[Build Help] In Need of a Quick Build Overview

[aquitas]

A friendly admin I've been working with on some personal computer BSOD issues has pointed me in this direction regarding hardware. I'm creating a budget build for my mom as a surprise gift and want to make sure that everything works. She already has a HDD and an Optical Drive so i left those out. Here's the current build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A4-3300 2.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($58.11 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-A55M-DS2 Micro ATX FM1 Motherboard ($46.97 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Value Series 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($20.49 @ Newegg)
Hard Drive: Intel 330 Series 60GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($27.99 @ Microcenter)
Power Supply: Corsair 430W ATX12V Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $228.54
(Prices include shipping and discounts when available.)

A few concerns I have:

1. The CPU is a mobile version and has a an integrated card.
Q: Will it being a mobile version create an issue?
Q: Will the integrated card be able to output on a monitor for basic day to day computing stress.

2. Will I need to purchase a separate mount for the SSD?

3. Will the SSD's quick load times be noticeable on a system with a low of specs as this or should I just stick with her sole HDD?

4. Are there any problems with this build that you can see?

5. Are there any performance improvements that can be had through other products in the same price range?

Thank you in advance for your advice. It's much appreciated!

 

[ignatzatsonic]

2: I seriously doubt it. With no moving parts, you can mount an SSD securely in the bottom of the case or in a drive bay with duct tape.

3: I'd guess it would still be quite noticeable in booting and opening applications. Probably the best move you could make and that is a good price.

I don't know anything about AMD, so can't offer more help.

 

[Pauly]

Hi aquitas

To mount properly you will need a 3.5inch drive adapter for the SSD to fit the case (some come with most dont and i cant see any mention of one with your drive)

 

[aquitas]

Thanks for your input guys. I'll wait for more replies regarding the other questions before I buy the parts.

 

[bobkn]

Hi aquitas

To mount properly you will need a 3.5inch drive adapter for the SSD to fit the case (some come with most dont and i cant see any mention of one with your drive)

An adapter bracket is pictured at Newegg. Doesn't guarantee that it's actually included, or that it will fit the mounting holes in the case for a 3.5" drive if it is included.

The GA-A55M-DS2 only has 3Gb/s SATA. The Intel SSD listed supports 6Gb/s. It may not make a great real-world difference, but I believe that you can get an A75 board without spending a lot more money. May be worth considering.

The A4-3300 is a $60 CPU. Whether getting an $80 or $110 CPU would give you a much superior system, I can't say. (Haven't used an AMD CPU since the Socket 939 days.)

 

[aquitas]

Hi aquitas

To mount properly you will need a 3.5inch drive adapter for the SSD to fit the case (some come with most dont and i cant see any mention of one with your drive)

An adapter bracket is pictured at Newegg. Doesn't guarantee that it's actually included, or that it will fit the mounting holes in the case for a 3.5" drive if it is included.

The GA-A55M-DS2 only has 3Gb/s SATA. The Intel SSD listed supports 6Gb/s. It may not make a great real-world difference, but I believe that you can get an A75 board without spending a lot more money. May be worth considering.

The A4-3300 is a $60 CPU. Whether getting an $80 or $110 CPU would give you a much superior system, I can't say. (Haven't used an AMD CPU since the Socket 939 days.)

The A4-3300 is a mobile card. Will this pose an issue or will it work as it should? And will the integrated GPU on it be able to output on a monitor larger than the average laptop resolution?