Want to replace Mac Mini

[KeithP]

I have a current model Mac Mini (2.3 i7/HD4000) attached to a 50" 1366x768 display. I use it for various streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, etc), low end gaming and web browsing. I bounce back and forth between OS X and Windows 7 for these duties.

However, the Mac Mini is not mine and I need to replace it. Because of budget constraints and the fact I already have some hardware (mini iTX case and 380W Antec PS) I was thinking a Kaveri system would be the natural replacement (staying in Windows 7 is fine, I don't need OS X).

Other than gaming, no other CPU intensive apps would be running.

Given the above information, I am thinking A8-7600 system would give me adequate performance for non-gaming tasks and would provide an upgrade in gaming performance (although still low end). Anyone disagree with that?

I am trying to keep it as cheap as possible while still meeting my basic needs but at the same time improve gaming performance a bit. I can figure out what motherboard and memory to go with later, right now just looking for feedback on the basic plan.

Thank you for your time.

Regards,
KeithP

 

[mfenn]

What games do you play and what exact case do you have?

Kaveri is kind of in a tough spot in the marketplace because it's really expensive, and offers less performance than a comparable CPU + GPU. I'd only consider if it your case couldn't accommodate a GPU at all.

 

[KeithP]

Games, mostly shooters. Borderlands 2, Bioshock, etc. Although I do play some less demanding stuff as well. The case is a Cooler Master Elite 130.

I thought the A8-7600 would be a good choice because I would improve my gaming performance while keeping costs down.

I thought about an i3 + dedicated GPU (was thinking about the 750Ti which shouldn't be a problem with my PSU). While that would perform better it would cost more.

-KeithP

 

[mfenn]

While the A8-7600 would theoretically be an inexpensive solution, you cannot actually buy it right now. It was paper launched and actual availability has been pushed back until later in 2014. That leaves only the more expensive A10 processors. The Kaveri IGP is quite weak, you do not need to spend $150 to soundly best it. Even a 6750 soundly trounces it. Buying a discrete card also saves money because you don't have to buy fast RAM to drive the IGP.

i3 4130 $125
Gigabyte B85N-WIFI $100 - can spend less here if you don't need Wi-Fi
Team DDR3 1600 8GB $60 - single module for future upgradability
Sapphire 7770 $80 AR
Crucial M500 240GB $120 - could go smaller here if you don't need the storage
No ODD $0 - the new Mac mini's don't have one
Reuse PSU $0
Reuse case $0
Total: $485 AR

 

[Essence_of_War]

I think that's a pretty solid price for a 7770!

If you want to spend a little more OP, as mfenn mentioned, you could cut back on MoBo, and take a look at the GTX 750 and 750 Ti. They offer markedly better GPU performance and they fit really nicely into a SFF and low power envelope. Both draw their full power from the PCI slot w/o any additional power connectors to clutter up your build.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H81M-ITX Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M500 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Video Card ($149.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $514.95
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-10 22:15 EDT-0400)

 

[KeithP]

I was wondering what was going on with the A8-7600, didn't realize it had been pushed back. I think I will go with an Intel system.

I appreciate the feedback. Thanks all!

-Keith

 

[Essence_of_War]

let us know how it goes!

 

[Tom F.]

Good luck with the intel system. Smart choice. Keep up posted