Cheap Computer Build

[betasub]

You realize that the license key that's on the sticker still works if you reinstall a clean version right?

This. Fresh install using the original license key on the unit.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I have not used an AMD processor for about 5 years, because AMD pocessors just did not last. I dont trust them. Any processor works on day 1 it is day 5,000 that is most important. Cheap often means junk.

This is just my opinion.

Gimme a break. This kind of FUD, in this day and age? AMD CPUs are no less durable than Intel's. In fact, given the voltage that the Athlon II/Phenom IIs can handle, considering that they are 45nm, compared to Intel's 45nm chips - I would say that AMD's CPUs are MORE durable. You can put 1.5v to a Phenom II, but if you did that to an E5200, it would die within a few years. You could likely attribute that to their SOI technology, which is superior to Intel's.

Edit: 5000 days is 13 years. You really want to be using the same CPU for 13 years, without upgrading?

 

[JackSpadesSI]

Ok, the budget got raised over the weekend. Total cost was ~$550. The parts are ordered:

CPU = Intel i3-550 (3.2 GHz)
MOBO = Gigabyte GA-H55M-S2V
RAM = Mushkin 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1333
PSU = Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus Series 500W
HDD = Western Digital 1TB Caviar Blue (OEM)
Optical = 2x DVD burners SH-S223L (OEM)
OS = Windows 7 Home Premium (OEM)
Case = Thermaltake V3 Black
Misc. = Xigmatek 75-in-1 card reader

Thoughts? I look forward to building it this Friday!!

 

[Vincent]

I would still get a Dell or some other pre-built machine. They're really not bad.

 

[pete1229]

I have never had any problems with AMD processors. Their Anthlon series have always performed well, the one I have now is still running well after about 2.5 years with many upgrades to memory, O/S, PCI cards etc. And as far as a pre-built from Dell...there is a reason that brand name rhymes with hell.

 

[dpodblood]

Though I hate to admit it, you may be better off going the Dell route. For any enthusiast I would recommend building your own PC of course, but for a FIL I would recommend something that comes with tech support, otherwise you are going to end up doing all that yourself.

 

[JackSpadesSI]

I have had TERRIBLE experiences with Dell tech support, myself. I've owned three Dell computers and, while one was great, the other two had ceaseless issues. Calling tech support often meant HOURS on hold (not exaggerating) on the phone to finally reach someone who offered advice like "make sure the computer is plugged in".

In fact, a little more than two years ago was when I was looking into replacing my then-newest Dell computer. I was actually thinking of buying a new Dell at that time because I assumed that home-built computers were overly complex. That was when I joined this forum and learned how easy it could be – I’ll never look back.

As for being my FIL’s tech support: I told him repeatedly that I would build this computer warranty-free. I told him that, while I’d be happy to see if I could help if something broke down the road, that I can’t work magic.

I made him aware of four points before he gave me the go-ahead to buy these parts to build his computer:
- I’m offering no warranty, while a Dell system would have one
- This system isn’t cheaper than a Dell “equivalent”
- This system is *slightly* faster than the Dell “equivalent” (hence the quotations)
- The only reason to go with my build is to have a computer with quality parts and no extra bloatware installed.

 

[dpodblood]

As long as you throw in those caveats than you should be good. Just remember with great geek skills, comes great responsibility.

 

[mfenn]

Ok, the budget got raised over the weekend. Total cost was ~$550. The parts are ordered:

CPU = Intel i3-550 (3.2 GHz)
MOBO = Gigabyte GA-H55M-S2V
RAM = Mushkin 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1333
PSU = Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus Series 500W
HDD = Western Digital 1TB Caviar Blue (OEM)
Optical = 2x DVD burners SH-S223L (OEM)
OS = Windows 7 Home Premium (OEM)
Case = Thermaltake V3 Black
Misc. = Xigmatek 75-in-1 card reader

Thoughts? I look forward to building it this Friday!!

Looks OK except for the HDD and PSU.

First, you could have gotten a faster Samsung F3 1TB for $5 less.

Second, the PSU is a hunk of junk. From Hardware Secret's review, “The +3.3 V & + 5 V & +12V1 & +12V2 combine power shall not exceed 431.5 W”. It's a good thing that you bought about twice as much power as you needed, because you're not getting all of that 500W. Ripple and noise are going to be killer as well. Here's a tip for the future: if it says "extreme" in the name, it probably isn't.

As for being my FIL’s tech support: I told him repeatedly that I would build this computer warranty-free. I told him that, while I’d be happy to see if I could help if something broke down the road, that I can’t work magic.

Speaking from experience here: That line of reasoning goes in one ear and out the other. He will call you for support and expect you to do warranty work.

 

[jae]

Dude... If you do a fresh install of the OS using your key.. Any computer can be bloatfree.

 

[mfenn]

Dude... If you do a fresh install of the OS using your key.. Any computer can be bloatfree.

You're a poet,
did you know it?

 

[JackSpadesSI]

It's a good thing that you bought about twice as much power as you needed, because you're not getting all of that 500W.

No crap. That's exactly why I'm not worried about efficiency or peak output, because 500W is excessive for this system. It was dirt cheap, yet plenty good enough for a system that will never be used for anything demanding.

I wanted to buy the 400W Corsair PSU that I've got in my server, but it seems they don't make it any more. Shame, because I love that PSU.

 

[JackSpadesSI]

Dude... If you do a fresh install of the OS using your key.. Any computer can be bloatfree.

I don't own a disc for Windows 7 Home Premium. I have an OEM copy of Vista Ultimate, and an upgrade copy of 7 Professional.

 

[f4phantom2500]

there's a microcenter down the road from you in rockville, md. not sure if they're still giving out free motherboards with cpu purchases, but you should check it out; if you can get an athlon ii x4 for ~$100 with a free board, you should do that imo.

 

[mnewsham]

there's a microcenter down the road from you in rockville, md. not sure if they're still giving out free motherboards with cpu purchases, but you should check it out; if you can get an athlon ii x4 for ~$100 with a free board, you should do that imo.

I hate rockville pike v.v and the parking lot where the MC is, is ALWAYS packed, I mean MC is good but not THAT good.

 

[mfenn]

No crap. That's exactly why I'm not worried about efficiency or peak output, because 500W is excessive for this system. It was dirt cheap, yet plenty good enough for a system that will never be used for anything demanding.

I wanted to buy the 400W Corsair PSU that I've got in my server, but it seems they don't make it any more. Shame, because I love that PSU.

Be sure to update this thread when the machine develops gremlins from all the dirty power that you're feeding it.