£300 Build

[Pedroc1999]

£300 Build

So, I would like to know what a good recipe would be for a machine that can run games, Multi task, Run Multiple Google Chrome Tabs, Do homework and would provide a reasonable upgrade path in the future.

CPU: I have though about the following i3 3220, i3 3240, FX-4170, FX-4300, Phenom II x4 965 BE and any others that fit my budget.

Motherboard: For Intel I have thought about the B75 Chipset as it will allow to upgrade to i5 /i7 in the future and supports CrossfireX, For AMD I have thought of the 970 Chipset as it is the equivalent in terms of add-on cards, also it must be ATX size)

Graphics: I will not include the graphics card as that will be bought separately and at a later date, I am thinking of the HD 6850/6870.

RAM: I want at least 8GB, 1600MHz+ and it must only occupy to slots(for further upgrades)

PSU: I need at least 450Watts but I would like maybe 550Watts to maybe CrossfireX in the future, I dont think I will find any Modulars for the price but that would be nice

Case: I have thought about the 334U but as long as I can use all the slots on my motherboard it will be fine(no bright colours such as yellow please)

If you could analyse my thoughts and tell me what you think, I am in the UK so I would be looking at places like Cheap Laptops, Computers and Cheap LCD TVs | Ebuyer.com and Scan but if you suggest others that would be fine.

 

[Solarstarshines]

Well one of the things if you plan on Crossfire 450 -550w won't be enough

Sli or Crossfire will need atleast 650w 750 depends on how power hungry and demanding the graphics are

Go with HD6870 they have droped in price there a good buy

if you want intel go with the I5 2600 i think the k is for intel graphics none k is no intergrated graphics

If you are sticking with AMD then your good with the 8350 at this point the 8350 makes a good case of consideration now since they gave this one the Guts it needed versus the Bulldozer 8100 chips

 

[kbrady1979]

Where does storage figure into that? SSD/HDD? I just built a system on Newegg with a Case, CPU, Mobo, RAM, and PSU for $483, which is 301 pounds. If you plan on getting an entire system for that price, you may find a pre-built computer is the way you need to go.

 

[Solarstarshines]

Where does storage figure into that? SSD/HDD? I just built a system on Newegg with a Case, CPU, Mobo, RAM, and PSU for $483, which is 301 pounds. If you plan on getting an entire system for that price, you may find a pre-built computer is the way you need to go.

Yup sounds more then economical

Pre Built would get you something decent you can look around
if you want to add a Graphic card later look real carefull at what boards this buy has and what features some baseline boards have a decent set up for enough run to run something pretty decent gaming and memory

 

[m3owm1x3r]

Well one of the things if you plan on Crossfire 450 -550w won't be enough

Sli or Crossfire will need atleast 650w 750 depends on how power hungry and demanding the graphics are

Go with HD6870 they have droped in price there a good buy

if you want intel go with the I5 2600 i think the k is for intel graphics none k is no intergrated graphics

If you are sticking with AMD then your good with the 8350 at this point the 8350 makes a good case of consideration now since they gave this one the Guts it needed versus the Bulldozer 8100 chips

The "k" is for unlocked multiplier. I don't think you will need the overclocking option so you'll be ok either way. Best of luck

 

[Pedroc1999]

Considering the i5 i dought that will fit my budget, what were the parts for the £301 build?, also i am keeping my current HDD. and the 8350 might also not fit my budget

 

[m3owm1x3r]

Try the i3 2120. Not a bad CPU, and it has hyper thread

 

[Pedroc1999]

if you notice in my first post i noted the succesor of the 2120, the 3240,

 

[kbrady1979]

Here is the mock-up build I did on Newegg

CASE: Newegg.com - Fractal Design Arc Midi Black High Performance PC Computer Case w/ USB 3.0 and 3 x Fractal High Performance 140mm fans
MOBO: Newegg.com - ASUS P8Z77-M LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
CPU: Newegg.com - Intel Core i3-3225 Ivy Bridge 3.3GHz LGA 1155 55W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I33225
PSU: Newegg.com - Antec HCG M Series HCG-620M 620W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
RAM: Newegg.com - CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9

I went ahead and put 16GB of RAM in there because it is so cheap, and you don't have to worry about upgrading until you move to a new platform. I prefer a matched set vs 8GB here and 8GB later.

As far as the video card....I suggest you use the HD4000 graphics until you save enough for a good video card. The HD4000 will surprise you with how well it runs current games even at 1080p!

 

[mjf]

I recently built this system for someone not with high end gaming in mind but it certainly could be considered a mid end gaming machine. The GT630 apparent will run Battlefield 3 in multiplayer mode without a problem (I'm not a gamer).

