Rate my build please - gamers need not respond

[JCKC]

Looking to replace an aging AMD x2. I don't do any gaming at all. This PC will be used primarily for the internet, basic office tasks, light photo-editing, and music media.

I want something that's fast, reliable, and will last me a couple of years at least. I also want to keep my budget as close as possible to $1000.

I'll be re-using a Samsung LCD 24" widescreen monitor that's a bit over a year old (bought it when Circuit City was going out of business).

Thanks in advance.

Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500
Item #: N82E16819115036

GIGABYTE GA-EP43-UD3L LGA 775 Intel P43 ATX Intel Motherboard
Item #: N82E16813128380

G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK
Item #: N82E16820231166

ZALMAN CNPS9500 AT 2 Ball CPU Cooling Fan/Heatsink
Item #: N82E16835118003

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
Item #: N82E16835100007

EVGA 01G-P3-N959-TR GeForce 9500 GT 1GB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card
Item #: N82E16814130395

Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822136317

PLEXTOR 24X DVD/CD Writer Black SATA Model PX-880SA LightScribe Support
Item #: N82E16827249054

GIGABYTE GK-KM7500 2.4GHz RF Wireless Ultra-slim Keyboard and Mouse
Item #: N82E16823334001

NZXT CS-NT-PANZER-B PANZERBOX Black Welded Aluminum ATX Mid Tower with Dual 190mm Fans Computer Case
Item #: N82E16811146056

Antec BP550 Plus 550W Continuous Power ATX12V V2.2 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Modular Active PFC Power Supply
Item #: N82E16817371016

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 32-bit 1-Pack for System Builders
Item #: N82E16832116756

 

[Syran]

First off; I'm going to say I'm a gamer. And I honestly don't understand this build.

You want something for the office, light photoshopping and music, and you have a wierd grouping of performance, economical, and non-needed (imho) parts.

I have noticed it bumps right at $1,000. So, based on that, removing what I think you are overspending on; here is what I come up with, under the idea of a $1,000 budget (including shipping, but not tax). I have used some combo to get the price.

LITE-ON Black 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS424-98 LightScribe Support - Retail
Item #: N82E16827106335

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811119137

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822136284

EVGA 01G-P3-N964-LR GeForce 9600 GSO 1GB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814130509

CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16817139003

GIGABYTE GK-KM7500 2.4GHz RF Wireless Ultra-slim Keyboard and Mouse - Retail
Item #: N82E16823334001

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
Item #: N82E16835100007

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL - Retail
Item #: N82E16820231277

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116758

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 Plus Intel Core i5 & Intel Core i7 compatible RR-B10-212P-GP 120mm "heatpipe direct contact" Long ... - Retail
Item #: N82E16835103065

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor Model HDZ955FBGIBOX - Retail
Item #: N82E16819103674

GIGABYTE GA-MA790GPT-UD3H AM3 AMD 790GX HDMI ATX AMD Motherboard - Retail
Item #: N82E16813128398

Total: $929.87
Shipping (to me): $36.00

Has 1 $15 combo savings, also has $55 in MIR.

Notes:

I'm a big fan of Corsair PSUs, and I like the Case, but that one is more personal preference, and you never listed why you chose that case.

DDR3 is actually cheaper then DDR2 at the moment. So I went for some decent performing DDR3. To eat up money, I ended up deciding to go with a quad core system, and for a good price, a Phenom II X4 is great. If you really want to, I would suggest going down to a Phenom II X3 710 or 720, and upgrade to 8GB of Ram. Anytime you are able to go 64-bit, I pretty much recommend it; very little seems to have issues running in a 64-bit OS. Also, with Pro, you can always run the XP VM to handle those who don't.

I also would go for a 7200RPM HDD if you are doing any form of editing. If you really wanted to play with things, maybe reduce the CPU, and switch to 2 hard drives. A faster one for the OS, Apps, and Graphics manipulation, and a slower one for storage. I've been personally using 640 Caviar Blue & Blacks in about 99% of all my builds lately.

 

[Arcanedeath]

For your budget I would not go with a Dual Core CPU espically if your keeping it for 2 years, I'd also avoid the 775 platform at this point. I would suggest something like an I5 750, and 4GB of ddr3 also if you are not overclocking you can dump the Zalman HSF, if you are I'd suggest something better. Also I only see 1 hard drive listed you do not want to use a WD green drive as your system drive, Get a Blue or Black one if your going w/ WD as a system drive, Green's are great for storage but not performance. Also a 24x Plextor DVD burner seems overkill, you can spend about 1/2 what it costs for a similar performing drive. like the Sony one w/ newegg item # N82E16827118030. or the Lite-on suggested by Syran. If your going the AMD route he made some good suggestions. Do you have a Microcenter nearby or are you just getting parts from Newegg?

