Building a machine for my family, looking for advice or ideas.

[DirtyElf]

My family saw my computer that I built and got jealous. Now they have hired me to build one for them. My little brother likes to game on WOW, and some other modern games. Nothing super intense liky crysis, but I imagine he would like to play starcraft 2 at some point and some of the other newer titles. Other than that my parents use it for simple web browsing, word processing and excel. The budget for this machine is pretty tight. I'd like to give them the base build (cheapest) and then explain how the different upgrades (CPU, GFX, MOBO, MEMORY, etc...) could benefit them if they so choose. I figure they will probably upgrade the GFX card and processor to a 5850/i5. Let me know what you think as far as this being a base build. How could I shave some dollars off this build?

CPU: Intel Core i3-560 Clarkdale 3.33GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 4MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80616I3560 $150

MOBO: ASUS P7P55 LX LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard $120

MEMORY: CORSAIR XMS3 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TW3X4G1333C9$70

GFX: HIS iCooler V H583FN1GD Radeon HD 5830 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card w/Eyefinity $170

HDD: Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive $90

PSU: CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply $90

ODD: LITE-ON Black 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 8X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 12X DVD-RAM 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 24X DVD Writer $20

CASE: COOLER MASTER Elite 330 RC-330-KKN1-GP Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case $40

OS: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM 100$

This totals $850.

 

[kodi]

If they are going to upgrade in the future I would stick with Corsair power supply but increase it to at least a 650 watt, the rest looks good.

 

[madtownidiot]

Looks like you did some good research. I don't see anything incompatible or any bad choices except the PSU is a bit on the light. It will work for that build, but I agree with the above post for another reason.. a PSU (and any other computer component) that uses a lower average percentage of its capacity generally lasts longer and produces less heat.

 

[DirtyElf]

the budget really is only about ~$750 so I was looking to shave some off, not add $20 with a 650W power supply

I wonder how much less powerful a 5770 is than a 5830... *scurries off to google to look for reviews*

whats a comparible nvidia card? maybe that would be cheaper?

 

[kodi]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but the power supply is definitely not the place to save money if it goes it usually takes other things with it like Mobo, ram

 

[DirtyElf]

for sure. i know the psu is the last place to cheap out. thats why i went with a reputable (i always would) brand like corsair. I dont see them upgrading this computer gfx or HDD wise down the line so i figured 550 was enough. once my little brother leaves the house it will basically be a word processing, excel manipulating, web browsing giant. but for the next 4 years my brother wants to play his games. trying to find the best mix of both worlds.

 

[madtownidiot]

Check this out: power supply calculator

I would add 50% to the calculated power usage

 

[DirtyElf]

you that calculator only said 315 watts.. 550 should be fine

like i said, once my brother is done with it, there will be no upgrading...

 

[madtownidiot]

you that calculator only said 315 watts.. 550 should be fine

like i said, once my brother is done with it, there will be no upgrading...

You should calculate for 100% system load on all components, because that is when you're most likely to have any problems, and as the system ages, it draws more power so you'll want to figure for capacitor aging as well. The calculator is only accurate if you include every component that will be in the system.. leave out a few fans, a webcam, an ipod, an external HDD, and you'll get a very different numbers than what the system will actually use.

 

[Tepid]

Ok here are my thoughts.....

Mobo.... should be fine. It has dropped in price.

RAM..... Honestly, there is no reason to get Corsair memory. Kingston HyperX will work just fine if it is cheaper. Many, and even yourself may disagree, but honestly, the differences are not that huge and you will get more out of a better Graphics Card. I am not saying skimp on RAM, only if it has some savings for Graphics.

PSU.... I would not go with less than 650W and 750W should be plenty. This will allow for second HDD's as well as many USB devices connected all at once. If you skimp here, you may regret it later.
even if all the PSU calcs in the world tell you different. Don't skimp on the PSU in quality or wattage.

GFX.... Where ever you do save money at, spend on Graphics card.

 

[Tepid]

Side post....

but for the next 4 years my brother wants to play his games. trying to find the best mix of both worlds.

Then you should plan for the next 4 years. Games get better and better every year. You or he will probably want to upgrade the Graphics card at least twice over the next 4 years. Start with the best you can afford now. This includes needing to plan for PSU wattage over that time frame. 550W won't be enough.