Is This a Good Cheap Build?

[Bobsy]

The PC I built for my parents 8 years ago died. Not sure if it's the mobo or the PSU, but it's been crashing frequently lately (just shutting down) and now it refuses to boot.

Anyhow, they are due for an upgrade. Here are the parts I plan to buy:

CPU: Intel Core i3-8100
Mobo: ASRock B360M Pro4
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport LT 1x8GB DDR4-2400
PSU: SeaSonic S12II 430W 80+ Bronze ATX
Case Fan Upgrade: Noctua NF-S12A PWM 120mm

Existing parts that I will reuse:
Case: Antec NSK3480
SSD: Samsung 850 EVO 500GB
HDD: WD Black 500GB
Some DVD burner
Windows 10 64-bit

- The PC will be used for web browsing and running MS Office.
- There is no budget, just a wish not to overspend.
- Country is Canada.
- System will run at default speed.
- I plan to build the system within the next 3 weeks.
- The old PC was running an Antec EarthWatts EA380 PSU, but I don't trust it anymore. I am afraid to damage the motherboard if I keep it.

Any comment is welcome. Thank you.

PS:
- I don't want to use the cheapest chipset.
- I don't want to use a slower CPU since the PC gets used a lot.
- I want a good solid motherboard that not be limiting for the next five-six years. The Pro4 is only $10 more over the HDV so I think it is a good investment.

 

[whm1974]

Looks fine to me. But you may want to change the memory to 2x4GB sticks for better performance.

 

[lakedude]

They say the Window's license is tied to the MB. Since you are changing the MB you might have trouble depending on your license type and some luck. Let us know how it goes.

 

[fastamdman]

If you have any trouble with windows activating shoot me a P.M. I know how to get your legit copy working with a new motherboard (nothing illegal). As far as your build goes, it looks like it would do them well. I would suggest upgrading the cpu heatsink over stock though, just for longevity sake. Also as the user above me said, changing the ram to 2x4gb would be a better route, unless you are wanting to go 16gb in the future. Dual channel is faster and better than single sticks. For parent usage though, 8gb will be plenty, but I would go dual channel.

 

[Bobsy]

Thanks for the feedback. The motherboard has 4 RAM slots, so I can easily go to 2x4GB and still have room to grow to 16GB without having to replace any of it.
Concerning the cooler, I could simply go with a Cooler Master Hyper EVO 212. It should fit the case: since it has a 120 mm in the back, it should just fit. (I can't find the clearance info online and I don't have the case here to check...)

 

[whm1974]

Thanks for the feedback. The motherboard has 4 RAM slots, so I can easily go to 2x4GB and still have room to grow to 16GB without having to replace any of it.
Concerning the cooler, I could simply go with a Cooler Master Hyper EVO 212. It should fit the case: since it has a 120 mm in the back, it should just fit. (I can't find the clearance info online and I don't have the case here to check...)

I would stick with the stock cooler since you won't be overclocking. Maybe go for faster memory instead.

 

[lakedude]

The intended usage is as important as the budget. You can serf the internet all day long with an i3 and it will be coasting most of the time. Office isn't really a CPU killer either.

Did you see where it was for "parents" who, I'm guessing, do not need the latest and greatest. My mom is still on a P4 and I'm loath to change anything because any changes are just going to cause trouble... I love my mom and I can easily afford to purchase any reasonable computer for her but it just is not going to happen. She had a fit over the jump between a 17 inch CRT and a 24 inch flat screen, although she eventually came to like the LCD.

A laptop could be a good idea. A laptop can be used with an external screen, keyboard and mouse, just like a desktop. They are (obviously) portable as well. Best of all worlds.

 

[plonk420]

how about a 2200G (-$21) + AB350-DS3H (-$18) or TUF B350M-PLUS GAMING (+$20)? or is there zero chance anyone will be gaming? the lower IPC may be offset by the turboing the AMD chip can do that the i3 can't.

tho if you get this, they may have trouble keeping young people away from it... (for its insane (for the price) gaming capabilities)