daughter spec check please

subbytna · 3 May 2010 at 20:09

I'm building a really budget PC for her to stream films from my PC downstairs up to her bedroom as well as storing tv shows etc on her c.

I've heard that the onboard can generate a lot of heat so I've went with a cooler...do I need to if she's only watching tv on it and the odd flash internet fashion game

Is this any good?

All comments welcome.

subbytna · 3 May 2010 at 20:09

oh will this CPU be able to run windows 7 64 bit?

Raikiri · 3 May 2010 at 20:11

I would swap the RAM for this: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-082-OC&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=817 (dual channel over single).

Otherwise looks fine.

subbytna · 3 May 2010 at 20:14

duly noted....any reason for the other RAM???

just curious

mrfun1981 · 3 May 2010 at 20:16

The spec you picked is fine & will do the job nicely, but as kids are kids always want bigger & better. Have you though about going with AMD setup as it will be so much easier to upgrade parts as if/when needed.

Where the intel set up with the socket 775 will be harder to upgrade things in the future

Kae · 3 May 2010 at 20:18

I don't think that's a very good spec for a daughter.... aren't they meant to like pink and winge a lot?

TheVoice · 3 May 2010 at 20:36

To be honest, with these sorts of small budgets, I'd recommend a pre-built Dell or something instead. Seems like a far easier option for a similar spec, plus you're getting an overall-system warranty and OS for your money.

subbytna · 3 May 2010 at 20:57

MRFUN you able to come up with a spec for me then? Let me see your thoughts

CAT-THE-FIFTH · 3 May 2010 at 21:23

Mr Krugga · 3 May 2010 at 21:32

Thumbs up to CAT-THE-FIFTH's setup. I'd go for the more expensive AM3 option to make it more 'future proof'.

http://anandtech.com/bench/Product/121?vs=98 - comparison of Athlon II X2 255 and Intel Pentium E5300

mrfun1981 · 3 May 2010 at 23:01

@OP

CAT-THE-FIFTH's spec is the sort of system i would have gone for, if you are going to go with the AMD DDR3 route, which will get you the best value for money. For £7 more i would change the motherboard to http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-356-AS&groupid=701&catid=5&subcat=1481 as its got better on board graphics

Redmint · 3 May 2010 at 23:05

+1 for CAT's spec, pretty much what I would have suggested.

subbytna · 4 May 2010 at 11:08

that's fantastic fellas...many, many thanks for your input, I really appreciated it

I will be ordering Cat's rig in due course

Stretch · 4 May 2010 at 11:31

TheVoice said:
To be honest, with these sorts of small budgets, I'd recommend a pre-built Dell or something instead. Seems like a far easier option for a similar spec, plus you're getting an overall-system warranty and OS for your money.

Agreed.

JW1993 · 4 May 2010 at 13:37

Dont forget an OS

subbytna · 4 May 2010 at 18:54

OS already sourced elsewhere thanks

subbytna · 4 May 2010 at 18:59

Cat with regards to the spec you did for me...thanks again btw... do you think the on-board graphics would be suffice or should I get a better mobo considering that the rig is really only for watching streamed films/tv shows with a bit of light kiddy gaming and internet browsing being done on it?

It will be used just 2 or 3 days a week so that's why I'm not breaking the bank for it.

CAT-THE-FIFTH · 4 May 2010 at 19:05

The HD4200 IGP in the 785G based motherboards have UVD2:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unified_Video_Decoder

UVD2 will help with HD media playback.

If you are getting a 785G based motherboard I would look at the Asus M4A785TD-V Evo:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-355-AS

It even has 128MB of dedicated DDR3 for the IGP.

OTH, if you not really watching much HD content then the 760G based motherboard will be fine. You can always add a graphics card with better HD decoding at a later date if required.

subbytna · 4 May 2010 at 23:09

cheers fella