Can you build a Nice Computer for $600 ??? (Let's Try!)

[TGMT²]

Can you build a Nice Computer for $600 ??? (Let's Try!)

I bought my GF a new computer 4 years ago, but she wants something better and faster. Her last (and present) computer has these specs:

HP Pavilion P6610F ($519.99)
Athlon II X4 635 (2.9GHz)
4GB DDR3 750GB HDD

And I even have to admit, that thing is pretty slow!

She told me for her Birthday this year, she wants a better & faster Computer. So I decided to do a build for her and see how it work's out.

This is going to be a budget build with better than average components, and trying to find most things on sale to get the Best Value.
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I think the 1st step in doing a build like this is picking out the Motherboard size. We decided we wanted a small form factor and that leaves us with 2 types of boards:

Mini ITX and Micro ATX Motherboards

Mini ITX: Boards are the smallest, and usually have only one expansion port for a Video Card and nothing else.

Micro ATX: This board is the next size bigger, and usually has 3 or 4 expansion slots. This is my choice!
_____________________

I decided the 2nd step should be the purchase of the Case (tower).

Since I decided on the Micro ATX size Motherboard, I need to make a list of potential Cases that I thought my GF would like, no easy task (and 10 hours of research) with literally hundreds of choices.

My requirements that it be small, and have USB 3.0 Ports on the front and look really really nice.

I narrowed it down to 5 or so, and told her the sizes and plus's of each. Since this is the main part she will see everyday, I felt it was important she pick out this component.

And here's what she decided on:

Thermaltake Urban S1 Micro Case

Thermaltake - Global - Urban S1 - CA-1A8-00M1NN-00



This Case was only $50.98 (with free shipping) and the reviews on it are are exceptionable so far.

Thermaltake Urban S1 Black SECC MicroATX Mini Tower Computer Case (CA-1A8-00M1NN-00) - Newegg.com

And seems to be a Perfect Small Size at (H 15.4 x W 7.1 x D 18.4 inch) for our needs.

Thoughts and Suggestions are definitely welcome, since this is my 1st build since 2002

Next Step, research a PSU (Power Supply) for the Case.


_

[yotano211]

What are her requirements, basic computer stuff, gaming?, basic gaming?, hard core gaming?

That processor is still pretty decent for basic computer stuff. Have you ever thought of getting the OS over onto a SSD drive. 480gb SSD drives are going for around 200-250 on ebay, brand new.

If not, look into the AMD line, they tend to offer better money/performance ratio.

The AMD A10 APU line offers the best of those words. Decent graphics performance and OK processor speeds rowed into one package. Or if not the AMD FX line of 6 or 8 core processors.

I'm building my sister a new desktop with a A10 APU, total cost, 228.75. I found used parts off ebay and recycled the ones she already had.

The only new part in her computer was the PSU. I told her, never to cheap out on the PSU. Always go with 80+ rating. 300watts sounds low, but its all she needs for that APU.
FSP Group FSP300-60SGV 300W TFX12V 80 PLUS GOLD Certified Active PFC Power Supply with Intel Haswell Ready - Newegg.com

Got her a used 120gb SSD from a dead yard sale laptop for the OS, plus her own 500gb HD for extra storage.

[TGMT²]

Originally Posted by yotano211

What are her requirements, basic computer stuff, gaming?, basic gaming?, hard core gaming?

Basic Gaming, Hidden Object Games that have little or no movement. So I will be using the onboard graphics. (NO Video Card)

Originally Posted by yotano211

That processor is still pretty decent for basic computer stuff. Have you ever thought of getting the OS over onto a SSD drive.

Yes, I have thought about upgrading her old Computer by adding a SSD and more RAM, but she wants something New, So here we are.

Originally Posted by yotano211

The AMD A10 APU line offers the best of those words. Decent graphics performance and OK processor speeds rowed into one package. Or if not the AMD FX line of 6 or 8 core processors.

I considered an FX AMD Processor, Maybe next time? But this time it will be a Core i5 (4 core) 4th GEN. And most likely it will be the the Socket LGA 1150, since there won't be any overclocking going on.

Originally Posted by yotano211

never to cheap out on the PSU. Always go with 80+ rating.

I 100% agree, I have already bought the PSU last night, and will show it in my next post.

Originally Posted by yotano211

Got her a used 120gb SSD from a dead yard sale laptop for the OS, plus her own 500gb HD for extra storage.

