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First Build ( <$500)

N

nertil1

Limp Gawd
Joined
Feb 11, 2003
Messages
371
1) What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming? Photoshop? Web browsing? etc
Web surfing/ playing videos
2) What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included?
less than $325
3) Which country do you live in? If the U.S, please tell us the state and city if possible.
U.S., Michigan
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.
Case, PSU, Mobo, CPU, memory, video card, hd, dvd drive
5) If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. List make and model.
monitor and os will be bought separetely
6) Will you be overclocking?
no
7) What is the max resolution of your monitor? What size is it?
19", 1440x900
8) When do you plan on building/buying the PC?
soon
9) What features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? eSATA? Onboard video (as a backup or main GPU)? UEFI? etc.

nothing special
10) Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit?

yes, 64 bit

There is a micro center close to my house that I would prefer to purchase the parts from in case I need to return anything but I am open to newegg.

Case http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0323929
PSU http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0360839
MOBO http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0375352
CPU http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0367906
Memory http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0382073
HD http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354881
VIdeo Card http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0386617

Any suggestions are welcomed!
Thank You
 
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That build is not all that great, especially with that crappy PSU and cramped case.

Here is a build for you.

$127.99 - Intel Core i3-2120 Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz LGA 1155
$119.99 - ASUS P8Z68-V LX LGA 1155 Intel Z68
$19.99 - G.SKILL Value Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333
$44.99 - CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 V2
$84.99 - HITACHI Deskstar 7K1000.D HDS721050DLE630 (0F13178) 500GB
$49.99 - NZXT Source 210 Elite White Steel
$16.99 - LG DVD Burner 24X

Total shipped: $473.92

Since you aren't gaming, no need for a discrete gaming card. The onboard video will do just fine.

This build has a much faster CPU than the one you selected.

Memory is also a single 4GB module, this allows for maximum upgrade ability later. Since with 2x2GB kit, you'll be limited to like 12GB worth of memory when paired with a 2x4GB kit. This way you can add 3 more 4GB modules, for a total of 16GB should the need arise.

This also has a much better case in terms of cooling and cable management.

The hard drive in this build is also faster than the one you selected in your build.

All around, this is a much faster system than the one you plan to buy from MC.
 
Sorry I misstated in the original post. I will need a monitor and os only but I have those covered. I was able to find wondows 7 for $80 and a 19" lcd for about $100. So I only have about $325 left to spend unless someone can find a cheaper monitor. 17" would be ok too.

Sorry again for the confusion
 
Might be a good idea to look into stepping down to a less expensive motherboard, and get a better CPU. Instead of $99 for mobo, and $50 for the CPU look at the $55 GB motherboard and an i3 2100 for $99. I think the boost in performance would be nice, plus you may be able to ditch the video card for now (possibly, with the integrated Intel 3000 graphics). Or...

If you don't mind AMD, their AMD A8 X4 3870K BE CPU @ $129 with an FM1 motherboard @ $60 is a little less costly, and you could also forgo the video card, and the AMD CPU has better graphics than the first two options (Your original, plus my alternative).

Edit: Socket FM1, and AM1.
 
With the way Windows 7-64 runs, the only thing I'd add to the above would be to go for 8Gb of RAM right out of the gate. RAM is very inexpensive now, and the OS will put that memory to very good use. JMHO.....
 
artimusbill said:
Might be a good idea to look into stepping down to a less expensive motherboard, and get a better CPU. Instead of $99 for mobo, and $50 for the CPU look at the $55 GB motherboard and an i3 2100 for $99.
Click to expand...

Cant seem to find the $55 mobo?
 
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Then go with the G620 from MC for $50, then grab this motherboard:

$89.99 - MSI H67MS-E43 (B3) LGA 1155 Intel H67

That should bring the cost to around $365. You could also look around MC for that same board, might find it a bit cheaper than on Newegg but you'll want either an H67 or Z68 chipset, so you can take advantage of the G620's on chip GPU.

Also check Amazon.com for the parts in my build, if you can find them cheaper shipped on Amazon then get it from them instead.
 
In this case, you should drop down to an AMD-based system. Micro Center has this in-store bundle deal:

$100 - AMD FX4100 Black Edition
$10 - Asus M5A78L-M LX PLUS (included $50 instant discount)

That said, I suggest that you keep with the rest of Skillz' build as closely as possible. Depending on what Micro Center offers, you may have to use NewEgg or Amazon to get the rest of your parts.
 
We'll I think I'll go with the G620 and MSI and forgo the graphics card.
 
tiraides said:
In this case, you should drop down to an AMD-based system. Micro Center has this in-store bundle deal:

$100 - AMD FX4100 Black Edition
$10 - Asus M5A78L-M LX PLUS (included $50 instant discount)

That said, I suggest that you keep with the rest of Skillz' build as closely as possible. Depending on what Micro Center offers, you may have to use NewEgg or Amazon to get the rest of your parts.
Click to expand...

