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Building Comp for About 700?

I

ipodlover77

Weaksauce
Joined
Jul 21, 2010
Messages
75
1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
"Citrix" program, Quickbooks, Web Browsing, Streaming Music/Video
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
700-750ish (everything included)
3) Where do you live?
Maryland
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.
CPU, Ram, Case, Power Supply, all the different fans (not very sure what a CPU cooler is), motherboard, HD, and any other parts that i forgot.
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
mouse, monitor, speakers
6) Will you be overclocking?
nope
7) What size monitor do you have and/or plan to have?
Dell 23in
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
ASAP
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? etc.
Just the usual. must have headphone jack and ethernet port hah.
oh and if the price difference isn't TOO big than i would like wireless internet but thats not too important cause hes always wired.
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If so, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?
Nope


With my dads birthday coming up i decided to just build him a computer. This is going to be my first "built computer" experience so im already kind of nervous. I have my newegg video queued up and now i just have to order the parts. The things my dad does is just agency anywhere (work related programs), quickbooks, excel. Things like that. He does the usual itunes and movie streaming. The video card doesn't need to be really good, he doesn't game at ALL but at the same time i don't want something REALLY bad. Looking to get a mid tier videocard that will help with graphical related programs. Its also important that the case is small and compact (hopefully it will still have good cooling). Its for business so it doesn't need to have the flashy lights or clear panels. Need something small and sleek.

I was looking around and a mod posted this

"Yeah, that's not good of a setup for the money. The RAM, mobo (even as part of the combo), PSU, and GPU are all overpriced.

I recommend this setup instead:
$325 - Intel Core i5 2500K CPU + MSI P67A-G45 Intel P67 ATX Motherboard Combo
$60 - G.Skill Value Series F3-10600CL9D-8GBNT 2 x 4GB DDR3 1333 RAM
$180 - Asus EAH6870/2DI2S/1GD5 Radeon HD 6870 1GB PCI-E Video Card + Shogun Game combo
$19 - LG iHAS124-04 DVD Burner
$90 - Corsair 650TX V2 650W PSU
$70 - Lian Li Lancool PC-K58W ATX Case
$30 - Xigmatek Gaia SD1283 120mm HSF"

not sure if its overkill for his needs though. im assuming my price would be less because i would get a cheaper card (actually it would probably be more cause i have to buy windows)
 
ipodlover77 said:
(not very sure what a CPU cooler is)
Click to expand...
A CPU cooler is what it sounds like: it's a heatsink with a fan that cools the CPU. Every CPU needs one. Most desktop CPUs comes with one already.

ipodlover77 said:
I was looking around and a mod posted this
Click to expand...
Gee I wonder which mod posted that? :D

ipodlover77 said:
not sure if its overkill for his needs though. im assuming my price would be less because i would get a cheaper card (actually it would probably be more cause i have to buy windows)
Click to expand...
Yeah that's really really overkill for your dad's needs. Here's a prelim build:

$308 - Intel Core i5 2500 CPU + MSI H67MS-E43 H67 ATX Motherboard Combo
$60 - G.Skill Value Series F3-10600CL9D-8GBNT 2 x 4GB DDR3 1333 RAM
$65 - Samsung Spinpoint F3 HD103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive
$19 - Sony AD-7260S-0B SATA DVD Burner
$58 - Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W PSU
$55 - Cooler Master Elite 341 RC-341C-KKN1-GP mATX Tower Case
$100 - Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64bit OEM
----
Total: $626 plus tax and shipping.

ipodlover77 said:
This is going to be my first "built computer" experience so im already kind of nervous. I have my newegg video queued up and now i just have to order the parts.
Click to expand...
Check the stickied General Hardware FAQ. There's a ton of links there on how to build a PC.
 
What can i say, you seem to have good combos! haha :D

I did have a question though. (i later found out what the fan does from the newegg video).

What sub 100 video card do you recommend? My dad probably won't use it but i'll feel better knowing he has something inside other than integrated graphics.
 
ipodlover77 said:
What sub 100 video card do you recommend? My dad probably won't use it but i'll feel better knowing he has something inside other than integrated graphics.
Click to expand...

