My last build was right when the wolfdale e8xxx came out. I put together an e8400 on a p35 Neo2 MB (the one that was a re-badged Platinum) with an 8800gt. Turns out it was an excellent build because it installed without a hickup and it still works just fine. I am not retiring this computer. Instead, i need a second computer for work and light gaming (Civ V comes to mind).
However, the nomenclature used by Intel leaves me wondering... I believe LGA1156 is the way to go, but maybe there is a compelling reason to do something else? If it is a 1156, do I want a P55, H55, H57?
What I do know:
This is going to be a low-cost (not budget, but close) build. No more than $150 for a motherboard.
I am going to pair it with a ~$120 i3-530 (as I do not run very many multi-thread apps) unless there is a good reason to go with something else.
I will probably still add in a discrete graphics card, the gtx 460, if not a lesser card, but definitely no need SLI or CF.
4gb of DDR3 for about $100
Raid would be nice, as would usb3.0 support. e-sata is also a nice bonus (less important if usb3.0 is a viable alternative in the next 6 months) Bluetooth and wifi are nice additions, or expansion slots to add them in.
I think I covered it all. It should be around a $600 build, then another 400 for Win7, peripherals, etc.... So, those in the know, which board fits this build, and is this build even a good idea (e.g. am I missing something here?)
Overclocking is not a concern with this build. I had the e8400 on a massive overclock for a while, it was fun, but this comp needs to be stable and quite with a low temps as it is being placed in a small office. No need for a space-heater here. stability is what I am after.
Thank you for the response.
-----------------------------------
Thank you for the responses, especially the breakdown by Strangerguy.
Remember, my key requirements are not blistering performance or great gamming, just stability, low temps and low noise (the latter two being side effects of stability). As I said earlier, this would be a Win7 machine.
As for the graphics card- I want dual monitor support at 1900x1200 (if not higher) and light gaming. I only gave the 460 as an example of what the maximum graphics I would need would be, therefore, emphasizing my lack of need for SLI systems or even PCI-e 2.0x16.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Let me say that thus far, everyone has been intelligent and helpful (always surprises me when the internet turns out that way). I will find a graphic card that will work, and I think the 4870 is a good option for ~$120. My concern is the MB North bridge chipset.
Based on everyone's response, I am looking at AMD now, but someone please give me an indication on how much of a hassle the AMD mobo drivers will be.
If I do go with AMD, I see no reason not to be with Socket AM3 and take advantage of all DDR3 has to offer. If it is AM3, then which North Bridge. I am hesitant to go back to nForce, though it has been many years since dealt with those issues. That leaves AMD, but there are still a lot of choices and I can't tell the difference except some of them have on board graphics (which probably won't be enough for my dual monitor Areo and light gaming needs).
Awaiting your input and thank you.
However, the nomenclature used by Intel leaves me wondering... I believe LGA1156 is the way to go, but maybe there is a compelling reason to do something else? If it is a 1156, do I want a P55, H55, H57?
What I do know:
This is going to be a low-cost (not budget, but close) build. No more than $150 for a motherboard.
I am going to pair it with a ~$120 i3-530 (as I do not run very many multi-thread apps) unless there is a good reason to go with something else.
I will probably still add in a discrete graphics card, the gtx 460, if not a lesser card, but definitely no need SLI or CF.
4gb of DDR3 for about $100
Raid would be nice, as would usb3.0 support. e-sata is also a nice bonus (less important if usb3.0 is a viable alternative in the next 6 months) Bluetooth and wifi are nice additions, or expansion slots to add them in.
I think I covered it all. It should be around a $600 build, then another 400 for Win7, peripherals, etc.... So, those in the know, which board fits this build, and is this build even a good idea (e.g. am I missing something here?)
Overclocking is not a concern with this build. I had the e8400 on a massive overclock for a while, it was fun, but this comp needs to be stable and quite with a low temps as it is being placed in a small office. No need for a space-heater here. stability is what I am after.
Thank you for the response.
-----------------------------------
Thank you for the responses, especially the breakdown by Strangerguy.
Remember, my key requirements are not blistering performance or great gamming, just stability, low temps and low noise (the latter two being side effects of stability). As I said earlier, this would be a Win7 machine.
As for the graphics card- I want dual monitor support at 1900x1200 (if not higher) and light gaming. I only gave the 460 as an example of what the maximum graphics I would need would be, therefore, emphasizing my lack of need for SLI systems or even PCI-e 2.0x16.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Let me say that thus far, everyone has been intelligent and helpful (always surprises me when the internet turns out that way). I will find a graphic card that will work, and I think the 4870 is a good option for ~$120. My concern is the MB North bridge chipset.
Based on everyone's response, I am looking at AMD now, but someone please give me an indication on how much of a hassle the AMD mobo drivers will be.
If I do go with AMD, I see no reason not to be with Socket AM3 and take advantage of all DDR3 has to offer. If it is AM3, then which North Bridge. I am hesitant to go back to nForce, though it has been many years since dealt with those issues. That leaves AMD, but there are still a lot of choices and I can't tell the difference except some of them have on board graphics (which probably won't be enough for my dual monitor Areo and light gaming needs).
Awaiting your input and thank you.
Last edited:
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