This may be a stupid question but the AMD can act as a graphics card since the mobo has no graphics card and I won't be buying a separate card?
 
nertil1 said:
This may be a stupid question but the AMD can act as a graphics card since the mobo has no graphics card and I won't be buying a separate card?
Click to expand...

Right, the same as with the Intel solution. You can use that motherboard/cpu without a discrete video card. As others have mentioned, the "on board" graphics solution from AMD is superior than that of Intel's.
 
Ok thank you for clarifying. Sounds like the AMD/Asus combo is the best deal.
 
I wonder how long these deals last at MC? Their catalog paper doesn't state. Anyone know? I just need to now how fast I need to move to get this stuff.
 
Because you are trying to build a complete system including monitor and OS for $500 and intend to use it only for general use without a great need for future upgrade, I am going to suggest the un-[H]ard recommendation of buying a pre-built. I would set aside $140 for a 20-23" 1080p monitor then buy the best spec pre-built you can find with the rest. Something like these but I probably would not buy from MC since tax will eat up part of your budget that could be better spent elsewhere.
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0383559
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0380244

building for $350 or even 400 including OS is a tough proposition so I think you should just grab a decent monitor and take advantage of some manufacturers closeout or refurb as opposed to building your own from what will end up being bargain basement parts, especially the case and PS.
 
nertil1 said:
I wonder how long these deals last at MC? Their catalog paper doesn't state. Anyone know? I just need to now how fast I need to move to get this stuff.
Click to expand...

I found that combo deal in MC's March "catalog," so I assume that the special will last until either the end of the month or supplies run out, whichever comes first.

You can grab the rest of your parts from Micro Center:

$109.98 - AMD FX4100 Black Edition/Asus M5A78L-M LX PLUS combo deal
$19.99 - Patriot Signature Line 4GB DDR3 1333 DIMM
$89.99 - Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000.D 500GB HDD
$15.99 - LG OEM SATA DVD burner
$54.99 - Corsair CX430 V2 430W PSU
$37.99 - Thermaltake V3 Black Edition ATX mid-tower case
=====
$328.93 - Subtotal (not including taxes, other charges/fees, or rebates)

The HDD and PSU cost more at MC (about $5 each) than NewEgg, so you may want to call ahead and ask a member of the management team at the store whether they'll offer any discounts. Some MC stores have offered price-matching (compared to NewEgg and Amazon) and others have offered an instant discount if you purchased all of the parts to your computer in-store.
 
tiraides said:
I found that combo deal in MC's March "catalog," so I assume that the special will last until either the end of the month or supplies run out, whichever comes first.

You can grab the rest of your parts from Micro Center:

$109.98 - AMD FX4100 Black Edition/Asus M5A78L-M LX PLUS combo deal
$19.99 - Patriot Signature Line 4GB DDR3 1333 DIMM
$89.99 - Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000.D 500GB HDD
$15.99 - LG OEM SATA DVD burner
$54.99 - Corsair CX430 V2 430W PSU
$37.99 - Thermaltake V3 Black Edition ATX mid-tower case
=====
$328.93 - Subtotal (not including taxes, other charges/fees, or rebates)

The HDD and PSU cost more at MC (about $5 each) than NewEgg, so you may want to call ahead and ask a member of the management team at the store whether they'll offer any discounts. Some MC stores have offered price-matching (compared to NewEgg and Amazon) and others have offered an instant discount if you purchased all of the parts to your computer in-store.
Click to expand...

One thing I noticed in the combo deal, the mobo only supports 3 GB/s not 6. Is it worth it to buy the 6GB/s hd or stick with the 3 GB/s hd's?


Prav said:
Because you are trying to build a complete system including monitor and OS for $500 and intend to use it only for general use without a great need for future upgrade, I am going to suggest the un-[H]ard recommendation of buying a pre-built. I would set aside $140 for a 20-23" 1080p monitor then buy the best spec pre-built you can find with the rest. Something like these but I probably would not buy from MC since tax will eat up part of your budget that could be better spent elsewhere.
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0383559
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0380244

building for $350 or even 400 including OS is a tough proposition so I think you should just grab a decent monitor and take advantage of some manufacturers closeout or refurb as opposed to building your own from what will end up being bargain basement parts, especially the case and PS.
Click to expand...

I realize what youre saying but I would like to buy my own and see what it's like. I've always wanted to build one.
 
nertil1 said:
One thing I noticed in the combo deal, the mobo only supports 3 GB/s not 6. Is it worth it to buy the 6GB/s hd or stick with the 3 GB/s hd's?
Click to expand...

