Need help completing my first budget build - $500

[tinpanalley]

I'm looking at building my own system for the first time. For years I've owned commercially made towers that I would squeeze extra years out of by upgrading. So I know my way around a motherboard. The problem is that this last computer was really poorly made. Clearly going a little cheaper screwed me over. Also, I had recently dumped a bunch of money into RAM, a new power supply, a new video card and a new internal SATA card. So it occurred to me that now was a better time than ever to just take what I have and work towards a fully self-created system having already so many of the pricy parts.

My question to you guys is where do you think I should go from here to read up on how exactly to do this? I guess I'll need to know what I am still missing and what the best I can afford is for each component.

My details, specs, and needs are below. Hope this helps you help me.


Approximate Purchase Date: As soon as possible, I've got a project in Sony Vegas to complete.

Budget Range: $500

System Usage from Most to Least Important:
Streaming media to media players
Basic video and audio editing (nothing overly complex) - Sony Vegas, Sound Forge, Photoshop
Good Web/Email connectivity
Some gaming

Parts Not Required:
Keyboard
Mouse
Monitor
Speakers
DVDR-DL
OS - Win 7 64-bit
Power Supply - Antec Truepower New 23652 TP-650 650-Watt EPS 12V 80Plus Certified SLI Ready Power Supply
Video card - EVGA GeForce GTX470 1280 MB DDR5 PCI-Express 2.0 Graphics Card
RAM - Corsair Memory 4GB PC2-5300 667Mhz 240-Pin DDR2
PCI cards:
- WinTV PVR
- Vantec 6-Port SATA II 150 PCI Host Card


Preferred Website(s) for Parts: newegg, amazon

Parts Preferences: Am more interested in quality than name brand but I would prefer an Intel quad core system.

Overclocking: no, never have

Additional Comments:
I would like an affordable case that will provide the following:
- ROOM!! So sick of micro consumer models!!
- lots of hard drive slots (3 or more)
- lots of SATA ports (I lost three in my last tower in one shot because of the size of my video card)
- 2 optical drive slots
- more than 6 USB ports
- I HAVE to be able to get to 16GB of RAM. Even with 6GB, I've been chugging along slowly at times in video editing.
- Firewire (1 port will do, but I'd prefer more) I would prefer the firewire on the board rather than on an expansion card just to save future slot space. I only need one.
- I DO still think I need PCI because right now I don't want to replace my PVR with a new PCI-e version so that means I'll want at least one other PCI to be safe.
- I'd like to run my current 6GB of RAM for video editing, don't know how that affects which CPU I buy
- flashy and nice-looking are irrelevant to me. Case mods dont interest me in the slightest.
- I have a feeling it's good for the motherboard to have its own video output, no?
- HDMI doesn't matter so much to me. I don't use LCD monitors and even if I did, DVI would be sufficient which I have on my video card (as well as HDMI).
- I do think I'll need one or two more PCI-e for future upgrades.
- USB 3.0 simply doesn't matter to me right now.
- Additional graphics processing power is obviously important to me so if a mobo can provide that, then that would be nice.

Any guidance is useful. I have some opinions from other sites but I just wanted to double check here because a friend recommended I ask here.

Thank you for your time!

 

[mvbighead]

First of all, you are going to want to sell your old RAM. Otherwise, you're going to be buying an older platform. So long as your DVDRW is SATA, stick with it. The rest of your parts will do nicely.

You don't need video on the MB if you have a discrete card. While you can have it, it isn't necessary.

To me, your budget looks to be for MB/CPU, Memory (of the DDR3 variety), a Case, and a hard drive.

Here's where I'd start:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811129042
Antec 300

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822152185
Samsung F3 1TB

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148347
8GB DDR3 Crucial RAM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.676009
Intel i5 2500k + Biostar Z68 MB Combo

Settles right in at $494 shipped. Only down side is, you need to add your firewire card. I could not find a Z68 with it built in, so...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16815124003
Add $16 to the above.

EDIT: You might prefer this card for Firewire if you want to leave a PCI slot open:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815124063

 

[Maverick6969]

Welcome Tinpanalley,

Just a couple of quick comments off the top of my head. First of all, I think it's a good idea to salvage some of those components you've listed for the new build. However, you've listed above DDR2 memory. If you're looking to build a new system using recent component technology, you will need to buy DDR 3 RAM. furthermore, DDR 2 and DDR 3 are not compatible - meaning that you cannot mix & match the two types in the same system. Newly manufacturered motherboards are going to accept DDR 3 only. I should note here that this does NOT mean you cannot find a motherboard that will accept DDR 2 memory - you could probably find some models on new egg or fleabay etc..... But since you're already building a system, it doesn't make much sense to purchase a new motherboard that will only accept DDR 2 type RAM.

