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PC for my Grandma

A

AJtoZB

Junior Member
Hey guys,

My grandpa wants to replace my grandma's PC, so instead of paying too much for lackluster hardware, I convinced him to let me build it. I wanted to see if you guys had any suggestions yourself. I'm merely looking for a most bang for your buck system, that can handle generally web browsing and emailing.

After many revisions, here is the build I'm currently looking at:

PCPartPicker part list

CPU: Intel Pentium G3220 3.0GHz Dual-Core Processor ($69.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H81M-HDS Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($52.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($33.81 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus GeForce GT 610 1GB Video Card ($34.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case: Cougar Spike MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($37.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $329.73

I welcome all of your thoughts on the matter and am open to changing anything. Also, my grandpa is footing the bill and isn't concerned about cost, but I'd like to keep it on the cheap side. Above all else though, I want this to be the last system she ever has to buy. Let me know your thoughts, not use to building in the low end like this. 8)

EDIT: What are your guys thoughts on the Intel HD graphics vs say Radeon HD 6550D on something like a A8-3870K? Purely for HD video. I'm wondering if it may better to go AMD or spring for a cheap dedicated graphics card.

Keep hearing different opinions on going with an APU or a Haswell, here is the AMD build I've been kicking around:

PCPartPicker part list

CPU: AMD A8-5600K 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Biostar Hi-Fi A85S3 Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($58.38 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($33.81 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cougar Spike MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($37.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $320.15

EDIT2: Decided I would want a dedicated in the Intel build.
 
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frozentundra123456 said:
Do you need a windows license?

Also don't really see the point of such a weak discrete gpu on the pentium build.
Click to expand...

This. The integrated graphics are on-par with the GT 610. Total waste of money.

In all honesty, below $400 it's barely worth it to build. You can get a pre-built with Windows for around the same price as those builds.


Also, post 100 wooo
 
Last edited:
frozentundra123456 said:
Do you need a windows license?

Also don't really see the point of such a weak discrete gpu on the pentium build.
Click to expand...

Fortunately, I do have a windows license already.

Well, you're not the first person to say that, a few people have recommended upgrading to a GT 610.

My main concern is 1080p and stream Skype video. The G3220 simply has a Intel HD GPU, not even a HD 2000. It also lacks any features at all: http://www.intel.com/support/graphics/sb/CS-033757.htm

QuickSync is also unsupported: http://ark.intel.com/products/77773/

Updated/Corrected builds:

AMD

PCPartPicker part list

CPU: AMD A8-5600K 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Biostar Hi-Fi A85S3 Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($58.38 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($103.84 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cougar Spike MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($37.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $390.18

Intel

PCPartPicker part list

CPU: Intel Pentium G3220 3.0GHz Dual-Core Processor ($69.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock B85M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($86.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($73.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cougar Spike MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($37.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $368.92
 
I think I'm in camp AMD now, people online have convinced me that APU is the way to go for this build.

PCPartPicker part list

CPU: AMD A8-5600K 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A75M-D3H Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($74.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: Kingston 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cougar Spike MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($37.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $392.93
 
If your Grandma is going to do multimedia-type stuff, then the APU should prove worlds better.

I bought a pre-built with a SB G630 Pentium, and Skype had issues. I added a LP NV 430 card, and it was much better.
 
The combo discount is amazing. But is your Grandma a fan of LED bling in computers? Also, the power supply is low quality and the hard drive is probably larger than needed. I think a 120GB SSD would be plenty and provide a much better experience.

A8-6400K $75
MSI A75MA P33 $55
G.Skill NS 4GB 1600 $39
Kingston V300 120GB SSD $90
Antec VP450 $38
Antec VSK-3000 microATX $30

= $327

Another thing you could consider is buying the combo, then replacing the case and PSU as above, selling the rosewill case+PSU as new on ebay, adding the SSD, and grabbing the ST1000DM003 for yourself.
 
Last edited:
I think this is the perfect case for a regular i3 with the HD-4400 video which is far better than the Pentium level. (Actually, I wonder how much THOSE improved in the 1150 move?)