For your dad's usage, then the HD 6450 will be enough.
 
That MSI HD 5770 is overpriced.
That ANtec 300 is a not a good choice for the money.

Yes the HD 5770 and Antec 520W will fit inside that Coolermaster case just fine.
 
Danny Bui said:
That MSI HD 5770 is overpriced.
That ANtec 300 is a not a good choice for the money.

Yes the HD 5770 and Antec 520W will fit inside that Coolermaster case just fine.
Click to expand...

Ah what would i do without you? :D

is there any other casing thats small and looks a tad bit more professional?

something that is sleek black without the company's logo. if there isn't, i guess the one you listed is fine.

the reason why i was looking for another video card was because the one review the card you listed had was a one star :(

but anyways, im guessing the motherboard+cpu combo you listed is more than enough for my father for the years to come?
 
ipodlover77 said:
is there any other casing thats small and looks a tad bit more professional?

something that is sleek black without the company's logo. if there isn't, i guess the one you listed is fine.
Click to expand...
Well there are small computer cases out there that looks like it came from a OEM like Dell or HP if thats what you mean by "professional". However they tend to have to pretty crappy cooling. There are sleek black small and professional looking cases out there but they cost a lot of money:
$130 - Lian Li PC-A04B Black mATX Case

ipodlover77 said:
the reason why i was looking for another video card was because the one review the card you listed had was a one star :(
Click to expand...
I didn't list a specific card though. You just clicked on the ad link. There are well reviewed HD 6450 cards if you actually take the time to look.
ipodlover77 said:
but anyways, im guessing the motherboard+cpu combo you listed is more than enough for my father for the years to come?
Click to expand...
Yes. It's stupidly overkill for your father's needs now so it should last for awhile.
 
Danny Bui said:
I didn't list a specific card though. You just clicked on the ad link. There are well reviewed HD 6450 cards if you actually take the time to look.
Click to expand...

hahah caught.

but i decided on this one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...yMark=False&IsFeedbackTab=true#scrollFullInfo
hopefully you'll think its okay!

While you may be right on the ANtec 300 case, i may still end up purchasing that one. It looks amazing. Of course i have to get the stupid question out the way and ask "everything should fit in that case just fine right?"

now that i got the list of parts thanks to you, i think im ready to order. The video card could be updated later on though correct? In oversimplified terms, could i just "plug and play" if i ever decide to upgrade just the video card? (of course after removing my old one)

woohoo. so excited to build!

and of course, thanks in advance! :)

edit:
the cd drive you listed is OEM. What cables/parts should i purchase so it'll be up and running while im building instead of running to a microcenter.
 
Last edited:
s4cksl.png


hopefully its the final list. Tell me if i should swap anything out (other than the case lol)
 
for the OEM cd drive you will only need a SATA cable and a power connection. Power supply should have the power connection, so just be sure to have a SATA cable.
 
wwischerath said:
for the OEM cd drive you will only need a SATA cable and a power connection. Power supply should have the power connection, so just be sure to have a SATA cable.
Click to expand...

score!!! still have a extra sata cable from my old xps 720 trouble days so i should be good now.

just need someone to check off that the list is full of good value parts. would hate to spend more than i need to

(while researching, i wasn't able to grasp the multitude of differences in motherboards. so so many :eek: )
 
Some case alternatives-

Silverstone-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163168
Antec 200s (cheaper)-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129074
Antec 100 (better)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129098

I would go with the 100 over the 300 for a few reasons-

a) it is cheaper
b) There is a slot in the motherboard tray for cable management, which will make it easier to hide cables and maximize air flow
c)There are more usb ports on the front

Really though, the 300 is a solid, decent case- it is just getting a little long in the tooth. All of the antecs above don't have much going for them except that they are of good build quality. I have had a 300 and several of the 200 s models. I posted the Silverstone because of the features. Look at the tool less design of the drive areas, dual top fan mounts, and check out the bottom under the PSU.