Therefore, a $500 budget is going to be a little tougher to meet. It will still be doable but you are going to have to cut back on something in order to squeeze it all into the $500 frame. Getting 16 GB or RAM is completely unrealistic and not even in the realm of possibilities given that $500 budget.

You are looking to build a new system requiring:
1) New PC case
2) New CPU
3) New motherboard
4) New RAM
5) What about hard drive? You have not mentioned anything in your OP.

 

[mvbighead]

I guess I took the 16gb remark him needing to be able to get to it in the future. If he wants it now, well, he is going to have to cut back on some important stuff to make it happen.

Personally, I would buy what I listed above and by a set of memory to match the above set when budget allows.

 

[Maverick6969]

mvbighead & I cross posted.

Having read his list of parts, there are a couple of minor things that i would change.

First of all, there is nothing about Biostar motherboards that I like. I have seen one too many those piece of crap motherboards go out after a mere 2 years of service. However, they seem to have a lot of appeal to builders working on a very limited budget so that's probably one of the reasons why he picked it out for you. If you can squeeze just an extra $80 into your budget, you can get a decent MSI or Gigabyte motherboard (full size ATX) that will not break your wallet & has good reliability. I myself prefer Gigabyte/Asus motherboards.

Secondly, Samsung hard drives have had a lot of hits & misses with their hard drives over the years. Not saying anything terribly negative here, but "samsung" is not what comes to my mind for a reliable hard drive. I prefer Western Digital or Seagate.

 

[Gigantopithecus]

Welcome Tinpanalley,

Aye, hi!

Therefore, a $500 budget is going to be a little tougher to meet. It will still be doable but you are going to have to cut back on something in order to squeeze it all into the $500 frame. Getting 16 GB or RAM is completely unrealistic and not even in the realm of possibilities given that $500 budget.

You are looking to build a new system requiring:
1) New PC case
2) New CPU
3) New motherboard
4) New RAM
5) What about hard drive? You have not mentioned anything in your OP.

Specs requested (namely Intel quad and 16GB RAM) are not possible with current budget.

OP, where are you willing to make sacrifices? FWIW I'd scrounge up another Benjamin. We can make it happen with $600.

 

[Gigantopithecus]

mvbighead & I cross posted.

Having read his list of parts, there are a couple of minor things that i would change.

First of all, there is nothing about Biostar motherboards that I like. I have seen one too many those piece of crap motherboards go out after a mere 2 years of service. However, they seem to have a lot of appeal to builders working on a very limited budget so that's probably one of the reasons why he picked it out for you. If you can squeeze just an extra $80 into your budget, you can get a decent MSI or Gigabyte motherboard (full size ATX) that will not break your wallet & has good reliability. I myself prefer Gigabyte/Asus motherboards.

Secondly, Samsung hard drives have had a lot of hits & misses with their hard drives over the years. Not saying anything terribly negative here, but "samsung" is not what comes to my mind for a reliable hard drive. I prefer Western Digital or Seagate.

I'd take the current Biostar T-series 1155 boards over the Gigabytes. Look around for Gigabyte reset loop.

Second, current Samsungs are great. They've been the mechanical disk leaders for a while. I'd take a current Samsung over a current Seagate every chance.

 

[Maverick6969]

I guess I took the 16gb remark him needing to be able to get to it in the future. If he wants it now, well, he is going to have to cut back on some important stuff to make it happen.

That could be right. the way I read his post, he made a comment saying "I've been chugging along...." so I figured he wanted the 16 GB right away. At any rate, 16 GB with the $500 buget is not very realistic. And tinpanalley, 16 GB will probably NOT EVEN BE NECESSARY - given that a new system with core i5/i7 processors is going to provide a significant boost in performance all the way around.

 

[Maverick6969]

Aye, hi!



Specs requested (namely Intel quad and 16GB RAM) are not possible with current budget.

OP, where are you willing to make sacrifices? FWIW I'd scrounge up another Benjamin. We can make it happen with $600.

Just for what purpose did you quote my post when you made those remarks? I already told the OP that a $500 budget is not realistic with what he's asking for. Sounds like you're just quoting for the sole purpose of being a troll.

I don't like your attitude; it's completely ridiculous for a computer help forum. Take a chill pill.
-ViRGE

Dear ViRGE - please explain how my post above is against forum rules. I asked Gigantopithecus a very simple question - to which you've come in with hammer & sledge with a completely unjustified accusation. If anything - i think Gigantopithecus' post suggests a sarcastic attitude quoting my post for no apparent reason. I was happy to have a PM exchange with you - but now that you've laid it out in the open editing my post in this manner - I have no choice but to respond directly in this thread.

