• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Building parents a pc, is this an okay build?

X

xvizx

Member
Need to build a pc to replace a hp p6140f (q8200 2.3ghz, 8gb ddr2). My parents were more or less happy with its performance, so I just want to make sure this build will at least give them similar performance. This will be used for basic things like internet, email, hulu, and some light gaming.

I have some parts but will need to pick up a cpu, mb, and psu my budget is ~$200 and will probably buy from amazon since I have a gc for them. Right now my current build is about $155, so I'm open to suggestions.

This is what I'm thinking of getting:
cpu - intel pentium g850 ($68.99)
mb - msi h61m-p31 (g3) ($46.99)
psu - antec vp-450 ($38.99)

What I have:
Case lian li pc-7, intel 320 80gb, gskill 1333 4gb ram, evga gtx 460 sc768mb, and keyboard etc.

So will this be a decent build compared to the hp, I compared the g850 vs q8200 and the seem to have similar performance on synthetic benchmarks but I'm unsure if the same is true for real world performance. Also is that h61 mb okay or should I be looking at something better.

Thanks
 
I built two G530 rigs, one for my younger cousin and one for my parents. The G530 handles multiple streams of 1080p 10bit content without breaking a sweat and when paired with a dedicated card it can play the latest games such as borderlands 2 at a solid 60fps with everything on low at 1080p. Not bad for a $45 processor.

The G850 is ranked higher than the G530 so I would imagine it would do all of that and better.

I also have that same motherboard on the two builds and it works great. With a bios update it supports the latest ivy bridge processors. I just kinda wished I had picked up a gigabyte board too so I could've gotten some hackintoshing done without DSDTs.
 
This is what I'm thinking of getting:
cpu - intel pentium g850 ($68.99)
mb - msi h61m-p31 (g3) ($46.99)
psu - antec vp-450 ($38.99)
Click to expand...

I'd spend less on the CPU and add a small SSD for the OS
Celeron G540 2.5GHz 2C/2T $45 @ amazon
Plextor M5S 64GB $60 @ amazon

total $191

Later upgrade the CPU to used i3-2100 if more performance is needed
 
That looks okay, but a couple (or 3) of suggestions...

1) If you are in Pentium territory anyway, get a Celeron G530/540/550/555 (whichever is cheaper) instead. You only loose a couple of hundred MHz and 1MB L2 cache. No one will ever notice with such a light workload... and you -could- always drop in a high performance i3/i5/i7 in a couple of years if required...
2) When you build with an mATX board anyway, get a board based on the B75 chipset instead. Don't let the business label fool you. This gets you 2-4 USB3 ports and a SATA3 port for an SSD. And with what you just saved on the CPU it should be even money...
3) Loose the Geforce GTX460. It will only serve to drive up power consumption and cost your parents a pretty penny for no purpose...🙂

Both ASUS, Gigabyte and Asrock have B75 boards available:

http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/Intel_B75

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/list.aspx?s=42&jid=2&p=2&v=24

http://www.asrock.com/mb/index.asp

Just pick the one which has the features you need, and suits your wallet...😎
 
I think your previous PC is more than enough for the needs you mentioned. You're wasting $200 unless there's some other reason you want to build a new one.
 
lehtv said:
I'd spend less on the CPU and add a small SSD for the OS
Celeron G540 2.5GHz 2C/2T $45 @ amazon
Plextor M5S 64GB $60 @ amazon

total $191

Later upgrade the CPU to used i3-2100 if more performance is needed
Click to expand...

Agreed, but he already has a spare Intel SSD to use in the build.

Insert_Nickname said:
...

3) Loose the Geforce GTX460. It will only serve to drive up power consumption and cost your parents a pretty penny for no purpose...🙂

...
Click to expand...

Agreed.

Tushaar said:
I think your previous PC is more than enough for the needs you mentioned. You're wasting $200 unless there's some other reason you want to build a new one.
Click to expand...

And most importantly, agreed.

Unless you forgot to tell us that the q8200 system is no longer working or is being given to someone else, I see no reason to build this system at all. Seems like you're just doing it for fun, given how many relatively high-end parts you have sitting around. That's fine, but it's not a great use of money, and could lead to data migration headaches for no reason.
 
xvizx said:
Need to build a pc to replace a hp p6140f (q8200 2.3ghz, 8gb ddr2). My parents were more or less happy with its performance, so I just want to make sure this build will at least give them similar performance. This will be used for basic things like internet, email, hulu, and some light gaming.
Click to expand...