The lower 65W watt, non-overclocking APU is a rock-solid choice.
I'd also go with the simple 500GB SSHD hybrid drive - 120GB may not be enough storage, but 500GB will be, and it's still got near-SSD speeds for booting and stuff she does most often. Cheaper, too!
 
lehtv said:
The combo discount is amazing. But is your Grandma a fan of LED bling in computers? Also, the power supply is low quality and the hard drive is probably larger than needed. I think a 120GB SSD would be plenty and provide a much better experience.

A8-6400K $75
MSI A75MA P33 $55
G.Skill NS 4GB 1600 $39
Kingston V300 120GB SSD $90
Antec VP450 $38
Antec VSK-3000 microATX $30

= $327

Another thing you could consider is buying the combo, then replacing the case and PSU as above, selling the rosewill case+PSU as new on ebay, adding the SSD, and grabbing the ST1000DM003 for yourself.
Click to expand...

I was thinking the same things. :sneaky:

So, this machine comes packing a AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz FM2 Quad-Core APU with Radeon HD 7660D integrated graphics, Gigabyte GA-F2A55M-HD2 FM2 motherboard, G.SKILL Value 4GB CL11 DDR3 1600 stick of RAM, Rosewill RANGER-M computer tower, Seagate ST1000DM003 1TB 7200 RPM Hard Drive, and a Rosewill RD500-2SB 500W Power Supply. This is priced at $299.99.

I'm wary of that Rosewill Power Supply and think it would be best to replace with a [Corsair CX500M](http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...ell_Controller) is the best one I've found that balances cost and quality.

Anything I'm missing? Any other suggestions or advice? Lay it on me.

EDIT: Just realized that the Gigabyte GA-F2A55M-HD2 motherboard has neither SATA III or USB 3.0. Worth picking up another motherboard?

AMD 3-in-1 APU with 8GB MEM SuperCombo

PCPartPicker part list

CPU: AMD A8-6600K 3.9GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($69.97 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: AMD 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($83.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M4 64GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($69.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Cougar Spike MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($37.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $391.92

A10-5800K Machine

PCPartPicker part list

CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A55M-HD2 Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill NS Series 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($38.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.98 @ Outlet PC)
Case: Rosewill RANGER-M MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($39.98 @ Outlet PC)
Power Supply: Rosewill Stallion 500W ATX12V Power Supply ($49.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $343.91

Planned build before these Newegg Deals

PCPartPicker part list

CPU: AMD A8-5600K 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A75M-D3H Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($74.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cougar Spike MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($37.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $382.93
 
The CX500M is not inexpensive and has more power than needed. Modularity is also worth $0 for power supplies below 600W, IMO. The VP450 and CX430 are decent choices for this build.

EDIT: Just realized that the Gigabyte GA-F2A55M-HD2 motherboard has neither SATA III or USB 3.0. Worth picking up another motherboard?
Click to expand...

Yes since the difference in cost is pretty marginal.

I'm leaning towards agreeing with Blue_Max's suggestion to get a hybrid drive.
 
lehtv said:
The CX500M is not inexpensive and has more power than needed. Modularity is also worth $0 for power supplies below 600W, IMO. The VP450 and CX430 are decent choices for this build.
Click to expand...

Good point, I'm sure it won't require as many watts once I disconnect them from those gaudy lights.
 
The lights actually only take up a few watts. And that point is moot anyway; the only reason that a 400W+ unit makes sense is that there aren't any cheaper units below 400W. This PC could get by fine with a good quality 150W unit.
 
Hey guys, someone hooked me up with two builds based on the APU deals Newegg is having(still having a touch time deciding though =P):

AJtoZB said:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A8-6600K 3.9GHz Quad-Core Processor ($0.00)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($0.00)
Memory: AMD 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($0.00)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cougar Spike MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($30.00)
Other: APU combo http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboB...=Combo.1433574 ($225.00)
Total: $354.98
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-01 15:00 EDT-0400)

Using the 3-in-1 APU Combo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboB...=Combo.1433574

The 6600k would be nominally faster than a 5600k, but probably not enough to notice, especially for your granny

the Pro4 is a nice motherboard, supports overclocking (probably not necessary) and has 4 RAM slots

RAM, not much to say

I would stick with the v300. It's twice as large as the M4 for only $10 more. I would say 120GB is probably large enough on its own, but if you went with only 60GB I'd probably suggest throwing in a HDD too.