I have nothing against Antec, but I think you can get more features for the money.

ps- the motherboard will come with sata cables most likely.
Also, are you sure you want to go with a P67 motherboard and the HD6450? Honestly I think an H67 board with the onboard graphics would be fine. I can play starcraft 2 with my 2600K's onboard graphics (low/medium). Personally, for my dad, I would go with the cheaper combo Danny posted- saving about $50.

Actually, I would likely go with most of Danny's build, based on what you have told us. The rig you built would technically be more powerful, but since you won't be overclocking, there is no reason for a P67 board or K cpu. Also, Danny's build is smaller in size, so likely better for a work setting.

One thing I would add-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139415

I have seen these as low as $60, so you may want to hunt around. But it only puts you $5 over your budget with Danny's combo, and is something I think your dad would notice more than a graphics card.
 
Mr34727 said:
Some case alternatives-

Silverstone-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163168
Antec 200s (cheaper)-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129074
Antec 100 (better)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129098

I would go with the 100 over the 300 for a few reasons-

a) it is cheaper
b) There is a slot in the motherboard tray for cable management, which will make it easier to hide cables and maximize air flow
c)There are more usb ports on the front

Really though, the 300 is a solid, decent case- it is just getting a little long in the tooth. All of the antecs above don't have much going for them except that they are of good build quality. I have had a 300 and several of the 200 s models. I posted the Silverstone because of the features. Look at the tool less design of the drive areas, dual top fan mounts, and check out the bottom under the PSU.

I have nothing against Antec, but I think you can get more features for the money.

ps- the motherboard will come with sata cables most likely.
Also, are you sure you want to go with a P67 motherboard and the HD6450? Honestly I think an H67 board with the onboard graphics would be fine. I can play starcraft 2 with my 2600K's onboard graphics (low/medium). Personally, for my dad, I would go with the cheaper combo Danny posted- saving about $50.

Actually, I would likely go with most of Danny's build, based on what you have told us. The rig you built would technically be more powerful, but since you won't be overclocking, there is no reason for a P67 board or K cpu. Also, Danny's build is smaller in size, so likely better for a work setting.

One thing I would add-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139415

I have seen these as low as $60, so you may want to hunt around. But it only puts you $5 over your budget with Danny's combo, and is something I think your dad would notice more than a graphics card.
Click to expand...

thanks for the input! Im now deciding if i should go with the silverstone, the 300, or 100. If its between the 300 and the 100, i'll most likely go with the 100 now. How is the silverstone? Any features that make it a winner above the others? i should ask though, all the parts previously listed like the PSU should fit in any of the cases right?

I was thinking about SSD but i figured google earth (maybe im wrong though) would benefit from the graphics card.

edit:
decided to go with the 100. the motherboard+cpu that danny listed and the video card i listed should fit fine inside the casing right? no extra holes? And also, is it worth buying the optional fans for the side nd hard drive? if so, could anyone point me to the direction on which ones i buy?

After these series of question i should be ready to pull the trigger. ah!
 
Last edited:
Personally I wouldn't go with the Silverstone due to its $65 shipped price. It has many of the same issues that the Antec 300 has (cramped space and little to no cable management features) as well as only having one fan. If it was $50 shipped, I wouldn't have an issue with it but at $65 shipped, even the Antec 300 is a better choice.

The case I generally recommend when one isn't asking for a small case (i.e what you asked for earlier) is the Coolermaster HAF 912 case. It's roomier and has better cable management features than the Antec 300 yet costs exactly the same.

EDIT: Goddamn, they jacked the price up of the HAF 912. And that MSI mobo isn't mATX like I though. Stick with the Antec 100. It'll work fine.
 
ipodlover77 said:
I was thinking about SSD but i figured google earth (maybe im wrong though) would benefit from the graphics card.!
Click to expand...

Yeah video cards have nothing to do with google earth. Otherwise most systems out there would not be able to even take advantage of it. The HD3000 on the 2500 has come a long way from the old onboard graphics Intel used prior to the Core i5 series of CPUs.
 
thanks guys for the helpful responses?

what about the casing fans? just be content with the ones it comes with or go the extra mile and pick up the two optional ones?
 
Why are you going with the processor, board, and case that Danny Bui recommended against? Your father's needs aren't that resource-intensive.

