Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Dragon on January 17, 2014, 08:16:53 AM
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I haven't been in the build arena for several years and now and am a bit out of touch. A buddy of mine is looking to upgrade his current system but it's looking more like a new build. He is not a gamer so I'm looking for a solid VC in the 50-100 range. So far the pieces are:
ASUS M5A99FX Pro R2.0
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3184372&CatId=7246 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3184372&CatId=7246)
AMD FX8320
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4904560 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4904560)
8GB Kingston HyperX 1866
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7447450&CatId=4534 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7447450&CatId=4534)
120GB Kingston SSD
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2416662&CatId=5298 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2416662&CatId=5298)
Seagate 2TB spinner
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=744345&CatId=139 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=744345&CatId=139)
650W Ultra PS
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3276573&CatId=1483 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3276573&CatId=1483)
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http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-2.html
But you're not going to have much more than a slideshow for under 100 bucks.
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Please stay away from this cheap PSU, get a 400W Seasonic or a similar known brand and you have the same power capabilities at a far better efficiency (500W if you want to buy a more power-hungry GFX card).
Nobody is able to verify this 80% efficiency statement, the 38A at +12V are just a bad joke for a 650W PSU. For a 650W PSU you expect an 80+ Silver or Gold certification for efficiency close to 90% but not nothing.
Even the manufacturer does not really believe this PSU is able to deliver 650W or they would have supplied an 8-pin and a 6-pin GFX power connector instead of just two 6-pin.
For memory try to get memory of the same speedgrade withouzt the fancy but useless heatsinks.
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If he's not a gamer, get one of the newest AMD cpus (just released yesterday) and skip the add-on video card completely. The new AMD cpus have good enough graphics to run almost anything at low quality settings, and some simpler games at fairly reasonable settings.
I would skip AMD and go with a new intel i5 cpu though. I've just had so much more luck with intel than AMD over the last several years, even though I was a fairly rabid AMD fan until the switch to AM2 sockets. And even with the i5 intel cpu, the onboard graphics is far more than good enough for someone who doesn't play games.
Either way, don't waste money on a sub-$100 video card until he complains that something doesn't work, and then convince him to get a "real" vid card in the $150-$200 range, like NVidia 660 GTX series or the AMD equivalent.
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I also agree about getting a quality psu like seasonic. Lots of reasonably priced options there. Also agree about the memory. I've had luck with gskill brand memory and they have some very good quality stuff at decent prices.
I can't get over the choice of AMD cpu though. I'd go with an i5 cpu and whatever happens to be the not-quite-cheapest ASUS mobo at newegg, based on the nearly flawless string of successful builds I've had building systems with those components. Seasonic psu. Asus mobo. Intel i5 cpu. GSkill ram. I've also had awesome luck with western digital black hard drives, but everyone has their favorite there and performance between brands is very very close, so if you like your HD choice then go with it. I prefer to get WD black drives because they're fast, have a good warranty, and the price is within $20 or so of lower quality or slower competitors.
Last, I think you might be doing your friend a disservice using that small of an SSD boot drive. I've had hassle after hassle keeping my laptop running well with an 80GB SSD for boot drive. I'd go with 256gb minimum. Maybe if you skip the cheapo worthless video card for now, you can spend the extra $50 on a 256GB Samsung 840 EVO or crucial M500, my current favorites for bottom-line value (price + performance) in SSDs right now. A computer geek can get away with a small boot SSD but a casual user will find it very frustrating having to constantly move stuff over to the spinner HD and fiddling with stuff to keep it running right.
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If he's not a gamer, get one of the newest AMD cpus (just released yesterday) and skip the add-on video card completely. The new AMD cpus have good enough graphics to run almost anything at low quality settings, and some simpler games at fairly reasonable settings.
sorry Eagl, but...why on earth would you recommend that then turn around and say this...
Either way, don't waste money on a sub-$100 video card until he complains that something doesn't work,...
even the best embedded graphics chip is worse than any $100 graphics card you could buy...aside from the gpu computing capabilities, the onboard memory is far faster than a chip trying to utilize the small amount of dedicated cache memory and system memory. the embedded chips are great for many things but not for any video games more complex than browser based flash games.
for $102 he could get an amd r7 250 1gb video card...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150682 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150682)
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for $102 he could get an amd r7 250 1gb video card...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150682 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150682)
Since checking the link provided by Ripley I decided to 1 up the r7 and go with the 7770 below. Also, I can't dissuade him from 16GB of RAM although I think it's overkill so went with the G Skill below.
I have several comps with Cooler Master PSU's going on 10 years now so I'll give them another try.
Also, did bump up to 240 GB version of the Kingston SSD.
VC
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2652129&sku=A455-7772
(http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2652129&sku=A455-7772)
PS
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171052 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171052)
RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231503 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231503)
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650W is still overkill and quality is rather mediocre.