It's nice to save some dollars, but this is a gift and everything will be NEW for her build.

And YES, I have budgeted for a small SSD, not sure which one I'm getting yet, but it will be 240-250 GB's. There seems to be a lot of sales for under a $100. for this size.

I will add the extra storage HD after the initial build maybe a few months down the road?

[yotano211]

Have you looked into a APU processor instead of the 4th gen intel processor. The APU will have much better graphics performance.

Intel processors are awesome, I have them on both of my laptops. But since the computer will be used for basic stuff, graphics would play a bigger role. Intel only updates their graphics drivers once or twice a year, the twice part is, if their own customers are lucky. Intel is overkill for most basic stuff, but their on-board graphics still need improvement.

My sister does the same thing, facebook and/or facebook games. Browser games that most of the time have no movement.

The socket 1150 still has overclocking available, look into the intel K processors, like 4770k or 4670k. It usually has a "K" at the end.

[itemauctions]

Just upgrade your current HP Pavilion P6610F grab a used i7 processor from eBay for $80, and a new graphic card and and good for the next 10 yrs

[MM78]

Originally Posted by itemauctions

Just upgrade your current HP Pavilion P6610F grab a used i7 processor from eBay for $80, and a new graphic card and and good for the next 10 yrs

Did you not read what the man said:

She told me for her Birthday this year, she wants a better & faster Computer. So I decided to do a build for her and see how it work's out.

Translation: I want A NEW! computer....not old parts!

[yotano211]

Originally Posted by itemauctions

Just upgrade your current HP Pavilion P6610F grab a used i7 processor from eBay for $80, and a new graphic card and and good for the next 10 yrs

Dude really?

It seems you have no knowledge about computers. The OP's girlfriend has a AMD motherboard, the processor you stated, i7, needs an entirely new motherboard to fit an Intel i7. AMD and Intel are two entirely different companies.
They are both like oil and water, both dont mix well.

And there is no graphics card out there that will go 10 years. At best, high end graphics card will need to be upgraded at a max of 5 years.

The OP might has well built a new computer. Besides most company pre-built computers come with bad power supply units or just enough to supply power to the pre-built components.

[TGMT²]

Power Supplies sure have Advanced in Technology and Price since my last build in 2002 !

MY requirements are it has to be a trusted brand with good reviews and black to match the case. Also I want something that is quiet and energy efficient.

And since I don't need a ton of power for this Computer, I was hoping for something under $50.

I decided (and bought) the:

CORSAIR CSM Series CS450M 450W (Modular PSU)

CS Series

The price was $59.99 (free shipping) + it has a $30. rebate. So if I actually get my rebate it will only be $29.99.

Corsair CS Series™ CS450M 450W Modular PSU - 80 PLUS® Gold (CP-9020075-NA) at TigerDirect.com

Not bad for a Name Brand MODULAR Power Supply.

Quick Note: Modular PSU's are the type that have plug in connectors, so theoretically you only use the plugs you need, thus keeping your case need and tidy.

Next step is to research the Memory (RAM)..

[yotano211]

wow very good deal, I could have saved $20 by going with that one.

[TGMT²]

Memory (RAM) was purchased today.

I really wasn't expecting it to be that much? My preconceived notion was thinking it would be $50. max

Anyway, After 5 hours of research, I decided on G.Skill because of their no-questions-asked lifetime warranty.

I went with the 8GB single stick

Here is what I bought ($79.99 + free ship) today:

RipjawsX - F3-12800CL10S-8GBXL - G.SKILL DDR3 Memory

NewEgg had the Best Price..

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL10S-8GBXL - Newegg.com

I think I have the Motherboard already picked out? And will probably be getting this one tomorrow, unless someone has a really good reason against it..

Hi-Fi B85S3+ :: Motherboard :: BIOSTAR

[Ebayorbust]

What's the total spend at now and are you still projecting to be under your target?

Another nice article, btw.

[yotano211]

Memory prices have stayed very high for over a year now. I am not surpised that for 8gb it was around $80. 1-2 years ago it was half of that. But it sure makes people that buy parts to resell make extra money.

[TGMT²]

After pages and pages of notes, a weeks worth of searching multiple sites and reading 1000's of reviews, I bought this Motherboard today.

BIOSTAR Hi-Fi B85S3+ Ver. 6.x (Socket : 1150)

Hi-Fi B85S3+ :: Motherboard :: BIOSTAR

It has everything I could possibly want...