Component.............Model............................Cost

Case......................Antec300.......................$62
PSU.......................Antec VP-550P................$65
Motherboard...........AsRock Z77M...................$89
CPU.......................Intel i5-3470...................$189
RAM......................8G Kit 1600 G.Skill ARES.....$45
HDD - Internal........Seagate 1TB Baraccuda......$79
Dual Layer DVDRW...Samsung..........................$18
Graphics card.........1G GT630 Gigabyte.............$54
MS Win 7..............OEM 64 bit Home Premium.....$99
Speakers...............Logitech LS11 2.0...............$12
Keyboard, Mouse....Logitech MK520..................$54
Monitor................Acer S220HLbd 21.5" Led......$115

Total...........................................................$881

They are all quality components and the core system (bold) comes to $601 or 388 pounds. 16 GB wouldn't cost much more.
I find the AsRock Z77M great value for money but pick compatible memory. "Z77 compatible" isn't enough.

 

[Pedroc1999]

Is there an amd side to it or is it intel all the way?

 

[kbrady1979]

Is there an amd side to it or is it intel all the way?

I would go Intel, but if you wanted to look into AMD, I would start with this....Newegg.com - AMD FX-6300 Vishera 3.5GHz (4.1GHz Turbo) Socket AM3+ 95W Six-Core Desktop Processor FD6300WMHKBOX

 

[Pedroc1999]

any others?

 

[Pedroc1999]

THE 6300 IS A BEAST, and the motherboards are much cheaper(£10) i will go with the 6300

 

[mjf]

The FX-6300 is apparently comparable to the i3-3220/25. These intels are a bit cheaper in my part of the world.
I think it might be a bit like your preference for cars. Some prefer Intel others AMD.

 

[Indianatone]

I recently built this system for someone not with high end gaming in mind but it certainly could be considered a mid end gaming machine. The GT630 apparent will run Battlefield 3 in multiplayer mode without a problem (I'm not a gamer).

Component.............Model............................Cost

Case......................Antec300.......................$62
PSU.......................Antec VP-550P................$65
Motherboard...........AsRock Z77M...................$89
CPU.......................Intel i5-3470...................$189
RAM......................8G Kit 1600 G.Skill ARES.....$45
HDD - Internal........Seagate 1TB Baraccuda......$79
Dual Layer DVDRW...Samsung..........................$18
Graphics card.........1G GT630 Gigabyte.............$54
MS Win 7..............OEM 64 bit Home Premium.....$99
Speakers...............Logitech LS11 2.0...............$12
Keyboard, Mouse....Logitech MK520..................$54
Monitor................Acer S220HLbd 21.5" Led......$115

Total...........................................................$881

They are all quality components and the core system (bold) comes to $601 or 388 pounds. 16 GB wouldn't cost much more.
I find the AsRock Z77M great value for money but pick compatible memory. "Z77 compatible" isn't enough.

Here is the mock-up build I did on Newegg

CASE: Newegg.com - Fractal Design Arc Midi Black High Performance PC Computer Case w/ USB 3.0 and 3 x Fractal High Performance 140mm fans
MOBO: Newegg.com - ASUS P8Z77-M LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
CPU: Newegg.com - Intel Core i3-3225 Ivy Bridge 3.3GHz LGA 1155 55W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4000 BX80637I33225
PSU: Newegg.com - Antec HCG M Series HCG-620M 620W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply
RAM: Newegg.com - CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9

I went ahead and put 16GB of RAM in there because it is so cheap, and you don't have to worry about upgrading until you move to a new platform. I prefer a matched set vs 8GB here and 8GB later.

As far as the video card....I suggest you use the HD4000 graphics until you save enough for a good video card. The HD4000 will surprise you with how well it runs current games even at 1080p!

Don't forget these are US prices and are tax free. In the UK you'll have to pay VAT @ 20% so adjust your budget accordingly. Good Luck and have fun building.

 

[Pedroc1999]

thx but in scan.co.uk i managed to design one with a fx-6300,8gb ram, 500watt psu fractal case and 970 motherbaord for only £259

 

[mjf]

Don't forget these are US prices and are tax free. In the UK you'll have to pay VAT @ 20% so adjust your budget accordingly. Good Luck and have fun building.

My prices are Australian dollar prices and include a 10% GST (your VAT equiv). Note also that Australia is a much smaller domestic market than both the UK and US. This means I would expect UK and US prices to be lower.
(Aus$ and US$ are very close to parity)

Good luck with your build you have come in way under your budget which you have to be happy with.

 

[bobafetthotmail]

if you go for cheapo mobos without dropping quality (and overclockability) check AsRock's stuff. They manage to get 50 to 70 $ lower than everyone else. You do lose some, but it may be worth it.

I'd also personally prefer a cheapo 10 $ recycled home server case and invest the money in better GPU.