For regular hard drives, it doesn't really matter. All consumer grade hard drives are nowhere near the 3.0Gb/s limit. As such, 6.0Gb/s doesn't do a thing for hard drive performance. SATA 6.0Gb/s only matters if you're using a SSD. As for choosing between SATA 6.0Gb/s or SATA 3.0Gb/s, don't worry about it. So in other words, choose whichever one is cheaper and has the higher performnace.
 
Ok if you prefer to build. Here is my suggested Micro Center build:

$130 Phenom II X4 960T+Biostar A880GZ AM3+
$110 Seagate Barracuda 1TB 7,200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Retail
$25AR Corsair XMS 8GB DDR3-1333 MB not compatible with 1600 but you could get the 1600 kit for $5 more and use that
$16 LG 22x DVD±RW Super Multi Dual Layer suggested above
$28AR Thermaltake V3 Black Edition ATX Mid Tower suggested above
$55 Corsair Builder Series CMPSU-430CXV2 suggested above
$140 Samsung 24" LED Backlit LCD Monitor
$524AR
There is no OS in this build. Download and use the Win8 preview for the time being to save $$$. I believe the 960T, extra Ram and 1TB HD are worthy upgrades to the builds posted above. I also included a monitor suggestion.
 
One problem, Prav: nertil1, the OP, appears to have a hard limit on his budget. The "after-rebate" prices will do him no good. (nertil1: The before-rebate total is $30 higher.) That's a large part of the reason why I didn't go for one of the 1TB 7200RPM drives myself.

However, I do like your idea for the monitor. I just don't know whether or not the OP will be able to afford it, regardless of what he goes for.
 
Well if it s truly hard limit then I guess you could forgo the HD and Ram suggestions. I still believe the 960T combo is much better value and performance than the 4100 and worth the $20. $90+ for a case and PS is a lot for a budget system using on board graphics. You could almost grab one of the cheap Case+PS combos and pray the sketchy PS survives since it will not be pushed hard.I would rather get a quality monitor and drop down to an even cheaper system if all you are going to do is browse the web and watch videos. I could wait a few extra seconds for something to load as long as it looked good when it did :)
$47 Logisys Mid Tower ATX Computer Case with 480 Watt
$47 CoolerMaster TC102 Mid Tower ATX Computer Case with 500W Power Supply
OP will have to decide where he wants to trim the costs.
 
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Prav said:
W You could almost grab one of the cheap Case+PS combos and pray the sketchy PS survives since it will not be pushed hard.
.......
$47 Logisys Mid Tower ATX Computer Case with 480 Watt
$47 CoolerMaster TC102 Mid Tower ATX Computer Case with 500W Power Supply
OP will have to decide where he wants to trim the costs.
Click to expand...

OP, do not drop the PSU + case to one of those above cheap case + PSU combos: The risk to your hardware is too great. The included PSUs are just too shitty.
 
Yes. This is exactly why I first suggested a pre-built because of Case,PS and even OS expense. Dropping such a large percentage of your budget on those items leaves you with too little to justify building unless you need specialized items for gaming.

Prav said:
building for $350 or even 400 including OS is a tough proposition so I think you should just grab a decent monitor and take advantage of some manufacturers closeout or refurb as opposed to building your own from what will end up being bargain basement parts, especially the case and PS.
Click to expand...
 
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thanks for your input guys, Im gonna stick with the 19" monitor and get the amd/asus combo. Is it better to have (1) 4 gig stick or get (2) 2 gig sticks for this system?
 
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nertil1 said:
thanks for your input guys, Im gonna stick with the 19" monitor and get the amd/asus combo. Is it better to have (1) 4 gig stick or get (2) 2 gig sticks for this system?
Click to expand...

2GB sticks aren't worth it really. It limits future upgrades. Go with 4GB or 8GB sticks of RAM.
 
On his hard budget, don't think he can swing the extra ~$20 for an 8GB kit.
 
Thanks for all the help guys. I have the system up and running and works great!
 
Thermaltake V3 Black Case/ Additional Kingwin 120 MM Red LED Front Fan

AMD FX-4100 Black Edition 3.6 GHz Quad Core Processor AM3+ Socket

Microcenter 2x2GB DDR3-1333 Duel Channel Memory

ASUS M5A78L-M LX Plus AM3+ Socket Motherboard

Coolermaster Elite 460W Power Supply

250GB 3.5" SATA Hard Drive

Lite-On 24x SATA DVDRW
 
Yeah the choice of PSU was really bad. If you paid more than $20 for it, you overpaid as that PSU has a fairly good chance of taking out your system. Otherwise, you were way better off with the Corsair CX430.
 
nertil1 said:
lol sounds like you're disappointed by I'm really happy with it..it does exactly what I need it to do. I hard a hard budget to work with but I think I made it work.
Click to expand...

What Danny said. The PSU is the only meh thing really. Though the choice of 2x2 RAM was meh as well... but that's not as important as the PSU. :eek:
 
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