I changed the PSU because the CX430m you had is $53 on amazon, not the $43 that it says. The EVGA 500w is the cheapest decent quality PSU available ATM. Buy from newegg. You could stick with the cx430m if you really want modularity.

You could get it a little cheaper going with this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A8-5600K 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI FM2-A75MA-E35 Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($56.00 @ Amazon)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cougar Spike MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Other: 13/10/7 Team 2x4 8GB 1600 RAM w/ promocode: EMCWXXW43 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...20313344-L012A ($59.00)
Total: $334.96
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-01 15:07 EDT-0400)

"Like I said, the 5600k is only nominally slower than the 6600k.

Cheap basic A75 mobo, only 2 RAM slots.

Cheap 1600 RAM, 2 sticks rather than 1 in the build above. Dual channel RAM will give better graphics performance.

The rest is the same.
Click to expand...
 
AJtoZB said:
(still having a touch time deciding though =P):
Click to expand...

If you go with the first one, be sure to change that single 8GB DIMM, to a 2x4GB kit. AMD APUs really like memory bandwidth, and not just for the IGP like Intel.

As for speed, 1600MHz is good enough. To really get better performace, you need 2133MHz memory with fairly tight timings, which currently only the 6800K supports officially, and that gets expensive quickly.
 
Haswell's bare Intel HD Graphics are likely "better" than the ones you find one Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge processors and my G550's IGP can indeed play HD video with NO issues. Face it, IGPs have advanced to the point HD playback cards like the 610 are simply unnecessary. In addition, they have fixed the so-called 24 fps bug perfectly(in actuality, in 2011, no graphics solution could do 23.976 perfectly)

The A8 is worth it for the two extra cores, but not really the graphics in this case.
 
Insert_Nickname said:
If you go with the first one, be sure to change that single 8GB DIMM, to a 2x4GB kit. AMD APUs really like memory bandwidth, and not just for the IGP like Intel.

As for speed, 1600MHz is good enough. To really get better performace, you need 2133MHz memory with fairly tight timings, which currently only the 6800K supports officially, and that gets expensive quickly.
Click to expand...

Grandma isn't playing World of Warcraft - she won't see any benefit from going any fancier than DDR3-1600. 😉

She WILL notice loud fans though... another reason to either go new i3 or pentium, but if you go AMD APU, make sure you pick the 65W version, not the 100W version. Fan noise will make grandma grumpy! 😉
 
Blue_Max said:
Grandma isn't playing World of Warcraft - she won't see any benefit from going any fancier than DDR3-1600. 😉

She WILL notice loud fans though... another reason to either go new i3 or pentium, but if you go AMD APU, make sure you pick the 65W version, not the 100W version. Fan noise will make grandma grumpy! 😉
Click to expand...

What's more important is the fans, case, and heatsink. The fewer the fans the better. The better engineered they are for less noise, the better. The lower the RPMS they have to run at, the better. Cases can dampen noise, although cases vary greatly in that department. And of course, the more effective the heatsink is, the less need for a fan to spin up.

The stock cooler and fan for Intel isn't that great. If super quiet is the goal, an effective aftermarket one is probably needed. I'm not sure about the one that comes on APUs, but the characteristics are probably similar.

Besides, both systems will likely sit at idle most of the time, and the Trinity platform is quite good at idle.

Also, I think Pentiums only support up to 1333 Mhz RAM, so there is no need to get 1600 Mhz in this case.
 
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Well, I've decided to go with the 6600k build. With shipping and whatnot, it comes in at just under $400 in total. I'll likely not put the order in until tomorrow, so feel free to try and sway me if you think you've got a better option. =D

mfenn, yikes good call. Someone just an hour two ago on some forum was telling me that I should "do myself a favor" and change out the PSU to something with a 5 year warranty and linked me to the SeaSonic SSR-360GP 360W. Any thoughts on that one or should I stick to the CX430?
 
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