If you wish to respond my question - I am fine with the PM and there's no need to detract further from this thread. It's your call ViRGE.

Thank you.

 

[tinpanalley]

I guess I took the 16gb remark him needing to be able to get to it in the future.

Correct. I need for sure 6GB now. I want to be able to get to 16GB because I've been updating my computer systems for about 15 years now and I know exactly how fast limits on RAM become obsolete. I don't want to get stuck not being able to upgrade more if I want to.

The quad core is simply because I've been told going dual core now is pointless when you consider the price difference between dual and quad.

 

[Maverick6969]

I'd take the current Biostar T-series 1155 boards over the Gigabytes. Look around for Gigabyte reset loop.

Second, current Samsungs are great. They've been the mechanical disk leaders for a while. I'd take a current Samsung over a current Seagate every chance.

There is always the brand name A is > brand name B arguments.

I disagree completely with your remark saying Samsung has a been a "leader" - Both WD & Seagate have been around much longer when it comes to hard drive manufacturing.

 

[gorcorps]

There is always the brand name A is > brand name B arguments.

I disagree completely with your remark saying Samsung has a been a "leader" - Both WD & Seagate have been around much longer when it comes to hard drive manufacturing.

He meant recently. Look around to other recent build threads and almost everybody recommends the F3. I have nothing against WD but I'd avoid Seagate like the plague personally. They have failed on me more than anything else, and I've used less of them total.

The fact is that Samsung is reviewed by several places to the best bang for your buck mechanical drive out there. Just because you've been around for a while doesn't mean you're the best... it just means you're the oldest. People are flocking towards Samsung for a reason. You can be stuck in the past or get with the times, your choice.

 

[mvbighead]

There is always the brand name A is > brand name B arguments.

I disagree completely with your remark saying Samsung has a been a "leader" - Both WD & Seagate have been around much longer when it comes to hard drive manufacturing.

To be honest, I really prefer Seagate/WD myself, but I get too much nitpicking from the Samsung crowd about the current marks that I simply gave up, and have recommended Samsung drives so I don't have to hear how bad Seagates are.

This is coming from a guy who has 6 Seagate drives at home, including 2 of the "problematic" 5900 RPM 2TB disks and 3-4 of the 7200.12 series with 500GB platters. And coming from a guy who has bought 3 different Samsung disks and had a problem with every single one of them over the course of 2-3 years, it really pains me to suggest Samsung. Then again, my last Samsung disk purchase was likely prior to 2008, so I am sure that has changed, but my brand preference usually sways to Seagate due to price/performance/reliability (from my perspective) or WD for reliability/performance (price is usually a bit higher than others though).

 

[mvbighead]

Correct. I need for sure 6GB now. I want to be able to get to 16GB because I've been updating my computer systems for about 15 years now and I know exactly how fast limits on RAM become obsolete. I don't want to get stuck not being able to upgrade more if I want to.

The quad core is simply because I've been told going dual core now is pointless when you consider the price difference between dual and quad.

With this in mind, I would strongly consider the above build I mentioned. Personally, I do not typically buy a Biostar board for myself, but I used to build a ton of systems and most of them didn't come back with board issues. To be honest, they have been through their problems much like any manufacturer. I would not "upgrade" to Gigabyte personally, but Asus has never let me down, so if you're looking to get a nicer brand board... that's where I would aim.

Otherwise, let us know what you're thinking after the feedback above.

 

[tinpanalley]

Otherwise, let us know what you're thinking after the feedback above.

What I'm thinking is you guys have some passionate views about Samsung vs. WD and Seagate.

Oh, and yeah I do know you can't mix RAM types and I get that there's no sense in keeping the DDR2 because it means getting stuck with an already out of date motherboard that can't handle RAM upgrades in the future.

Anyway... here's what I'm thinking about the build. Everything about it seems fine except for the fact that I really wish there was an option with firewire built in. Also I'm not a huge fan of the Antec case. I prefer the HAF 912 partly because of the side loading HDD cage. Let me get your opinions on the following about mobos. I've had the following advice:

I was recommended this combo:
1. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.689147

and someone else told me that it was no good because it doesn't allow the use of Quick Sync and that I should instead get this:
2. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813130579

The argument being essentially that the mobo either should have video output and Quick Sync OR that it doesn't matter because of my video card. Which is it? And which of those two boards do you think is better for me?

The only other one I'm looking at is:
3. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128502

I think if we refer to them by the bolded numbers, it'll be less confusing. Thanks!!