Do you live near a physical Micro Center store? It has some specials that beat NewEgg's prices on certain parts.
 
tiraides said:
Why are you going with the processor, board, and case that Danny Bui recommended against? Your father's needs aren't that resource-intensive.

Do you live near a physical Micro Center store? It has some specials that beat NewEgg's prices on certain parts.
Click to expand...


? im not. :confused:

im using the i5 that he recommended with the msi motherboard. he also advised that i might as well stick with the antec 100 if i choose to go with them.

edit:
ohh nvm, i see its not the same exact one. I couldnt find the specific one he referred me to. going through five pages, that was the one that most closely matched up with the one he listed. maybe i overlooked it. i'll go back and see.
 
tiraides said:
Why are you going with the processor, board, and case that Danny Bui recommended against? Your father's needs aren't that resource-intensive.

Do you live near a physical Micro Center store? It has some specials that beat NewEgg's prices on certain parts.
Click to expand...

you brought up a valid point though. i have a microcenter right by me.

your thoughts?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115073
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354589

the motherboard might be the one thats difficult to find though
 
Go for the MC deal if the sales tax isn't 10% or more in your state. Motherboard wise, just grab a H67 motherboard with four RAM slots from Asus, MSI, or Gigabyte and you should be set.
 
just got back from MC

picked up a processor+cpu+hard drive. one problem though, i tried looking for a H67 motherboard but nothing :( they didn't have it.

i ended up with the P67A-G43 (B3)

becaue i bought it with the processor, they cut some off the top so the CPU was 180 and i got the motherboard for 80.

@computer gurus
should i return the motherboard and buy a H67 from newegg? whats the better value here? the worker at microcenter said the difference between the H67 and the P67 is that the H67 runs dual graphic cards better.
 
Well that dual graphics bit is a total bullshit but whatever.

The better value is the H67 if you're planning on using the onboard video thats included with the CPU. If you're planning on using a dedicated video card and/or have zero plans on using the onboard video, either option will be fine. Although it's a bit of a waste pairing the overclock capable P67 with the non-overclockable Core i5 2500.
 
Danny Bui said:
Well that dual graphics bit is a total bullshit but whatever.

The better value is the H67 if you're planning on using the onboard video thats included with the CPU. If you're planning on using a dedicated video card and/or have zero plans on using the onboard video, either option will be fine. Although it's a bit of a waste pairing the overclock capable P67 with the non-overclockable Core i5 2500.
Click to expand...

hahaha im guessing its a good thing im buying this than
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...17075X740592Xa36b846ac4d841b9df018e9203e1663c
But i came out of MC with the 2500k (the 180 price was a steal). Who knows, when i grow out of this noob stage, maybe i'll overclock it (if my dad ever decides to give it to me lol)

whats your opinion on the card i picked out? you said that the 6450 is the best value so i followed that advice. or do you think i should go with something better. im hoping this will suffice tbh.

@everybody
thanks for all the helpful advice and being patient with me! :D
 
Since you couldn't find an H67 board, don't worry about it. $80 for a good board like the MSI P67A-G43 is a good deal.

Listen to Danny on the rest of the parts that you buy at NewEgg, but if nothing else, grab the OEM copy of Windows now. There's a promo code available (check NewEgg's e-mail specials) that makes it $80 shipped.
 
tiraides said:
Since you couldn't find an H67 board, don't worry about it. $80 for a good board like the MSI P67A-G43 is a good deal.

Listen to Danny on the rest of the parts that you buy at NewEgg, but if nothing else, grab the OEM copy of Windows now. There's a promo code available (check NewEgg's e-mail specials) that makes it $80 shipped.
Click to expand...

its as if danny is my own personal comp advisor lol but yeah, it sucked that they didn't have the other parts though. im just waiting to get an okay on the video card than im placing my order (still need to figure out if i should pick up the optional hard drive fan and the side fan. anyone?).
 
Are you still sticking with the Three Hundred or did someone persuade you to go with something else?
 
tiraides said:
Are you still sticking with the Three Hundred or did someone persuade you to go with something else?
Click to expand...

i decided to go with the antec one hundred. danny seems to agree thats the better of the silverstone and three hundred.
 
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