$400 build

[Doppel]

PARTS

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2GgUN

STICKY QUESTIONS

- basic computing now, gaming later
~$400 for parts only; have an OS.
- US
- must be Intel
- have optical drive already
- wouldn't mind overclocking later if I get an I5k
- no idea on resolution
- order ASAP

DETAILS

My ultimate goal is to have a competent gaming PC. However, at this time I don't have the desire to spend the money on it. Thus, I want a simple PC that is expandable to a beefy one with a minimum of parts replacements. That is why I have chosen a power supply that is way overspecced for this build. Further, since I'm going with socket LGA1150, I have chosen a motherboard that will not only run this lowly Pentium G3220, but ultimately a nice Haswell i5 or 7 down the line. I could go with an entry I3, but I'd rather not bother right now. I fully realize that this CPU's integrated graphics are thoroughly worthless in any game.

I've chosen most of the parts based on reviews. It seems this mobo should support the CPU plus any other haswell desktop CPU.

QUESTIONS
I do wonder if the PSU is overkill. I know it is now, but since this board has only one PCI 3.0, it means I'll never SLI/crossfire it, so even with an I5 eventually and a hungry single GPU, is this power supply over board? I do want one that is modular, like the one I've picked.

I know this CPU won't run the RAM at 1600 speeds, but I don't want to buy new stuff later.

 

[SViscusi]

750 is overkill but it is a good price. You can always get the 500 or 600 version in that same line for 10-15 dollars less if you want.

 

[Doppel]

750 is overkill but it is a good price. You can always get the 500 or 600 version in that same line for 10-15 dollars less if you want.

Thanks. Just checked. I suppose I am inclined to keep the 750 for just $10 more.

I noticed the network card is PCI E X1 and this board appears to have only two legacy PCI plus two PCI X 16. I presume there's no issue plugging this card into the large PCI E 2.0 slot and then eventually I'll still have full power to the 3.0 with a GPU?

There is an attractive LGA1150 board by MSI for under $50 and it would suit me just fine with one big exception, it seems its internal USB connectors are only 2.0, which means the case's USB 3.0 front port wouldn't run at 3.0 speeds and I am highly interested in this system being fully 3.0 capable.

 

[SViscusi]

The card will work fine in a full size slot, the top slot is full speed pcie 3.0 x16 slot, the other is a pcie 2.0 x4, that'll work fine for your needs. The ASROCK looks like a decent choice for your needs, I bought two from them last year, one for a new i5 system and another for a i3 file server and I was fairly impressed with their price/performance ratio.

I like your build as a whole, everything looks good.

 

[mfenn]

Your build looks good except for the power supply being overkill for any single-GPU build. It's a reasonable price after rebate. If rebates annoy you, then the Seasonic S12II 620W is higher quality and $65 no rebate.

 

[Doppel]

Thanks, both. I'll see about a lower end PSU. I do hate rebates also. Hate hate.

Just found out there is a corsair 600W for $38 after $12 instant off at newegg and $20 rebate. Even with hating rebates, that's a pretty darn good price.

 

[Charlie98]

Thanks, both. I'll see about a lower end PSU. I do hate rebates also. Hate hate.

Just found out there is a corsair 600W for $38 after $12 instant off at newegg and $20 rebate. Even with hating rebates, that's a pretty darn good price.

I have a 750w PSU in my desktop/gamer build... it's absurdly overpowered with a single GPU. If you are looking for a bargain, that Corsair 600w isn't too bad, and I've never failed to get a Corsair rebate, usually in record time.

Money being no object, I'd take that SeaSonic Mfenn linked...

 

[Ken g6]

Do you intend to pair that 8GB stick of RAM with another in the near future? Or would you rather get 2x4GB RAM for about the same price ($73)?

 

[Doppel]

Do you intend to pair that 8GB stick of RAM with another in the near future? Or would you rather get 2x4GB RAM for about the same price ($73)?

At some point I do. I do see that single channel is slower, but I expect I won't notice and I can easily go to 16 GB in the future.

 

[mfenn]

Thanks, both. I'll see about a lower end PSU. I do hate rebates also. Hate hate.

Just found out there is a corsair 600W for $38 after $12 instant off at newegg and $20 rebate. Even with hating rebates, that's a pretty darn good price.

The CX600 s a good deal at $38 AR AP. It's not as good a power supply as the S12II, but its competent and the price is right.

 

[Doppel]

The CX600 s a good deal at $38 AR AP. It's not as good a power supply as the S12II, but its competent and the price is right.

Yeah, once I saw that price I had to. The 750 sure seemed overkill.

I ordered all parts within the last day, so now the waiting game. Got a Samsung Evo 840 SSD after being unsure about that Kingston one, and then found a stupidly cheap hard drive on ebay for pics/vid.

 

[mfenn]

Cool, let us know if you run into any problems or just want to post pictures.