Help with a new build

Tim2100

Tim2100

Tim2100

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Joined
25 Jul 2012
Posts
84
Hi all.

I used to build systems many years ago but have lost track with all the current specs. I have started to use my PC again so would like to get it upgraded, I am cormfortable with building everything from scratch just not sure what bits to get.

Currently I have an old HP machine that has been running for the past 4-5 years.
with a AMD athlon x2 4450e, with uATX motherboard. These need to go.
Graphics wise I have a Radeon HD 4800 which has been fantastic (only just fits in case) but is required as I am running two monitors, both with DVI-D.
Hard drives I have a 80GB intel SSD, and will have a few SATA HDD's to go in, as they get replaced in my server they will go into the desktop.

So I can keep SSD/HDD, peripherals and Graphics card, and possibly the lightscribe DVD writer.
I want to do occasional gaming, simulation & CAD work occasionally, and also photo editing. I am currently running windows 8 Pro. I could do with 8-16GB memory

So over to you, what do you suggest I get?
Budget... Originally it was about £200 but then realised I need a lot more so upto around £400
Case?
PSU?
CPU?
Motherboard?
Memory?

Do I need to replace the graphics or go for onboard? if onboard will I still have two DVI sockets?
With the case I would like top mounted USB3.0 and power button. Don't want a flashy case with windows. This will go between a cupboard & a wall.

Cheers.
 
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You could get an i3 build for that.

The Corsair Builder 430w would be better.

vo1krq.jpg
 
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The above build is very good, i'd spec something like that. Could even get a cheaper case and invest a bit more in the Graphics card.

i3 is a very good processor and will run anything you throw at it.

Also being the 1155 socket it gives you a good upgrade path to later bump it up with an i5 or i7.

Any single graphics card spec shouldn't take up more than 430W. However if you want to bump it up to a 500W then it won't hurt!
 
I don't feel I need to upgrade the graphics card at the moment, I know that it is 4 generations old but I can always upgrade this later in the year.

Is there a big push towards intel at the moment? I have an i3 chip in the laptop which is two years old. My current desktop runs better than the laptop so not sure if an i3 is the best way forward.
 
OK

If Intel is the way to go forward then I want to get an i5 chip as my girlfriend has i5 2500k in her machine, which I need to go better, Hence me thinking that AMD route would give me a better machine for a cheaper cost.

sooooo to raise some extra cash I could get the case and PSU now, and then either pick up a deal of the week from OC, or get something along these lines

YOUR BASKET
1 x Intel Core i5-3570K 3.40GHz (Ivybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor (77W) - Retail £179.99
1 x Patriot Viper "Black Mamba" Generation 3 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz Dual Channel kit (PV316G160C9K) £89.99
1 x Asus P8Z77-V LX Intel Z77 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard £84.98
1 x Antec 1100 Eleven Hundred Ultimate Gaming Tower Case - Black £69.98
1 x Corsair Builder Series CX 600w Modular '80 Plus Bronze' Power Supply (CP-9020060-UK) £56.99
Total : £496.93 (includes shipping : £12.50).

 
cheers RJC

Thats only a £10 saving on normal price so no need to get today, plus as I need to save some extra cash then I will have to wait for a month or two to get the motherboard/cpu/ram, and then Graphics later in the year.
 
Just realised that I asked a similiar question last year. with the same budget, however last year I ended up getting a HP Microserver instead :) which took up the budget I had then.
 
As an update to this thread. I ended up going way overboard.

On spur of the moment I went and brought;-
i7 3770k
Gigabyte Z77 D3h
8gb Corsair red
Blu Ray Drive
Coolermaster Cm 690 11 Case
And a crappy 800W PSU :(

I transplanted my old DVD ram, USB Card Reader, Hard drives & Graphics card into the system
But the PSU didn't fit as the 12v lead & Sata connection didn't reach
So tomorrow will get a proper branded 600-700W PSU, hopefully Hybrid if the price is ok, which will then fit the case nicely.

Thanks for help :)
 
wow a 3770k talk about a change of plan :p

And good to see you're getting a branded PSU although I hope it's a good brand :p
 
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