 

[Syran]

For your budget I would not go with a Dual Core CPU espically if your keeping it for 2 years, I'd also avoid the 775 platform at this point. I would suggest something like an I5 750, and 4GB of ddr3 also if you are not overclocking you can dump the Zalman HSF, if you are I'd suggest something better. Also I only see 1 hard drive listed you do not want to use a WD green drive as your system drive, Get a Blue or Black one if your going w/ WD as a system drive, Green's are great for storage but not performance. Also a 24x Plextor DVD burner seems overkill, you can spend about 1/2 what it costs for a similar performing drive. like the Sony one w/ newegg item # N82E16827118030. or the Lite-on suggested by Syran. If your going the AMD route he made some good suggestions. Do you have a Microcenter nearby or are you just getting parts from Newegg?

I did it all based on Newegg Prices. The only way i'd play with a i5 750 is if you can buy it @ Microcenter; otherwise, the online premiums are a bit annoying. Also, with those, watch out for the whole socket issue, I've had a lot of issues with my 750 build so far; 2 motherboards both having memory issues.

 

[JCKC]

Thanks folks, I appreciate your suggestions. I have another build sheet put together for a i7-860 but the price on that setup pushes close to $1600. I admit I don't need state of the art but I do want to get the best possible performance for my money.

What is the quad-core and 64-bit OS going to give me over the original selection? I have no 64-bit applications and want to limit any problems I might run into with software compatibility. I'm also concerned about finding 64-bit drivers for the hardware.

I will not be over-clocking either so I guess the Zalman is probably overkill. As far as the hard drives go, I was actually going to go with two of them with one for the OS / programs and one for data. I was not aware that the green drives where not great performers; I guess I need to look at the blue or black ones.

I'll have to take a look at that Lite-On drive as well. Just looking for a speedy DVD burner with Lite-scribe support.

The case I chose just because I like the design. I am partial to Lian-Li cases (that's what I have for my current computer).

And yes, I was just going to purchase everything from NewEgg. I don't have a MicroCenter near me at all.

 

[Syran]

64 bit drivers are no longer an issue, assuming there isn't some really funky piece of hardware you want. It enables you to use your memory above the 3-4gb limit that 32bit has. That alone is the best reason to go 64-bit. If you ever went up further in the memory chain, it's a requirement really. All the components mentioned definitely have 64-bit drivers.

Quad cores will give you better performance in multithreaded apps, or if you like to do a bunch of stuff at once. I figured, based on your pricing, it was worth it to go with a Phenom II and more cores then the faster Intel, which is best if you are gaming.

As I said, cases are subjective; in the business world, they tend to be fairly plain. I just went with one that was nice, fairly inexpensive, and worked well. I've built 5 computers in them, and they work well within that range for the Coolermaster.

I like using aftermarket coolers even if I don't overclock. I have a 9700LED, and really dislike it; finally sold it off. For a decent performing cooler, I like the one I recommended you from coolermaster. Just used it in a Athlon II X2 build I did for one of my bosses at work. Runs great, and is quiet.

If you were going with 2 drives, check out a WD Caviar 640 Blue or Black, and then look at the 1TB Green. It's not a bad drive, just for OS purposes, not great; its designed for energy savings, not performance.

I've used Samsung and Lite-On's in most of my builds, including personal. Used to be a big plextor fan back when Burners created more coasters then usable CDs, but these days, everyone is pretty much up to par.

If you don't need discrete graphics for anything (ie, no cuda); I'd almost recommend dropping the video card, and using the on-board video. It's moved up well in the world. If you do, it would free up some money to upgrade to more ram, or the HDD.
Enjoy.

 

[Arcanedeath]

Hrm ok gonna try and fit the I5 in your budget

Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail
Item #: N82E16819115215
$199.99 + free shipping

EVGA P55 LE 123-LF-E653-KR LGA1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item#:N82E16813188054
$149.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate + free shipping

LITE-ON Black 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS424-98 LightScribe Support - Retail
Item #: N82E16827106335
$33.99 + free shipping

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811119137
$69.99 + shipping

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822136284
$109.99 + shipping

EVGA 01G-P3-N964-LR GeForce 9600 GSO 1GB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814130509
$59.99 after $10.00 Mail-In Rebate + free shipping

CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16817139003
$44.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate Card + shipping

GIGABYTE GK-KM7500 2.4GHz RF Wireless Ultra-slim Keyboard and Mouse - Retail
Item #: N82E16823334001
$26.99 after $10.00 Mail-In Rebate Card + shipping

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
Item #: N82E16835100007
Your using the stock HSF this is not needed...