What is "light gaming?" If it is through a web browser, purchased on GoG or a Humble Bundle, or is made by PopCap, then integrated graphics is fine.

Why does the HP need to be replaced? If it is still working, then if you just want to "refresh" it a bit, install the SSD, do a fresh install of Windows 7 and make sure they are getting decent internet speed. For instance I did some work in an office that had a 2Mbit DSL line, and that was soooooo slow. My parents used to have a 3Mbit cable internet (basic, unadvertised $14.99 special or something like that) and streaming video would lag now and then. Upgrading them just one tier up resolved that. Also, if the speeds aren't close to what is advertised, then check to see if the router is causing it (I've seen that happen) or if you need to put in a trouble ticket with the provider.
 
Going from a Q8200 to a SB Celeron is a downgrade, not an upgrade. I agree with Zap, slap in an SSD, re-install the OS fresh, and enjoy!

Unless idle power consumption is an issue.
 
Their hp is no longer working, the stock psu died and I think it killed the motherboard also. I tried swapping out the psu with a 300 watt gateway oem psu and an old 350watt enermax but I could not get it to post , doesn't even show the hp splash screen. Since I recently upgraded my pc and had spare components in storage, I told my parents that I would build them one instead of them having to buy a new pc.

@ Insert_Nickname, thanks for the suggestion. I'll check out the b75 and see what the have available.

@ Zap, to be honest I'm not sure on the games, they babysit my sisters kid's a couple of days out of the week and I know my mom said they complained about the hp not being able to play some game they tried to install, I'm unsure if I will install the 460 but just in case I do I want the pc to have a psu and cpu that could run modern games at least on low settings. They have pretty fast internet I think it's rr extreme 30 down and 5 up.

@ VirtualLarry, if sb celeron is a downgrade do you recommend going higher, will they see a difference between celeron and i3 performance? I just ask because I'm paying for this and want to make sure they're getting similar performance without killing my wallet.

Everyone thanks for all of the input and suggestions, I really appreciate it.
 
xvizx said:
Their hp is no longer working, the stock psu died and I think it killed the motherboard also. I tried swapping out the psu with a 300 watt gateway oem psu and an old 350watt enermax but I could not get it to post , doesn't even show the hp splash screen. Since I recently upgraded my pc and had spare components in storage, I told my parents that I would build them one instead of them having to buy a new pc.

....
Click to expand...

Ah, hah, this makes sense now.

If they are playing simple games, I am pretty sure the built-in HD graphics of an Intel chip can handle it. You can always install the GTX460 after the fact, as long as you've included a sufficiently powerful PSU (at least 350w and name-brand like the Antec you've chosen above).

For everyday tasks, a G850 is actually faster than the q8200: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/404?vs=52

It wouldn't be as good for some advanced tasks, but that's not the situation here. I think the G850 is a great choice - but the G530 is going to basically do the same thing, so might as well save the $15.

By the way, if you're near a MicroCenter store, they have fantastic in-store deals on the i3-3220 (free motherboard), so consider that.
 
What about a B960? Is it significantly more expensive than the Celeron? B960 is an i3 without hyperthreading (or virtualization) I think.
 
Termie said:
Ah, hah, this makes sense now.

If they are playing simple games, I am pretty sure the built-in HD graphics of an Intel chip can handle it. You can always install the GTX460 after the fact, as long as you've included a sufficiently powerful PSU (at least 350w and name-brand like the Antec you've chosen above).

For everyday tasks, a G850 is actually faster than the q8200: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/404?vs=52

It wouldn't be as good for some advanced tasks, but that's not the situation here. I think the G850 is a great choice - but the G530 is going to basically do the same thing, so might as well save the $15.

By the way, if you're near a MicroCenter store, they have fantastic in-store deals on the i3-3220 (free motherboard), so consider that.
Click to expand...

