Building a pc. Too expensive?

[moneer]

Hello peeps. I was searching online for prices of pc parts and they seem to be pretty darn expensive. I came here seeking advice lol.
It's about time to upgrade my pc. It will be mostly used casually but many times there are large file transfers and a great deal of processes running in the background. Gaming is not an issue here, but a decent graphics card would be nice for the once in a while league of legends matches.
Can anyone recommend me any parts based on these details?

 

[Ken g6]

PLEASE when you POST threads asking for input on system builds tell us...

1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.

4. IF you're buying parts OUTSIDE the US, please post a link to the vendor you'll be buying from.
We can't be expected to scour the internet on your behalf, chasing down deals in your specific country... Again, help us, help YOU.

5. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.

6. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.

8. What resolution, not monitor size, will you be using?

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Note that it is usually not cost or time effective to choose your build more than a month before you actually plan to be using it.

10. Do you need to purchase any software to go with the system, such as Windows or Blu Ray playback software?

At the end of the day it's your money. There's only so much we can do.

I see you occasionally want to do LoL. Can you be more specific about what processes you're running in the background, too?

 

[nsafreak]

That depends on what you define as "too expensive". I've put together builds for folks for as little as $500. In all honest I'll start by saying that a dedicated graphics card really isn't needed for league, the iGPU on Intel CPUs nowadays can handle that game just fine. For a more detailed answer though we're going to need you to update the thread with the answers to these questions.

 

[moneer]

I see you occasionally want to do LoL. Can you be more specific about what processes you're running in the background, too?

I would like to see some eye candy without low fps the processes I'm speaking of are updates for windows/linux. Also I am normally building andeoid roms which lowers performance significantly for a long period of time. Some other users also have many programs open and servers running. Not sure exactly about them but they complain about slow downs and crashes sometimes.

That depends on what you define as "too expensive". I've put together builds for folks for as little as $500. In all honest I'll start by saying that a dedicated graphics card really isn't needed for league, the iGPU on Intel CPUs nowadays can handle that game just fine. For a more detailed answer though we're going to need you to update the thread with the answers to these questions.

Some questions i already answered
I'm not willing to spend more than $200-$250. Lol. Is that possible?
I'm buying from the USA. Preferably from a store like best buy.
I'm not a fanboy of any company.
I will probably only be using HDD from my current pc. If the cpu i get has some graphics ram and capabilities *sorry I'm not technical* then I'll use my current graphics card (Radeon HD 2600)
I don't have a set time to build. Anytime will be fine.
No software purchases will be necessary .

 

[Ken g6]

Well, OK, here's a somewhat minimal build if you're only reusing the HDD:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: *Intel Core i3-4160 3.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($102.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: *Gigabyte GA-H81M-HD2 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($31.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: *Kingston 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: *Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($22.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: *Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $221.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-02 17:32 EDT-0400

Are you sure you can't reuse your case? What about your PSU? (But how old is it?)

Futuremark says this chip's HD 4400 graphics are better than Intel HD 4000, and Intel HD 4000 does quite well at LoL.

I'd really like to see you add an SSD to this build. But the cheapest is $36, and I'd like to see you spend at least $45.

 

[moneer]

Well, OK, here's a somewhat minimal build if you're only reusing the HDD:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: *Intel Core i3-4160 3.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($102.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: *Gigabyte GA-H81M-HD2 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($31.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: *Kingston 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($38.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: *Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($22.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: *Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $221.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-02 17:32 EDT-0400

Are you sure you can't reuse your case? What about your PSU? (But how old is it?)

Futuremark says this chip's HD 4400 graphics are better than Intel HD 4000, and Intel HD 4000 does quite well at LoL.

I'd really like to see you add an SSD to this build. But the cheapest is $36, and I'd like to see you spend at least $45.

My current pc is a mini or micro Optiplex 755... a really small case and a very limited PSU. And yes i actually do want an SSD. and i think 8gb ram is over kill?

 

[Ken g6]

Some other users also have many programs open and servers running. Not sure exactly about them but they complain about slow downs and crashes sometimes.

Sounds like this system is running Linux and has multiple people remote-logging in at the same time. Is that about right? If so, I worry that 8GB might not be enough!

Which size of OptiPlex 755 do you have? How many slots are there in the back?

 

[moneer]

Sounds like this system is running Linux and has multiple people remote-logging in at the same time. Is that about right? If so, I worry that 8GB might not be enough!

Which size of OptiPlex 755 do you have? How many slots are there in the back?

The third one is mine. And no it's multiple users using it one at a time lol. In a household.

 

[Burpo]

He's right (needs a case). That's a BTX motherboard & case.. Ken's build advice is as good as it gets for that price..

You could always buy used..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Optipl...M-250GB-HDD-/351466720018?hash=item51d50c8b12

 

[Ken g6]

Hm. Tough call. On one hand, your existing PSU is pretty old, so it would be good to get a new one. But if I do that I can't fit 8GB RAM and an SSD, or a DVD drive if you're looking for one:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: *Intel Core i3-4160 3.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($102.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: *Gigabyte GA-H81M-HD2 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($31.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: *Kingston 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($20.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: *Sandisk SSD PLUS 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($44.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: *Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($22.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: *Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $248.44
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-02 19:29 EDT-0400

Edit: I think Burbo is right.

The SSD, having no moving parts, can go almost anywhere it fits. It doesn't have to be screwed in or even tied down if the computer's stationary. This would also allow use of your existing slim optical drive.