Better get this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151126
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Find the true manufacturer of your Cooler Master here: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/power-supply-oem-manufacturer,2913.html (http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/power-supply-oem-manufacturer,2913.html)
Enhance doesn't seem to be among the worst manufacturers, so your choice of Cooler Master might well last beyond the warranty time.
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Aren't the 2x8gb kits for ram the same price or cheaper than the 4x4gb? I was parting together a kit just a month ago and some decent 2x8gb gskill stuff was only about $160. Less parts to fail, and if you're only using 2 sticks of ram there's less of a chance that an upgraded cpu HSF will interfere with the first stick or two closest to the cpu socket. I don't think there is any performance difference between 4x4gb and 2x8gb, and the price ought to be very similar. And then any future upgrade of ram could just drop into the empty slots instead of having to pull some out first.
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for $102 he could get an amd r7 250 1gb video card...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150682 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150682)
That card is really slow. He might get better ones on the used market, hd6870, gtx560, etc.
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Aren't the 2x8gb kits for ram the same price or cheaper than the 4x4gb? I was parting together a kit just a month ago and some decent 2x8gb gskill stuff was only about $160. Less parts to fail, and if you're only using 2 sticks of ram there's less of a chance that an upgraded cpu HSF will interfere with the first stick or two closest to the cpu socket. I don't think there is any performance difference between 4x4gb and 2x8gb, and the price ought to be very similar. And then any future upgrade of ram could just drop into the empty slots instead of having to pull some out first.
There is a small performance difference, the smaller modules are a bit faster. But the end result varies with the type bought and more components are always more error prone.
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Final build, thanks for the advise.
VC
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2652129&sku=A455-7772 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2652129&sku=A455-7772)
Note for this wish list(Add)
Qty. Image Product Description Unit Price Savings Total Price
Update
Western Digital WD Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive Bare Drive
Western Digital WD Blue WD5000AAKX 500GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive Bare Drive - OEM
Model #:WD5000AAKX
Item #:N82E16822136769
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add)
$59.99 $59.99
Update
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000) Desktop Memory Model F3-2133C9D-16GXH
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 2133 (PC3 17000) Desktop Memory Model F3-2133C9D-16GXH
Model #:F3-2133C9D-16GXH
Item #:N82E16820231571
Return Policy:Memory Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add)
$189.99 $189.99
Update
SAMSUNG 840 EVO MZ-7TE250KW 2.5' TLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) With Desktop Bundle Kit
SAMSUNG 840 EVO MZ-7TE250KW 2.5' TLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) With Desktop Bundle Kit
Model #:MZ-7TE250KW
Item #:N82E16820147253
Return Policy:Limited Replacement Only Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add)
$199.00 $199.00
Update
ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS Black SATA 24X DVD Burner - Bulk - OEM
Model #:DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS
Item #:N82E16827135204
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add)
$19.99 $19.99
Update
Transcend 4-port USB 3.0 Hub w/ Power Adapter model # TSHUB3K, Supports IOS Fast Charging
Transcend 4-port USB 3.0 Hub w/ Power Adapter model # TSHUB3K, Supports IOS Fast Charging
Model #:TS-HUB3K
Item #:0J2-0031-00001
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add)
$28.99 -$3.00 Instant $25.99
Update
U.S. Robotics USR5670 Fax modem 56Kbps
U.S. Robotics USR5670 Fax modem 56Kbps
Model #:USR5670
Item #:N82E16825104001
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add)
$28.99 -$9.00 Instant $19.99
Update
ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0 AM3+ AMD 990FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
ASUS M5A99FX PRO R2.0 AM3+ AMD 990FX SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard with UEFI BIOS
Model #:M5A99FX PRO R2.0
Item #:N82E16813131851
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Mail in Rebate Card
Note (Add)
$149.99 -$5.00 Instant $144.99
Update
Cooler Master GX - 650W Power Supply with 80 PLUS Bronze Certification
Cooler Master GX - 650W Power Supply with 80 PLUS Bronze Certification
Model #:RS650-ACAAD3-US
Item #:N82E16817171052
Return Policy:Standard Return Policy
In Stock
Mail in Rebate Card
Note (Add)
$99.99 -$20.00 Instant $79.99
Update
AMD FX-8320 Vishera 3.5GHz (4.0GHz Turbo) Socket AM3+ 125W Eight-Core Desktop Processor FD8320FRHKBOX
AMD FX-8320 Vishera 3.5GHz (4.0GHz Turbo) Socket AM3+ 125W Eight-Core Desktop Processor FD8320FRHKBOX
Model #:FD8320FRHKBOX
Item #:N82E16819113285
Return Policy:CPU Replacement Only Return Policy
In Stock
Note (Add)
$159.99 $159.99
Subtotal: $899.92
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Fax modem? :rofl
He doesn't have a chance for anything else?