The thing is that once you have splashed in with the G850/60/70 an i3 is not going to be that much more expensive. I would rather save and go for the Celeron or while you have you wallet up, spend a little more and get an i3. It sounds like this build has to last a long time, might as well future proof a little, or not at all if its going to be replaced in one or two years...

my 2c...

Of course if you can get a free mainboard with that 3220, its starting to look awfully tempting. Even more if the deal extends to the 3225...^_^

@ xvizx

If you are worried about gaming performance, you should really look at AMDs offerings. They are a little slower then Intels offerings but they have a hugely superior integrated GPU. I am not just talking speed but features and image quality in games...😉

But for light gaming (and older titles) the HD2000 is enough...

@ Tushaar

The B960 is only available for laptops. The corresponding desktop CPU is the Pentium G620T...()🙂
 
I wasn't aware of a 3220 deal at Micro Center. Their current deal that I know of is for the Core i3-3225 (HD 4000 "now with more EUs") for $129.99, with $50 off any compatible motherboard. I recall seeing a Gigabyte H61 chipset motherboard for $40 after $10 rebate, making the CPU/mobo combo $120 +tax.

Don't know about IQ, but performance of the HD 4000 is IIRC between Llano and Trinity.

xvizx, don't get too tied up over which exact parts to get because deals change daily, especially on PSUs. Between now and when you need the parts, keep an eye on hot deals. It isn't unknown for decent PSUs to be had for really cheap. BTW are you near a Micro Center?
 
Zap said:
I wasn't aware of a 3220 deal at Micro Center. Their current deal that I know of is for the Core i3-3225 (HD 4000 "now with more EUs") for $129.99, with $50 off any compatible motherboard. I recall seeing a Gigabyte H61 chipset motherboard for $40 after $10 rebate, making the CPU/mobo combo $120 +tax.

Don't know about IQ, but performance of the HD 4000 is IIRC between Llano and Trinity.

xvizx, don't get too tied up over which exact parts to get because deals change daily, especially on PSUs. Between now and when you need the parts, keep an eye on hot deals. It isn't unknown for decent PSUs to be had for really cheap. BTW are you near a Micro Center?
Click to expand...

Sorry, my mistake, it's the 3225 at MicroCenter.

Assuming the OP doesn't have an MC around, the 530/H61 setup sounds ideal.
 
Insert_Nickname said:
I am still going to stress that xvizx gets a B75 based board. So that would be 530/B75...:whiste:
Click to expand...

I have no objection to that, but he'll be using a SATA 2 drive, so the benefit of the B75 would only be USB3, which may or may not be worth the extra ~$20, depending on the user.
 
Hey guys, unfortunately no MC or Fry's near me. I live in the land of $0.45kwh electricity rates and "sorry your order does not qualify for free shipping", aka Hawaii.

They probably won't upgrade again until this pc dies, so right now I'm currently leaning towards the 530/b75 setup, that way if they ever get a usb 3 device they can use it and since they don't use any cpu intensive programs I'm hoping the 530 will last them for the next few years.

As far as mother boards in the $40-$70 price range, is their any brand that is significantly more reliable than the next or am I okay as long as I stick with the popular brands i.e. asus , gigabyte, msi etc.

Thanks for all the help.
 
I have built two H61 Pentium PCs, one with a G620, one with a G850.
The G620 does fine for its purpose, but for the price ($70 is considerably down from intro price) it seems the best balanced price point, especially with the possibility of using a discrete card.
 
Termie said:
I have no objection to that, but he'll be using a SATA 2 drive, so the benefit of the B75 would only be USB3, which may or may not be worth the extra ~$20, depending on the user.
Click to expand...

Oh, I was not expecting B75 was that much more expensive. I have little feel for US pricing but here the difference is 20-50 Danish Krone (~$3-$8). And I would personally pay that to get an Intel USB3 controller and Intel Small Business Advantage (automation of basic maintenance tasks)...^_^ not to mention the possibility of dropping a SATA3 SSD in later...
 
Tushaar said:
What about a B960? Is it significantly more expensive than the Celeron? B960 is an i3 without hyperthreading (or virtualization) I think.
Click to expand...

B960 is a notebook chip. It is only 2.2GHz but still would be adequate. And most importantly, you can get pentium notebooks for under $250. It makes little sense to buy or build a desktop for this sort of use.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top