Non-gaming PC build

Bexx

Bexx

Bexx

Associate
Joined
21 Mar 2015
Posts
292
My Dads PC is old, I remember building it years ago but could not tell you what's in there. If I can bring myself to look tomorrow then I will as I'm assuming there's more cobwebs than parts :eek:

The only thing he uses it for is web browsing (literally browsing the bay and paying bills) and file transfers. He puts films on his portable drive to watch downstairs, but it's very slow.

I figured the main ways to speed it up would be to swap to an m.2 drive, faster RAM 2x8gb 3200MHz or even 2x4gb if I can get away with it, and a motherboard with USB 3.0.
I chose the motherboard because it has 2 fan headers (as well as cpu) since I'd like a case with fans
I chose the CPU with integrated graphics since he won't be gaming on it, but if there's another way around it I'd be interested to hear.
No peripherals needed.

This was before I chose a case, still haven't found one. I need to persuade him to keep the PC on top of the desk as right now it's in a cupboard under the desk so little to no airflow. :rolleyes:

He didn't seem keen when I said I could do one for under £400 for what little he uses it for so I thought I'd check with you guys to see if I've gone overkill anywhere or if anyone has any other suggestions, cheers!



My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £376.41 (includes shipping: £10.50)​
​
 
I'll second @dfour - a NUC is a great idea. You might only need the Celeron model:

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £255.87 (includes shipping: £15.90)​
​

But really, if your father's PC is that old you might find that it runs off a HDD and swapping that for a SSD and adding a USB 3 card might be all that's required.

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £95.64 (includes shipping: £8.70)​
​
 
dfour said:
would a NUC be more suitable?

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £394.09 (includes shipping: £14.10)
​
Juat need to add a m.2 ssd.
Click to expand...
Quartz said:
I'll second @dfour - a NUC is a great idea. You might only need the Celeron model:

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £255.87 (includes shipping: £15.90)
​

But really, if your father's PC is that old you might find that it runs off a HDD and swapping that for a SSD and adding a USB 3 card might be all that's required.

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £95.64 (includes shipping: £8.70)
​
Click to expand...

Ah sweet, are these tiny PCs pretty fast then? I see that first one is only 2666MHz. Do they come apart to install the M.2 myself or is that something selected when ordering?
 
From what you have described his usage it wil be plenty fast enough for his use. Date transfer will depend upon the slowest connector being used eg usb 2 drive in a usb 3 socket.

The case should come apart easily enough for you to put a m.2 drive in there. You may also need a heatsink for the m.2 so it doesnt overheat during date transfer and throttle itself. I would be suprised if the motherboard would have one as standard but its only £4 so no biggy if its spare in the end.

My basket at Overclockers UK:
Total: £6.69 (includes shipping: £2.74)
​
 
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