1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), 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).
Standard home pc stuff; web surfing, email, Word, Photoshop Elements, music storage and playback, light gaming which will only get heavier with a growing youth its 80% Minecraft at this stage, and Excel.
2. Will you be overclocking? (If so, are you looking to watercool?)
Hadnt planned on overclocking and never have but would consider it. Will liquid cool if necessary.
3. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?
Would like to stick close to $850 or under, some flexibility.
4. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
Live in Houston, TX have a Micro Center and Frys, both a little drive but ok.
5. 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 (especially if you will need 3.5" hard drives or expansion cards as these may restrict case options).
Building from scratch. Need all except operating system, mouse, keyboard, and monitor:
Case, CPU, Mobo, Memory, GPU, Optical Drive, PSupply, havent decided to go with a SSD.
6. 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.
Windows 7 Home Premium
7. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Thunderbolt? Crossfire or SLI support? How many USB 3.0 and 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.
Wi-Fi, HDMI port, 4+ USB 3. Size of system is important but not cast in concrete. We need a small computer for desktop use.
8. What resolution output do you need? 4k playback, 1080p playback, etc for HTPC or give a vertical/horizontal resolution for gaming SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
1980p, single monitor will be getting a new one around 23
9. Does this system need to fit into a particular space and do you need an optical drive? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc. Many modern SFF cases have either removed the optical drive or have been constructed so that removing the ODD increases the configuration possibilities immensely.
No, doesnt need to fit into a space. Yes, need an optical drive.
10. 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 can connect two wires with the proper instructions and plugs at each end! I have screwdrivers & Dremel but really dont want to get into any major case modification. Simple & easy is better for me. Handy enough mechanically but lacking in tech knowledge.
11. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care
Would like it to run cool and somewhat quiet. Need a mid-range gaming pc, not all-out rig at this time.
12. 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?
Doesnt need to be mobile.
13. 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
Yes, have legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license, Windows 7 Home Premium, 64 bit.
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
Immediately if not sooner.
Note: The Silverstone SG-05 is our first choice in a case because of size and we think it looks ok if we can fit a decent GPU and keep things cool and quiet enough. Need major help in picking parts. The Temjin TJ08-E is also a very nice looking case we would consider although its larger and possibly a little tricky to build in.
Standard home pc stuff; web surfing, email, Word, Photoshop Elements, music storage and playback, light gaming which will only get heavier with a growing youth its 80% Minecraft at this stage, and Excel.
2. Will you be overclocking? (If so, are you looking to watercool?)
Hadnt planned on overclocking and never have but would consider it. Will liquid cool if necessary.
3. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?
Would like to stick close to $850 or under, some flexibility.
4. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
Live in Houston, TX have a Micro Center and Frys, both a little drive but ok.
5. 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 (especially if you will need 3.5" hard drives or expansion cards as these may restrict case options).
Building from scratch. Need all except operating system, mouse, keyboard, and monitor:
Case, CPU, Mobo, Memory, GPU, Optical Drive, PSupply, havent decided to go with a SSD.
6. 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.
Windows 7 Home Premium
7. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Thunderbolt? Crossfire or SLI support? How many USB 3.0 and 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.
Wi-Fi, HDMI port, 4+ USB 3. Size of system is important but not cast in concrete. We need a small computer for desktop use.
8. What resolution output do you need? 4k playback, 1080p playback, etc for HTPC or give a vertical/horizontal resolution for gaming SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
1980p, single monitor will be getting a new one around 23
9. Does this system need to fit into a particular space and do you need an optical drive? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc. Many modern SFF cases have either removed the optical drive or have been constructed so that removing the ODD increases the configuration possibilities immensely.
No, doesnt need to fit into a space. Yes, need an optical drive.
10. 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 can connect two wires with the proper instructions and plugs at each end! I have screwdrivers & Dremel but really dont want to get into any major case modification. Simple & easy is better for me. Handy enough mechanically but lacking in tech knowledge.
11. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care
Would like it to run cool and somewhat quiet. Need a mid-range gaming pc, not all-out rig at this time.
12. 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?
Doesnt need to be mobile.
13. 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
Yes, have legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license, Windows 7 Home Premium, 64 bit.
14. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
Immediately if not sooner.
Note: The Silverstone SG-05 is our first choice in a case because of size and we think it looks ok if we can fit a decent GPU and keep things cool and quiet enough. Need major help in picking parts. The Temjin TJ08-E is also a very nice looking case we would consider although its larger and possibly a little tricky to build in.