• 2 front 3.0 USB Port Hookups + 2 rear
  
• 4 Memory Slots (32GB's max) DDR 1600
  
• 4 Expansion Ports.
  
• 3 Video Ports including HDMI
  
• 6 Channel Audio with Hi-Fi + a Built-in powerful headphone Amplifier
  
• 4 SATA 6Gb/s Connectors + 2 SATA 3Gb/s

Anyway, this was my choice and with a VERY Reasonable price of $64.00

BIOSTAR Hi-Fi B85S3+ Ver. 6.x LGA 1150 Intel B85 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Newegg.com

Also came with a free WiFi Card and Free Shipping from NewEgg.

Tomorrow: I will finally pick out the Processor.

Almost Done!


.

[Gamefreak]

this thing is not going to cost anywhere near $600. more like $350 at those prices.

[TGMT²]

Originally Posted by Gamefreak

this thing is not going to cost anywhere near $600. more like $350 at those prices.

That would be NICE!

But the i5 CPU will be somewhere near $200

and the 250GB SSD will be around $100.

That will ballpark me at $525+ providing I secure the rebates?

BUT: Let's see how it all works out?

[rsot]

Originally Posted by yotano211

Memory prices have stayed very high for over a year now. I am not surpised that for 8gb it was around $80. 1-2 years ago it was half of that. But it sure makes people that buy parts to resell make extra money.

I have been surprised at that too - especially when checking the local smaller computer shops.

[TGMT²]

CPU (Processor) was purchased today!

No surprises here on cost, since this was the focal point of the entire build.

About the 3rd day in, I knew I would be going with a Core i5 (4th GEN) and I knew it would be in the $200. range, but I needed compare each up and see which one was the Best vs. Dollars spent.

Don't expect to get any Great Deals from Intel on their higher end Processors.

This wasn't really a hard decision, since there is only a handful of choices.

My purchase:

Intel® Core™ i5-4460 Processor

ARK | Intel® Core

Everyone basically had the same price, but TigerDirect is giving out a $20. rebate if you spend more than $100. So that will help somewhat if I actually get the rebate?

Intel Core i5-4460 Processor - Quad Core, 6MB Smart Cache, 3.4GHz, LGA-1150 Socket - BX80646I54460 at TigerDirect.com

Price: $189.99 and it will be 169.99 if the rebate goes through.

Next is the SSD, but I am going to wait to buy that after everything is put together and tested first, unless of course: I see some blowout deal in the meantime.

[MM78]

The biggest savings is *No Video Card* I spent almost $260 on my Video Card this last time I bought my video card.

[Gamefreak]

what size ssd u looking for? there are several deals going on right now for 250gb in the $100 range

[TGMT²]

Originally Posted by MM78

The biggest savings is *No Video Card* I spent almost $260 on my Video Card this last time I bought my video card.

$260. !!! I'm Glad I didn't have to figure that into this budget. I think the i5 onboard graphics will do just fine for our needs.

Originally Posted by Gamefreak

what size ssd u looking for? there are several deals going on right now for 250gb in the $100 range

Yes! That is exactly what I'm looking for. But I'm still going to wait until the last minute to get one until everything is assembled and tested.

So far, the only delivery has been the case. It will probably take at least a week to get everything else delivered.

I'm in no rush though.

[yotano211]

Originally Posted by TGMT²

$260. !!! I'm Glad I didn't have to figure that into this budget. I think the i5 onboard graphics will do just fine for our needs.

The thing is dealing with Intels wait on updating their graphics drivers. The HD4600 is ok for most people.

[TGMT²]

Last night I was doing some preliminary research on the SSD (Solid Sate Hard Drive)

I had already decided on something around the 250GB size for the primary drive.

And while researching, I noticed NewEgg had dropped the price on the Samsung EVO's to 119.99 if you purchased it on eBay.

SAMSUNG 840 EVO MZ-7TE250BW 250GB

250GB 2.5-inch SATA III Internal SSD Single Unit MZ-7TE250BW | Samsung 840 EVO

I wasn't expecting to be able to get a Samsung EVO for such a reasonable price.

PRICE: 119.99 with free shipping + I got $2.40 in eBay Bucks.

EVERYTHING is now bought and paid for! I am very HAPPY with all my choices & purchases.

I'm hoping all the deliveries will be here by Friday..