 8, microsoft office. i know throwing the software in the mix is a lot to ask with the $800 price, but if it can be done we want to do it.
5. If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. For reused parts, list brands, model #s, and, if applicable, firmware revisions.
reusing monitor, external hdd, mouse, keyboard
6. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? etc. Which is more important, size of the system or having the particular feature? Make sure you indicate *required* vs. *wanted* for each feature you list.
my dad has said he would like "a lot" of usb ports, although this could also be accomplished with a hub. newer technology is always better imo so if i can get sata 6gbs and usb 3.0 thats what i want.
7. What resolution output do you need? 1080p, 720p, DVD quality, etc for HTPC or list Vertical/horizontal resolution for non-HTPC SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
his current monitor is 1600x900 i think, but this pc should be able to handle 1920x1080.
8. Does this system need to fit into a particular space? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc.
no, but it should be compact and he would prefer if it is small enough to easily transport in his car. he does a lot of presentations and usually just brings his netbook but every so often he needs more power.
9. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring? What tools do you have (Screwdrivers/Leatherman, Drill, Dremel, Metal snips, Soldering Iron, Bending Brake, CNC/Welding machines/Plasma cutter, etc...)?
i would prefer to not have to do any mods, but i can do some minor stuff if absolutely necessary. i have basic hand tools and a dremel.
10. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care
noise is a secondary concern, but it shouldnt be super loud. this pc will not be running a GPU and it wont be overclocked so i dont really forsee it being an issue anyway.
11. How mobile does this system need to be? Need a carrying handle or carrying straps? Is weight important (carry-on bag, etc)? Water cooling quick disconnects, etc?
a carrying handle or straps would be nice. it needs to be mobile enough that he could carry it with one hand. and it shouldnt weigh a ton, but mobility is not a primary concern.
12. Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit? Remember that OEM copies of Win7 have issues with new motherboards
he does have a legit reusable copy of windows 7 64bit, but he would like to upgrade to windows 8.
13. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
in the next week or two
