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Need some advice

C

CdAddict

Limp Gawd
Joined
Oct 24, 2002
Messages
272
I'm looking at building a new budget machine. I am wanting a small and quiet computer with on board video. I do not game, but I would like the option if I want to get back into it.

The main thing I'm looking for is a machine that is highly upgradeable. I will buy a low end core 2 duo and would like to upgrade in the future to one of todays high end cpus. Also, I was looking at the Lian Li PC-A05B case, but I would like something a bit smaller. The case would have to be able to use an ATX power supply. I would also like to be able to use the stock heatsink and not have to buy a third party.

I will mainly be using this machine for internet and network storage of music and pictures. I don't need much storage. Only enough room for 2 or 3 hard drives. I will only need one 5.25 bay.

I would like suggestions for motherboard and case. Also, I would like to stay under $600 for total budget. So maybe about $200 for case and motherboard.

Any suggestions would be great.
 
- What features do you need in the motherboard?
- Will you be overclocking?
- What exact parts do you need for that $600 budget?
 
Danny Bui said:
- What features do you need in the motherboard?
- Will you be overclocking?
- What exact parts do you need for that $600 budget?
Click to expand...

The main features I would like is on board video, pci-e, and ddr2 800 or higher. I am going to buy a low end core 2 duo, but I want a board that can handle todays high end cpus so I can upgrade in a couple of years.

I will not be overclocking.

I am pretty much building a whole new machine. I will need everything but peripherals and a video card.

Thanks
 
CdAddict said:
The main features I would like is on board video, pci-e, and ddr2 800 or higher. I am going to buy a low end core 2 duo, but I want a board that can handle todays high end cpus so I can upgrade in a couple of years.
Click to expand...

Just an FYI, not a single motherboard today will be compatible with the new Intel Nehalem CPUs being released next year. They use a different socket. However, the mobo will be compatible with current Intel C2D CPUs but I don't know know how long those CPUs will stay on the market at reasonable prices after mainstream Nehalem parts are released in Q1 2009.

With that said, here's what I'd build with your requirements in mind:
Intel Pentium Dual Core E2160 CPU - $70
Asus P5E-VM HDMI Intel G35 mATX Motherboard - $130
G.SKILL F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ 2 x 1GB DDR2 800 RAM - $45
Western Digital WD5000AAKS 500GB 7200RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive - $95
Samsung SH-203B 20X DVD±R SATA DVD Burner - $30
Corsair 520HX 520W PSU - $106
Ultra Microfly mATX Case - $55
120mm Yate Loon D12SL-12 Case Fan - $3.50
80mm Yate Loon D80SL-12 Case Fan - $2
----
Total: $536.50 plus tax and shipping.

Items of note:
- That Corsair PSU is modular, meaning that you can attach or remove power cables when they are needed. It should allow for a cleaner case.
- 500GB of storage should be plenty of storage for your needs.
- The Ultra case has room for 2 hard drives, 3 if you use the external bay. It also has two 5.25" bays.
- Use the quiet Yate Loon fans to replace the Microfly's somewhat loud stock fans.
 
Is there a certain reason why you chose that motherboard? It seems it is more for HTPC (HDMI). It looks like a great motherboard, just a bit more than what I need.

Does anybody have any thoughts on this board: GIGABYTE GA-G31M-S2L

Are there any other Micro ATX boards with onboard video that supports 1333 fsb?

Also, I love the idea of the modular psu, but do I need that much power. Are there any good power supplies that are in the 350w to 450w that are modular?

Thanks for the help. It has really helped me get started.
 
I chose that mobo simply because it was within your budget and that you were kind of vague on what you wanted in a motherboard. It is an excellent quality mobo. With that said, if you think that the Asus mobo is overkill for you, then go for the Gigabyte mobo if it fits your requirements. And yes that Gigabyte mobo is compatible with the new 1333Mhz FSB mobos. In fact, most mobos based on the G31 and G33 and G35 chipsets will support the new 1333Mhz CPUs.

Here are some other mobos just in case:
MSI G33M-FI Intel G33 mATX Motherboard - $93
Asus P5K-VM Intel G33 mATX Motherboard - $110

There are lower wattage modular PSUs out there, however, the cost difference between those lower wattage PSus and the Corsair unit I recommended is really not that much. In addition, the Corsair PSU would allow you to upgrade to a really high-end video card should you ever get back into gaming or add more hard drives when needed. So in other words, the Corsair PSU will allow for a ton of future upgrades. And finally, it's well within your budget, so why not?

And in case you're wondering and thinking of a PSU like this, just because a PSU is a 520W PSU doesn't mean that'll draw/take 520W of power from the outlet all the time. The PSU will only provide/draw the power that your system needs. So if your system needs 200W, then thats how much power the PSU will draw from the outlet
 
And in case you're wondering and thinking of a PSU like this, just because a PSU is a 520W PSU doesn't mean that'll draw/take 520W of power from the outlet all the time. The PSU will only provide/draw the power that your system needs. So if your system needs 200W, then thats how much power the PSU will draw from the outlet
Click to expand...

Yes, I was wondering about that. The main reason I don't want to go for the P5E-VM is because I would be tempted into using the machine as an HTPC. Then I would have to build another budget machine.:D

Also, I wasn't to keen on the case. Do you have any other suggestions. I wish Lian Li made a case that size. I love how sleek and simple they are. If possible I would rather have a case without windows.

Thanks
 
wow, how could I miss that. I will definitely be buying the PC-V350 in black. That case looks awesome.

Again, thanks for all the help.
 
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