 

[DominionSeraph]

16GB RAM.
$5 off the Spinpoint F3 with promo code EMCKCKB22

This has FireWire, but it's a P67 motherboard:

This seems to have everything you want, but yes, it breaks the bank even more than the other two.

 

[mvbighead]

I would do this combo instead:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboD...t=Combo.689882

While the memory is pretty, it doesn't really do anything different than the standard RAM. This way, you save $25 on the combo and $20 on the memory.

Oh, and stupid, stupid me in searching for Firewire z68 when it is referred to as 1394.

 

[mvbighead]

16GB RAM.
$5 off the Spinpoint F3 with promo code EMCKCKB22

Only thing missing is the firewire on the MB. Otherwise, quite good indeed.

EDIT:

This combo would make it happen though:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.689165

 

[Maverick6969]

He meant recently. Look around to other recent build threads and almost everybody recommends the F3. I have nothing against WD but I'd avoid Seagate like the plague personally. They have failed on me more than anything else, and I've used less of them total.

The fact is that Samsung is reviewed by several places to the best bang for your buck mechanical drive out there. Just because you've been around for a while doesn't mean you're the best... it just means you're the oldest. People are flocking towards Samsung for a reason. You can be stuck in the past or get with the times, your choice.

Oh I see. Just because I prefer brand name A bersus B means I'm "behind the times". LMAO. It's not because I said something like Oh I dunno... I like USB 1.0 versus 3.0. Good point man! I'll be sure to agree with every brand name YOU like and then I'll be with da times. What a neat idea!

Just because you've had horrible experience with Seagate doesn't mean that all seagates are bad. This is similar to your line of argument that not all Samsung drives are bad - but the facts speak for themselves when it comes to track record for each of the 3 manufacturers discussed here.

 

[Maverick6969]

To be honest, I really prefer Seagate/WD myself, but I get too much nitpicking from the Samsung crowd about the current marks that I simply gave up, and have recommended Samsung drives so I don't have to hear how bad Seagates are.

This is coming from a guy who has 6 Seagate drives at home, including 2 of the "problematic" 5900 RPM 2TB disks and 3-4 of the 7200.12 series with 500GB platters. And coming from a guy who has bought 3 different Samsung disks and had a problem with every single one of them over the course of 2-3 years, it really pains me to suggest Samsung. Then again, my last Samsung disk purchase was likely prior to 2008, so I am sure that has changed, but my brand preference usually sways to Seagate due to price/performance/reliability (from my perspective) or WD for reliability/performance (price is usually a bit higher than others though).

I use a mixture of Seagates & WD at home. Never had an issue except for 2 somewhat "older" WD drives. Too many read/write errors. If I was to buy a WD now, I wouldnt' consider anything but their black series. The blue series is... well... not any better than the mass of products out there.

The way I look at it, all hard drives will fail - it's just a matter of when. If you look at the overall history of Seagate and the number of good drives versus the not so good drives, over a period time, they have the better track record versus Samsung. Samsung has a had some quality control issues in the past. It's possible that their most recent line up of products has improved - of course I woudn't rule it out. But my money is WD and Seagate.

 

[DominionSeraph]

Just because you've had horrible experience with Seagate doesn't mean that all seagates are bad.

Seagates are bad.

Now run along.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

guys, lets try to help this man build a pc rather than fuss over whos better

 

[tinpanalley]

Just a couple of things.
I don't HAVE to have 16GB of RAM right now. Just the option in the future.
And also I had read somewhere that 'K' CPUs are for overclocking. Is that true? Because if it is and that makes a difference, I'm never gonna overclock my system. I just know I'm not going to. So, if that changes your opinion let me know.

 

[mvbighead]

Just a couple of things.
I don't HAVE to have 16GB of RAM right now. Just the option in the future.
And also I had read somewhere that 'K' CPUs are for overclocking. Is that true? Because if it is and that makes a difference, I'm never gonna overclock my system. I just know I'm not going to. So, if that changes your opinion let me know.

It certainly can. While you can shave off a few bucks, it may not be worth it.

Depending on what you typically do with older harder, the k variety may have a easier resale opportunity for you, as well as a higher value. However, we're likely speaking of $10-$20, so not a huge difference.

You'll save $10 in buying the non-K variety. However, there seems to be better combo options for the K variety.

IMO, it's just about a wash and you just as well get the K, but you could probably find a cheaper setup going with a non-K type such as the 2400 or similar.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/315459-31-need-completing-budget-system

check this out too, crossforums

also: 2400 works well but i prefer the 2500 or 2500k.

at your price range, a good mobo (which you prefer that has everything) is going to take a good chunk of your budget.