OCZ Obsidian 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model OCZ3OB1600LV4GK - Retail
Item#:N82E16820227495
$58.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate Card + free shipping

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116758
$139.99 + free shipping Go 64 bit at this point no reason not too w/ Win 7 you can save a bit here by going with Home Premium if you don't need Profesional's features.

This is a Grand Total of $894.90 after rebate but before shipping. There is $80 in rebates and 4 items that have shipping that is not free. Overall I think this system would last longer than any of the other's that were suggested and still gives you some wiggle room if you wish to switch up some compoents.

 

[AtomicDumpling]

I would go with ArcaneDeath's build and add an SSD drive, which would speed up your system noticeably for the tasks you use it for. Put Windows and your most frequently used programs on the SSD and use the hard disk for your data and media files.

That build is a very efficient use of your money and future-proofs you for several years for your basic computing needs.

 

[JCKC]

You folks have been great and I sincerely appreciate it. Since I am going for speed and not multitasking, and based on recommendations here, I'm gonna go with an i5-750 based system. I just need to select a motherboard.

I like the idea of an SSD drive, but I've just learned about them and don't know enough to make an informed purchase. And since they are new and still relatively expensive, I don't know that I'll be able to stay within my $1k budget.

Keep the suggestions coming as they have been very helpful. I'll try and get anther tentative parts list posted tomorrow.

 

[theevilsharpie]

Looking to replace an aging AMD x2. I don't do any gaming at all. This PC will be used primarily for the internet, basic office tasks, light photo-editing, and music media.

The AMD x2 platform is starting to get a bit old, but it's more than fast enough to perform the tasks you've listed. Both my laptop and my desktop are running AMD dual cores, and I can't remember the last time I encountered a situation where I was CPU limited.

Is there any reason in particular that you want to upgrade?

 

[JCKC]

Is there any reason in particular that you want to upgrade?

Actually, yes. My wife's PC is getting really old, a Pentium 4 that I bought about 6 years ago. I've already replaced the video card twice and it's getting very difficult to find compatible replacement hardware. So the plans are to donate her old PC to a school or church, give her the AMD X2 and build a new PC for the home office.

 

[aigomorla]

Hrm ok gonna try and fit the I5 in your budget

FTW!!!

This is so far the best build ive seen on this thread.

 

[theevilsharpie]

Sounds reasonable.

If you just need a computer for basic office tasks, take a look at the newer HP Compaq 6000 series. They're modern, reliable, and pretty cheap.

 

[Syran]

If you go for the i5, definitely look at an aftermarket cooler of some sort, the one I mentioned above works with i5's. A good SSD will blow his budget by a bit, the prices are getting much better, but he's probably better off sticking with a Black 1tb, or adding a black or blue 640 imho.

I would stick with an evga motherboard of some sort, most of them do not have the foxconn sockets which are causing some nasty memory issues (I know, i'm on my 2nd motherboard (gigabyte and intel) and 4 sets of ram. I'm looking to get the evga matx board to try it when I get back from vacation.

 

[Arcanedeath]

I like EVGA Motherboards at least since they've been on intel chipsets they seem like decent values and good performers, + they have excellent support. I suggested their base P55 based board to fit in your budget, Depending on how many rebates your'll willing to deal with or if you're willing to look at other places besides newegg you can prolly get an I5 system cheaper than my list. or Consider getting a pre-built OEM system as in this pricerange with rebates and/or cupons you could prolly get a Dell or HP w/ better specs for less if you shop it. That is unless your set on building your own or want to overclock. The system I spec'd gives you a decent board & memory to overclock with but you'd prolly have to add an aftermarket HSF to push the I5 and a decent one plus fan is another 50-60 dollars delivered.

 

[JCKC]

I thought about a pre-built system (only an HP would be considered) but I get a lot of satisfaction from building it myself. I don't mind paying a little bit more in order to pick the components I want, brand names I'm familiar with, etc.

 

[theevilsharpie]

I thought about a pre-built system (only an HP would be considered) but I get a lot of satisfaction from building it myself. I don't mind paying a little bit more in order to pick the components I want, brand names I'm familiar with, etc.

For a cutting-edge gaming PC that I planned to push to the absolute limit, I'd probably go with a custom-built PC or a pre-built workstation so I'd have more options for expandability.

For an office PC? HP's business desktops perform well enough, they can be upgraded just like any other PC, and they're are a rock solid. On top of that, the quickspec sheet will tell you more than you ever wanted to know about every component in the PC, if that's important to you.

To each his own, I guess.

