PC Config Help

[Kap09]

Hi All,
I'm looking to build a new PC mostly for office work and some gaming. Looking for something that can last awhile. My preference is Intel and NVIDIA but if there is a better performance and stability for the price, I'm willing to look at other options. Monitor is a 24 in at 1920X1080. Not looking to OC. Price range 800-900 (less is always better). Probably buy and build within the next couple weeks.

Here is the current config that I'm looking at. At first glance, it seems a little higher than what I thought a mid-level system would be. I'm also not sure if the stock cpu cooler will be OK given the ITX case.

Any advice would be really helpful.

Thanks in advance.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks
CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($184.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H87N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($115.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($76.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Intel 530 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($47.94 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PNY GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($236.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 130 Mini ITX Tower Case ($55.90 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - OEM (64-bit) ($94.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $948.72
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-12-27 15:02 EST-0500)

 

[mfenn]

What you have listed is pretty reasonable, but it is over your budget. If you don't need Wifi, then you can go with a significantly less expensive motherboard like the ASRock B85M-ITX for $75. The memory is also fairly expensive, you can save $20 by going with this Team DDR3 1600 8GB kit.

As for compatibility, the GTX 760 requires two PCIe 6-pin power connectors, but the CX430 only provides one. The CX430 can output enough power, but you'll need to use the molex to PCIe power adapter that comes with the GPU.

 

[Kap09]

Thanks for the info!
Any disadvantage to using the molex adapter? Not sure if there will be enough connectors in total as there are 2 HDs (2x SATA needed), 1 for the cd-rom (1 of the peripheral connectors), 2 case fans (I'm assuming the another 2 peripheral connectors), and 2 more connectors for the video card.

This is what the PSU Supports...

1 x 24pin main connector
1 x 8pin EPS12V CPU
1 x PCI-E
2 x SATA
3 x Peripheral
1 x Floppy

 

[piasabird]

A molex adapter is probably fine.

Funny thing is I have this power supply at home for a new build and I am using that case. Dont plan on using a video card with my new i-3 4330.

I just ordered from newegg on the after christmas sale and got everything shipped for free.
Woo Hoo!

1 x ($124.99) Intel Core i3-4330 Haswell 3.5GHz LGA 1150 54W Dua $124.99
1 x ($104.99) GIGABYTE GA-H77N-WIFI LGA 1155 Intel H77 HDMI SATA $104.99
1 x ($84.99) G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDR $84.99
1 x ($69.99) Western Digital WD10EZEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache S - OEM $69.99
Subtotal: $384.96
Tax: $0.00
Shipping and Handling: $0.00
Total Amount: $384.96

I think I did pay shipping when I ordered the case and power supply earlier.

It is always nice to get free shipping.

So you got a HDMI Cable?

There is a lot of markup on HDMI cables.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ..._-Item-_-82-850-010&et_cid=4013&et_rid=299236

10 ft $2.95:
http://www.directron.com/10fthdmiv13a28.html

6 ft $2.95
http://www.directron.com/6fthdmiv13a28w.html

If you go to walmart or some place they may want $15 for a 6 foot HDMI Cable.

 

[mfenn]

Thanks for the info!
Any disadvantage to using the molex adapter? Not sure if there will be enough connectors in total as there are 2 HDs (2x SATA needed), 1 for the cd-rom (1 of the peripheral connectors), 2 case fans (I'm assuming the another 2 peripheral connectors), and 2 more connectors for the video card.

This is what the PSU Supports...

1 x 24pin main connector
1 x 8pin EPS12V CPU
1 x PCI-E
2 x SATA
3 x Peripheral
1 x Floppy

Actually, I didn't notice that you had an optical drive on my first look. I highly recommend dropping that from this build. The Elite 130 is incredibly cramped to begin with and the optical drive consumes much-needed space for such a rarely used part. Without the optical drive, you can install the HDD in the 5.25" bay and get it completely out of the way.

As for power, the case fans usually come with pass through Molex connectors, so you won't end up using up a connector for them.

 

[raildogg]

A molex adapter is probably fine.

Funny thing is I have this power supply at home for a new build and I am using that case. Dont plan on using a video card with my new i-3 4330.

I just ordered from newegg on the after christmas sale and got everything shipped for free.
Woo Hoo!

1 x ($124.99) Intel Core i3-4330 Haswell 3.5GHz LGA 1150 54W Dua $124.99
1 x ($104.99) GIGABYTE GA-H77N-WIFI LGA 1155 Intel H77 HDMI SATA $104.99
1 x ($84.99) G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDR $84.99
1 x ($69.99) Western Digital WD10EZEX 1TB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache S - OEM $69.99
Subtotal: $384.96
Tax: $0.00
Shipping and Handling: $0.00
Total Amount: $384.96

I think I did pay shipping when I ordered the case and power supply earlier.

It is always nice to get free shipping.

So you got a HDMI Cable?

There is a lot of markup on HDMI cables.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&et_rid=299236

10 ft $2.95:
http://www.directron.com/10fthdmiv13a28.html

6 ft $2.95
http://www.directron.com/6fthdmiv13a28w.html

If you go to walmart or some place they may want $15 for a 6 foot HDMI Cable.

Is it me or did you get a 1155 motherboard?

By the way, nice computer. Enjoy it.

 

[Kap09]

Actually, I didn't notice that you had an optical drive on my first look. I highly recommend dropping that from this build. The Elite 130 is incredibly cramped to begin with and the optical drive consumes much-needed space for such a rarely used part. Without the optical drive, you can install the HDD in the 5.25" bay and get it completely out of the way.

As for power, the case fans usually come with pass through Molex connectors, so you won't end up using up a connector for them.

Thanks. I ordered all of my parts. I'll keep the optical drive and remove from the pc after I've installed all of the software I need (unfortunately I don't have a spare and its <$20).

 

[mfenn]

Is it me or did you get a 1155 motherboard?

By the way, nice computer. Enjoy it.

Looks like piasabird should have followed the OP's example and posted a build thread.

 

[mfenn]

Thanks. I ordered all of my parts. I'll keep the optical drive and remove from the pc after I've installed all of the software I need (unfortunately I don't have a spare and its <$20).

You're welcome! Let us know how the build goes.