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Fax modem? :rofl
He doesn't have a chance for anything else?
Seriously, don't ask. He's peculiar, just leave it at that.
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Seriously, don't ask. He's peculiar, just leave it at that.
putting a 56k modem in a desktop computer these days is...beyond peculiar. :huh more like a dr. phil candidate... :lol
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Get him an external modem so he doesn't have to keep getting new ones every time a style of card slot is eliminated from modern computers. First ASA, now PCI, 10 years from now PCIe, lol. I bet you'll find USB 7 to Serial Port adapters still in 10 years though.
Edit: Ebay shows USR Courier external modems for $10.
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You still have a way oversized and mediocre PSU in the list, get lower Watts at better Quality like a 500W Seasonic with 80+ Gold.
Remember, the Wattage rating is the rated output of the PSU so 500W is sufficient to power your system even if you choose a 200+ Watt gfx card.
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You still have a way oversized and mediocre PSU in the list, get lower Watts at better Quality like a 500W Seasonic with 80+ Gold.
Remember, the Wattage rating is the rated output of the PSU so 500W is sufficient to power your system even if you choose a 200+ Watt gfx card.
you're forgetting the power usage of the cpu, hard drives, fans, optical drive, etc...
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You still have a way oversized and mediocre PSU in the list, get lower Watts at better Quality like a 500W Seasonic with 80+ Gold.
Remember, the Wattage rating is the rated output of the PSU so 500W is sufficient to power your system even if you choose a 200+ Watt gfx card.
650W is still overkill and quality is rather mediocre.
Better get this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151126
If your gonna give me toejam about the PS, at least provide a link to something that is better. Although taken with a grain of salt, I do read reviews and base many decisions on them. I prefer products with 1000 or more since it's not all going to be fake. You post a link to a PS with 2 reviews and they both contain complaints. No thanks.
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I didnt know there were any good Vid Cards under $100.
I still have a GTX580 laying around if someone wants to make an offer. Eventually I'll probably end up donating it to veterans causes if I dont get one.
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If your gonna give me toejam about the PS, at least provide a link to something that is better. Although taken with a grain of salt, I do read reviews and base many decisions on them. I prefer products with 1000 or more since it's not all going to be fake. You post a link to a PS with 2 reviews and they both contain complaints. No thanks.
Its not a matter of power, but reliability. A bad PSU can toast your PC on the spot, or reduce its longevity on the long run.
I run an i5 3570k with a radeon 280X, 3 hard drives and DVD on a 5 years old Seasonic 520W Bronze PSU. Power calculator gives 450W max for my kind of config.
Getting a random PSU si gambling is like your savings for no gains.
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Just blindly picking a Seasonic is not going to solve his every power supply problem. The proper way to pick a good component is to determine the specs you need and/or want, check reviews at multiple respected review sites to discover high quality options, corroborate that with user reviews, then rank the units yourself according to which you think it best, check actual prices for you to get that component to your door (including all costs), and get the one highest on your list that fits in the budget for that component.
Seasonic is not the best at every pricepoint. There are people on this BBS who will blindly tell you to get a Seasonic without even researching other alternatives that may be just as good or better, based on brand name alone. And that's no way to make decisions.
Here's is, IMO, the best power supply reviews on the planet: http://hardocp.com/reviews/psu_power_supplies
Find a specific model they rate highly that fits your budget, check other review sites and see if they agree, and check user reviews if it passes the first two criteria. Don't worry about brand name, although Seasonic will likely be a contender, they are not the only one.
As for a $100 video card, you might check this article: http://www.anandtech.com/show/7703/desktop-video-card-buyers-guide-january-2014 , (which recommends the AMD Radeon HD 7770).
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Just blindly picking a Seasonic is not going to solve his every power supply problem. The proper way to pick a good component is to determine the specs you need and/or want, check reviews at multiple respected review sites to discover high quality options, corroborate that with user reviews, then rank the units yourself according to which you think it best, check actual prices for you to get that component to your door (including all costs), and get the one highest on your list that fits in the budget for that component.
Seasonic is not the best at every pricepoint. There are people on this BBS who will blindly tell you to get a Seasonic without even researching other alternatives that may be just as good or better, based on brand name alone. And that's no way to make decisions.
Here's is, IMO, the best power supply reviews on the planet: http://hardocp.com/reviews/psu_power_supplies
Find a specific model they rate highly that fits your budget, check other review sites and see if they agree, and check user reviews if it passes the first two criteria. Don't worry about brand name, although Seasonic will likely be a contender, they are not the only one.
As for a $100 video card, you might check this article: http://www.anandtech.com/show/7703/desktop-video-card-buyers-guide-january-2014 , (which recommends the AMD Radeon HD 7770).
Thanks for the hardocp link. Unfortunately they failed the PS I used, only time will tell. Worse comes to worse it dies and my buddy buys me a case of beer to install a new one. :P