Go Back   PCMech Forums > Help & Discussion > Build Your Own PC

Need Some Help? Type Your Keywords Here:

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Search this Thread Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 09-27-2011, 05:53 PM   #1
Premium Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 5
2nd New Build

I already have a PSU, keyboard, speakers, mice galore and I need/want everything else including OS and case.

Budget around $450.

The PSU I have is this one:

CORSAIR Builder Series CX600 V2 600W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
Newegg.com - CORSAIR Builder Series CX600 V2 600W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply

All of my recent experience has been with AMD but I am brand agnostic. Just don't have any knowledge of Intel's recent products.

Other considerations: I want to run Linux in a vmware VM under Windows 7 (Home Premium). I've read that Linux runs better with nVidia gpu. Prefer separate gpu over integrated. Prefer WD Black HDD.

This will be a general use machine, though I do sometimes get frustrated when trying to thwart invasions on Pirates of the Caribbean Online (Guilty Pleasure). Other than that, no real gaming will be done on this machine. I maintain a web site that should not impact my needs for this build.

Questions. Do I need quad core? Or do I want quad core so I can beef it up later?
Vociferous is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-27-2011, 06:30 PM   #2
glc
Forum Administrator
Staff
Premium Member
 
glc's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Joplin MO
Posts: 37,771
Sorry, can't get you a quad core Intel in that budget, but here's a strong dual (note rebates and promo codes):

Newegg.com - RAIDMAX Hurricane ATX-248WB Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Newegg.com - ASUS P8H61-M (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel H61 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

Newegg.com - Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz 2 x 256KB L2 Cache 3MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I32100

Newegg.com - Kingston ValueRAM 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model KVR1333D3K2/4GR

Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD7502AAEX 750GB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Newegg.com - ASUS 24X DVD Burner - Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS - CD / DVD Burners

Newegg.com - MSI N210-D512D2 GeForce 210 512MB 64-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card

Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - Operating Systems

Cough up another 55 bucks and you can have a quad:

Newegg.com - Intel Core i5-2300 Sandy Bridge 2.8GHz (3.1GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52300

Someone else will have to play the AMD game with you, I don't do AMD builds and don't know what cheap motherboards are any good.
glc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-27-2011, 07:53 PM   #3
Premium Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by glc View Post
Sorry, can't get you a quad core Intel in that budget, but here's a strong dual (note rebates and promo codes):

Newegg.com - RAIDMAX Hurricane ATX-248WB Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Newegg.com - ASUS P8H61-M (REV 3.0) LGA 1155 Intel H61 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard

Newegg.com - Intel Core i3-2100 Sandy Bridge 3.1GHz 2 x 256KB L2 Cache 3MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I32100

Newegg.com - Kingston ValueRAM 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model KVR1333D3K2/4GR

Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD7502AAEX 750GB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive

Newegg.com - ASUS 24X DVD Burner - Bulk 24X DVD+R 8X DVD+RW 12X DVD+R DL 24X DVD-R 6X DVD-RW 16X DVD-ROM 48X CD-R 32X CD-RW 48X CD-ROM Black SATA Model DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS - CD / DVD Burners

Newegg.com - MSI N210-D512D2 GeForce 210 512MB 64-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card

Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - Operating Systems

Cough up another 55 bucks and you can have a quad:

Newegg.com - Intel Core i5-2300 Sandy Bridge 2.8GHz (3.1GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80623I52300

Someone else will have to play the AMD game with you, I don't do AMD builds and don't know what cheap motherboards are any good.
Great looking build, glc. I'll probably go with the dual core. I doubt I need a quad for this build, but if I did the one you suggested would be the one.

Anyone have an AMD build for contrast? I really like this build!
Vociferous is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-27-2011, 08:12 PM   #4
Member (12 bit)
 
Masaki 7-11's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 2,358
Here is a comparable AMD build, you probably won't notice much of a difference in performance between this and the Intel dual core unless you are doing heavy multitasking:


RAIDMAX Hurricane ATX-248WB Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
Newegg.com - RAIDMAX Hurricane ATX-248WB Black SECC ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
$39.99

Western Digital Caviar Black WD7502AAEX 750GB 7200 RPM SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
Newegg.com - Western Digital Caviar Black WD7502AAEX 750GB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
$54.99

ASUS M4A88T-M LE AM3 AMD 880G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
Newegg.com - ASUS M4A88T-M LE AM3 AMD 880G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
$79.99

MSI N210-D512D2 GeForce 210 512MB 64-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
Newegg.com - MSI N210-D512D2 GeForce 210 512MB 64-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
$29.99

Kingston ValueRAM 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model KVR1333D3K2/4GR
Newegg.com - Kingston ValueRAM 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) Desktop Memory Model KVR1333D3K2/4GR
$25.99

AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ955FBGMBOX
Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition Deneb 3.2GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 125W Quad-Core Processor HDZ955FBGMBOX
$119.99

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit
Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - Operating Systems
$99.99

Subtotal: $450.93
__________________
Core i7 2600K @ 4.2GHz | Corsair H100 w/ Scythe S-FLEX 120mm Med. Flow & AC MX4 | 4 x 4GB Corsair Vengeance PC3-12800 | HIS 1GB HD6870/ HIS IceQ X Turbo 1GB CF | Asus P67 Sabertooth | OCZ Vertex 3, WD Velociraptor 150GB & Seagate 1.5TB in Tt iCage | LG 22X DVD+/-RW | D-Link DWA-556 | Corsair TX 750W | Coolermaster Cosmos 1000 | Windows 7 HP 64-Bit | LG Flatron L246WH-BN
3D Mark11: P8491| 3D Mark Vantage: P30840| 3D Mark06: 29912
Masaki 7-11 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-27-2011, 11:49 PM   #5
Member (11 bit)
 
rwest's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 1,388
An option open to you with Maskai's build is the Calisto dual core processor:

Newegg.com - AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition Callisto 3.2GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache Socket AM3 80W Dual-Core Desktop Processor - C3 Revision HDZ555WFGMBOX

You save about 30 bucks with the dual core cpu and that money could be used to beef up the vid card a bit if you'd like. And there's a promo code listed to save another $8 bucks.

The Calisto has been known to overclock easily and reach near 4gigs on air. Realistic numbers are 3.5 and 3.7gigs stable by only changing the multiplier.

Another feature worth mentioning is the possibility of unlocking one or both additional cores, but do not buy the cpu on this basis alone. It is strictly a stroke of luck to get one that will unlock. The MB suggested has the ability to at least make the attempt.

One last note, even without doing anything to this processor its just a great performer. If you don't need a quad core, the calisto may be a good choice for you.
__________________
Gigabyte 880GA-ud3h / 3.1 Phenom II x2 550 BE Callisto(4 cores and OC to 3.4) / Corsair Vengence 2x4gb DDR3 1600 / 640gb WD Black 2ea./HIS 6870/ 650 EarthWatts / Win 7 64bit
rwest is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2011, 01:40 AM   #6
glc
Forum Administrator
Staff
Premium Member
 
glc's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Joplin MO
Posts: 37,771
Yeah, I really shaved it with that video card. It's probably weaker than the onboard video with either motherboard for gaming.

You forgot the optical, Masaki.
glc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2011, 05:43 PM   #7
Premium Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 5
Thanks for your suggestions

Thanks, gtc, Masaki and rwest for your suggestions. I think I'll go with an AMD build, but I'm undecided about which cpu to choose. I like the looks of the Calisto and will probably order that.

As to the gpu, I think the one glc and Masaki suggested will suffice. I only want something that will play nice with Linux. I'll test it versus the on board graphics to see if it makes any noticeable difference.

The suggested case sold out this morning. How about this one?

Newegg.com - Antec Three Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

I know it's a bit more but I can live with it.

I'll add the burner glc suggested to round things out.

I really appreciate all the help. I will order tonight.
Vociferous is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2011, 05:52 PM   #8
glc
Forum Administrator
Staff
Premium Member
 
glc's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Joplin MO
Posts: 37,771
Just about any case is fine - the only reason I picked that one is it was $20 after rebate. That Antec is an excellent case for the money.

Why don't you try the onboard video first? You can always order and add a card at any time. Something will always be on sale, it doesn't have to be that exact one.
glc is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2011, 06:04 PM   #9
Premium Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 5
Ready to buy

That's a great idea, glc. I'll do that. I'm ready to put in my order.

Thanks again to everyone!
Vociferous is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2011, 07:26 PM   #10
Premium Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 5
One last (?) Question

Will I have any trouble mounting a Micro ATX motherboard in that case? It lists motherboard compatibility as ATX. Some other cases list "ATX, Micro ATX" as compatible mobos.

Newegg.com - ASUS M4A88T-M LE AM3 AMD 880G HDMI Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

Newegg.com - Antec Three Hundred Illusion Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

Should I look for another case?
Vociferous is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-28-2011, 08:54 PM   #11
glc
Forum Administrator
Staff
Premium Member
 
glc's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Joplin MO
Posts: 37,771
No problem - micro boards install fine in standard cases. However - this is a highly rated case too.

Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Elite 430 RC-430-KWN1 Black Steel / Plastic Computer Case
glc is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Still Need Help? Type Your Keywords Here:


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:15 AM.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2012, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
SEO by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2