budget non-gaming mitx build

[koolh]

Hey everyone,

I'm putting together a new build for a buddy of mine. Questionaire answers:

1. Office work, SPSS on windows
2. $300-500
3. Singapore
4. No great online vendors, unfortunately. Let's use newegg prices as references.
5. No brand preference
6. No current parts to re-use
7. No overclocking
8. 1080p
9. Within the next 2 months.


Here's a build that I put together:
1. CPU: i3-6100 or G4500
2. Mobo: ASRock H110M ITX
3. RAM: Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600 2x4GB
4. Case: CM Elite 110
5. PSU: Seasonic G 360 or Silverstone ST30SF 300W Bronze
6. SSD: Samsung 850 EVO 120GB
7. GPU: Integrated
8. HSF: None
9. O/S: Win10 64-bit

A few questions on this build:
1. Is G4500 good enough for my purpose?
2. Which PSU would be sufficient (enough power, cables long enough, non-modular parts will fit)?
3. Do I need a HSF besides the stock cooler, given that indoor temps are around 28 deg C

Appreciate the help on this!

 

[Ken g6]

I'd try for the i3.

You need DDR4 RAM. Preferably DDR4-2133.

Just about any PSU should be OK. Pretty much the lower-powered the better. Seasonic is a good brand; also look for Super Flower in your part of the world.

Sock HSF will be fine below i5. (And not too bad with i5.)

 

[Blue_Max]

The programs don't look like they need big horsepower, so consider "embedded" mobo/CPU combo solutions like the Intel 1037u (pretty speedy dual-core!) or N3150, etc.

Decent performance, CHEAP, plus are often completely fanless.

Combine that in an ITX case that comes with a small, quiet power supply and you're set. You could easily come in under $300 with RAM and hard drive or SSD.

And an Intel NUC based on the same technology is priced about the same only much smaller!

 

[Yuriman]

^ Intel NUC is what you want for this build. That, or perhaps a Gigabyte Brix.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

A few questions on this build:
1. Is G4500 good enough for my purpose?
2. Which PSU would be sufficient (enough power, cables long enough, non-modular parts will fit)?
3. Do I need a HSF besides the stock cooler, given that indoor temps are around 28 deg C

1) That really depends on your expectations. Pentiums are generally quite decent for basic office type work. However, if you like to have multiple things open at once, particularly web pages/browsing, the i3 will be the better choice. If you're going Pentium, you may as well save a bit and use the G4400. You won't notice the difference with the G4500, and the G4400 is quite a bit bit cheaper, so you can use that money elsewhere in the build.

2) The Seasonic you've listed is a very decent PSU. Unless you're going for ultimate efficiency, something like the more basic Corsair CX450M will be more then sufficient however.

3) Depends. The stock cooler should handle a Pentium/i3 fine, but might be a little loud doing it. Its really down to personal preference. Make sure you have decent airflow in the case.

The programs don't look like they need big horsepower, so consider "embedded" mobo/CPU combo solutions like the Intel 1037u (pretty speedy dual-core!) or N3150, etc.

You can't be serious. The G4400/4500 is going to run circles around that 1037u, even just doing basic web-browsing. I'd be surprised if it used much more power either.

As for Atom-on-desktop, no one should be made to suffer though that.

 

[melloyellow]

if you don't need any gpu/pcie slots, then you could consider a smaller case like an antec isk 110

 

[Blue_Max]

You can't be serious. The G4400/4500 is going to run circles around that 1037u, even just doing basic web-browsing. I'd be surprised if it used much more power either.

I didn't know that processor existed until I looked closer.

Dang... if the price is right, it'll justify me getting on that platform until I can afford better myself.

It's an extra $100 well spent.

 

[koolh]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

Unfortunately the antec isk 110 is out of my budget.

The G4400 isn't available locally yet, but thanks for the pointers, will definitely consider it.

As for the PSU, I'll likely get the ST30SF 300W Bronze which is about 10 bucks cheaper than the CX450W Bronze - unless the latter is worth the 10 bucks premium. I'm thinking this rig won't need any more than 300W.

Never considered the Intel NUC before - interesting, will look into that abit more, thanks.

My mobo is the DDR3 version (DDR4 version isn't available locally 🙁 )

Cheers, everyone.

 

[koolh]

Actually, given that the ST30SF is non-modular, I've decided to go with the CX430M Bronze for that extra $10.