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

This PC will be used primarily for the internet, basic office tasks, light photo-editing, and music media

That doesn't seem very intensive at all.

I'd go with an i7 750 with an ATI 4350 or an Athlon X2, X3, X4 on a 760g/780g/785g/790gx chipset.

 

[Raincity]

Alot of your original parts selection has been on sale at Fry's lately

E8400 with GIGABYTE GA-EP43-UD3L $110 after rebate
Antec BP550 sale $20
Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS $59 last day was yesterday

Just keep an eye out for the sales. I built just about the same system from Frys sales in the last month for next to nothing.

 

[n7]

Hrm ok gonna try and fit the I5 in your budget

Intel Core i5-750 Lynnfield 2.66GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Processor - Retail
Item #: N82E16819115215
$199.99 + free shipping

EVGA P55 LE 123-LF-E653-KR LGA1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Item#:N82E16813188054
$149.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate + free shipping

LITE-ON Black 24X DVD Writer Black SATA Model iHAS424-98 LightScribe Support - Retail
Item #: N82E16827106335
$33.99 + free shipping

COOLER MASTER RC-690-KKN1-GP Black SECC/ ABS ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail
Item #: N82E16811119137
$69.99 + shipping

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives -Bare Drive
Item #: N82E16822136284
$109.99 + shipping

EVGA 01G-P3-N964-LR GeForce 9600 GSO 1GB 128-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Retail
Item #: N82E16814130509
$59.99 after $10.00 Mail-In Rebate + free shipping

CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail
Item #: N82E16817139003
$44.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate Card + shipping

GIGABYTE GK-KM7500 2.4GHz RF Wireless Ultra-slim Keyboard and Mouse - Retail
Item #: N82E16823334001
$26.99 after $10.00 Mail-In Rebate Card + shipping

Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound - OEM
Item #: N82E16835100007
Your using the stock HSF this is not needed...

OCZ Obsidian 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model OCZ3OB1600LV4GK - Retail
Item#:N82E16820227495
$58.99 after $20.00 Mail-In Rebate Card + free shipping

Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64-bit 1-Pack for System Builders - OEM
Item #: N82E16832116758
$139.99 + free shipping Go 64 bit at this point no reason not too w/ Win 7 you can save a bit here by going with Home Premium if you don't need Profesional's features.

This is a Grand Total of $894.90 after rebate but before shipping. There is $80 in rebates and 4 items that have shipping that is not free. Overall I think this system would last longer than any of the other's that were suggested and still gives you some wiggle room if you wish to switch up some compoents.

Excellent build.
And you can even shave that price down even more if needed.

ASUS P7P55 LX LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $120

ASUS EAH4350 SILENT/DI/512MD2(LP) Radeon HD 4350 512MB $25 AR

Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" $85

Not sure where you can find them for sale, but i daresay you might even be able to get that new Kingston SSDNow V Series 40GB Boot Drive if you break the budget by a tiny bit!
And that would give your system a massive performance boost.

 

[AtomicDumpling]

Excellent build.
And you can even shave that price down even more if needed.

ASUS P7P55 LX LGA 1156 Intel P55 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail $120

ASUS EAH4350 SILENT/DI/512MD2(LP) Radeon HD 4350 512MB $25 AR

Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" $85

Not sure where you can find them for sale, but i daresay you might even be able to get that new Kingston SSDNow V Series 40GB Boot Drive if you break the budget by a tiny bit!
And that would give your system a massive performance boost.

I agree. That SSD drive will make the system more responsive and smooth for sure. It is worth scaling back on the graphics card if you need to make it fit in your budget.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

4//10

 

[Quiksilver]

Here's what I came up with

As it stands it is over-budget by $3 but if you take into account you can't add combos to wish lists and buy the i5 750 and CM690 combo, you can take off another $15. There might be one more combo on there not sure, I didn't pay attention...

Anyway, I went with the Samsung F3 drive over the WD Black drive due to the platter sizes. The Samsung F3 uses 2x 500GB platters while the WD Black drive uses 3x 333GB drives. The higher paltter density and fewer platters overall reduces noise and heat while increasing read/write performance.

I also went with the 4770 as it's an excellent mid-range card for those who do little gaming. You can probably go with something smaller too but I wanted something that would support DirectX 10.1 and offered decent performance.

Thermal paste choice, meh it's a dollar cheaper and has no cure time and can outperform AS5 most of the time.

I don't think my other choices need and explanation but if you want to ask about it, feel free.

 

[M0RPH]

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but with 4 gigs ram you should be using 64-bit Windows.

 

[thescreensavers]

You need a 64bit OS if you want to use 4gigs of ram.

edit: ^^ haha what he said