A couple of other things:
- If you're near a Micro Center they sell the i3-4170 for $99, in-store only.
- Do you realize that your old computer's copy of Windows probably won't work with a new motherboard? And a new copy will be $87 on a good sale.

Perhaps you'd be better off just getting a nice new video card and an SSD for your existing computer?

 

[moneer]

Hm. Tough call. On one hand, your existing PSU is pretty old, so it would be good to get a new one. But if I do that I can't fit 8GB RAM and an SSD, or a DVD drive if you're looking for one:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: *Intel Core i3-4160 3.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($102.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: *Gigabyte GA-H81M-HD2 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($31.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: *Kingston 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($20.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: *Sandisk SSD PLUS 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($44.99 @ Micro Center)
Case: *Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($22.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: *Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $248.44
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-08-02 19:29 EDT-0400

Edit: I think Burbo is right.

The SSD, having no moving parts, can go almost anywhere it fits. It doesn't have to be screwed in or even tied down if the computer's stationary. This would also allow use of your existing slim optical drive.


A couple of other things:
- If you're near a Micro Center they sell the i3-4170 for $99, in-store only.
- Do you realize that your old computer's copy of Windows probably won't work with a new motherboard? And a new copy will be $87 on a good sale.

Perhaps you'd be better off just getting a nice new video card and an SSD for your existing computer?

I want to install linux on it free software is best software lol. I don't think I'll ever use a dvd drive. Everything is on USB nowadays. I forgot to mention. I also have a dead Dell inspiron 530s. The ram slots stopped working. But i believe the PSU and case are usable. Or maybe the PSU is too old as well?

 

[moneer]

He's right (needs a case). That's a BTX motherboard & case.. Ken's build advice is as good as it gets for that price..

You could always buy used..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Optipl...M-250GB-HDD-/351466720018?hash=item51d50c8b12

I think building a pc is safer and will last longer.

 

[JackMDS]

If what you need is exactly the specs of a Dell EL Cheappo Optiplex, you are absolutely right, No need to get busy with a self Build (unless One enjoys Building a Computer :thumbsup: )

However if One wants something a Little better and More flexible in upgrades and installations you have an example above.

 

[Ken g6]

I notice League of Legends doesn't have a Linux build. But it seems to be workable with Wine. https://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=31794

 

[moneer]

I notice League of Legends doesn't have a Linux build. But it seems to be workable with Wine. https://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=31794

Yes. And the fps was half of what was on windows. And i have a hdd with windows 8 on it installed by a buddy of mine so i won't need a reinstallation correct?

 

[bononos]

Yes. And the fps was half of what was on windows. And i have a hdd with windows 8 on it installed by a buddy of mine so i won't need a reinstallation correct?

Only if you are reusing the motherboard, the windows license is tied to the mb.

 

[Billb2]

I got a Dell Optiplex 755 for free. Iy was so clogged up that it was "Push the start button and go get a cup of coffee'". Replaced the E6550 with a Q9400 ($27.50) and took the memory to 4 gigs of DDR2 667 ($10). Installed 8.1, Win 10 and Server 2012R2 and it runs all of them just fine. Boots in about 20 seconds, and runs SolidWorks.

 

[moneer]

I got a Dell Optiplex 755 for free. Iy was so clogged up that it was "Push the start button and go get a cup of coffee'". Replaced the E6550 with a Q9400 ($27.50) and took the memory to 4 gigs of DDR2 667 ($10). Installed 8.1, Win 10 and Server 2012R2 and it runs all of them just fine. Boots in about 20 seconds, and runs SolidWorks.

Q9400 for $27.50? Online it was out of stock almost everywhere, and the places that had it sold it for $100+. I was thinking with that money i might as well just upgrade my whole set up. And maybe get some USB 3.0 ports and SSDs while I'm at it

Only if you are reusing the motherboard, the windows license is tied to the mb.

Oh really? I guess I'll get my old bud to install it again for me then

 

[Torn Mind]

You'll need to look at prebuilts with first-gen or second-gen i5s with that budget.

 

[piasabird]

This is the power supply I used with my i-3 Mini-ITX system:
CX430 $39.99 - $20 rebate. I know you hate rebates? It just popped up in the newegg newsletter. It is funny because I looked at the price yesterday.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-17-139-026&et_cid=20277&et_rid=299236&et_p1=

 

[VirtualLarry]

I'm not willing to spend more than $200-$250.

Look for a refurbed Acer J2900 desktop, or if you're really lucky, an i3.

http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/1447349/?newest=1#last

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Refurbish...and-Windows-8.1-Monitor-Not-Included/42353679

 

[moneer]

Look for a refurbed Acer J2900 desktop, or if you're really lucky, an i3.

http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/1447349/?newest=1#last

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Refurbish...and-Windows-8.1-Monitor-Not-Included/42353679

Thanks for your suggestions!

 

[JackMDS]

Q9400 for $27.50? Online it was out of stock almost everywhere, and the places that had it sold it for $100+.

Hmm.. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Core-...p-Processor-/271944420142?hash=item3f51268b2e

On bids with luck might be even less.

 

[vipink]

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[sm625]

You want some sort of video card even to play LoL. Even though a modern intel IGP can technically handle the game at reduced settings, it will have trouble if you try to do other things like play a youtube while in game. I would recommend at minimum a HD5750. Consider a used workstation with a nehalem or sandy bridge quad core. Search ebay for "T3500 W3550". Good deals still floating around.