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Building a rig for my sister, need some help!

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Sumtime19

Sumtime19

Member
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Joined
Jun 27, 2008
Okay so here's the deal.. it's my sisters birthday and she's long overdue for a computer. Someone else is getting the monitor for her (which is most likely going to be an Asus 22", 1680x1050), so I have a $500 budget for all of the parts, case, speakers, and the rest of the essentials. She does some light Photoshop here and there designing shoes. Neither her nor her fiance are PC gamers (or OC) so that will most definitely save some money.

A quad may be to expensive and more importantly not even needed. I would like a good HDD for her to keep all of her random junk in.. my mom cut out some of these computer bundles ads in the paper, and I'm trying to beat the price with better parts but I'm finding it surprising hard, but I know it's possible. So I come to you in need of some help :).
 
For instance this particular bundle is $599 and is as follows ~
19 " widscreen
C2D E5300
6gb ram
500gb HDD
vista home premium 64 bit
intel gma x3100 graphics
with keyboard and mouse

I've been picking parts out and trying to make it better than this one and I can't seem to.
 
Try something along the following:

Case: CM Elite 335 RC http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119161

Motherboard: Foxconn 740G http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?
Item=N82E16813186151PSU:

CPU: AMD Phenom 9600 @ 2.3Ghz (Quad Core) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103244

GPU: Sapphire ATI 4830 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102803

RAM: G.Skill 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 800 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

HDD: WD 500GB 16mb cache Sata 3.0Gb/s http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136149

ODD: Samsung 20x DVD RW Sata 3.0Gb/s w/lightscribe http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151154

OS: Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit

before shipping: $576.91
With mail in rebates: $546.91

Now, you can get a better deal than that if you shop around and better configure the system to fit your sisters needs. And you should easily be able to make a high quality system for under $500 (not including a monitor). Keep in mind though that once you hit the $350-$400 mark it becomes much more difficult to design a system including an OS and you may be better off looking to Dell.

Recommendations: I'd consider changing the motherboard to allow for 8GB of memory and then purchasing a second memory kit. Also, consider cheaper memory. Also, you can lower the Quad core to a dual core such as a 4850 X2 i corehttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103255. The HDD should be no less than a 250GB (simply due to price change vs performance/capacity becomes pointless for singular users under that) and then scale from there depending on her needs. The problem with the system that you posted is it uses integrated graphics. I highly recommend using a dedicated card, as even weaker cards such as a 4350 or 9400 will improve her capabilities tremendously over an integrated solution. So play around with the parts available to you and see what you find to be fitting.

Edit for clarification: Due to the fact that you won't be OCing and the computing needs of your sister, AMD will most likely be the most viable solution for this build (in terms of cpu, nvidia is fine for a gpu should you prefer that).
 
Here is my suggestion:

GIGABYTE GA-73PVM-S2H LGA - $68.99

Intel Q8200 - $169.99

Samsung 500gb HD - $54.99

Samsung DVDRW - $25.99

Coolermaster 330 Case - $34.99

Thermaltake 430w PSU - $30.99

Corsair XMS2 2x1gb DDR2 - $9.99

Vista Home Premium - $104.99

Total - $500.92

If I was building for myself I'd spend a few extra and get a 640gb WD hd. It is hard beating prebuild PC's that include a keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor and OS. The OS and monitor are almost half of your budget. You could build what I have above with something like an E5300 and save $100 to get the monitor and other stuff.

I hate when people try to compare a custom built PC to a store bought Dell or HP.
 
Last edited:
GameSinewPCs said:
Try something along the following:

Case: CM Elite 335 RC http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119161

Motherboard: Foxconn 740G http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?
Item=N82E16813186151PSU:

CPU: AMD Phenom 9600 @ 2.3Ghz (Quad Core) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103244

GPU: Sapphire ATI 4830 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102803

RAM: G.Skill 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 800 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231122

HDD: WD 500GB 16mb cache Sata 3.0Gb/s http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136149

ODD: Samsung 20x DVD RW Sata 3.0Gb/s w/lightscribe http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151154

OS: Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit

before shipping: $576.91
With mail in rebates: $546.91

Now, you can get a better deal than that if you shop around and better configure the system to fit your sisters needs. And you should easily be able to make a high quality system for under $500 (not including a monitor). Keep in mind though that once you hit the $350-$400 mark it becomes much more difficult to design a system including an OS and you may be better off looking to Dell.

Recommendations: I'd consider changing the motherboard to allow for 8GB of memory and then purchasing a second memory kit. Also, consider cheaper memory. Also, you can lower the Quad core to a dual core such as a 4850 X2 i corehttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103255. The HDD should be no less than a 250GB (simply due to price change vs performance/capacity becomes pointless for singular users under that) and then scale from there depending on her needs. The problem with the system that you posted is it uses integrated graphics. I highly recommend using a dedicated card, as even weaker cards such as a 4350 or 9400 will improve her capabilities tremendously over an integrated solution. So play around with the parts available to you and see what you find to be fitting.

Edit for clarification: Due to the fact that you won't be OCing and the computing needs of your sister, AMD will most likely be the most viable solution for this build (in terms of cpu, nvidia is fine for a gpu should you prefer that).
Click to expand...
Thanks for the response!

Well first off I'd like to say that I have never had any experience with AMD.. it's not more prone to giving her any kind of problems than Intel is it?

I will definitely be going with a cheaper graphic card.. because as I mentioned my sister nor her fiance play any pc games at all, so I basically just need a graphic card that will support the resolution to my understanding.

Also you didn't link the PSU lol, and I'm curious as to how many watts I need.. I was thinking of a 430w Thermaltake. $30 with rebate..

Do you think they will even need more than 4gb? I mean I have 8gb in my rig just because I could and it is so cheap. But it seems to me that concerning vista 4gb has been the sweet spot.
 
Last edited:
LilBuddy said:
Here is my suggestion:

GIGABYTE GA-73PVM-S2H LGA - $68.99

Intel Q8200 - $169.99

Samsung 500gb HD - $54.99

Samsung DVDRW - $25.99

Coolermaster 330 Case - $34.99

Thermaltake 430w PSU - $30.99

Corsair XMS2 2x1gb DDR2 - $9.99

Vista Home Premium - $104.99

Total - $500.92

If I was building for myself I'd spend a few extra and get a 640gb WD hd. It is hard beating prebuild PC's that include a keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor and OS. The OS and monitor are almost half of your budget. You could build what I have above with something like an E5300 and save $100 to get the monitor and other stuff.
Click to expand...

Missing the gpu >_<..
 
1. Corsair PSU link -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008

2. No the AMD Chip will be more prone to errors vs an intel counterpart.

3. Avoid using that thermaltake 430watt (especially for a quad core). It has sufficient power for the system, but I have used them extensively and have found them to be unreliable. Higher end thermaltake models are great, but that particular model (used to be less expensive) and was reminiscent of a generic PSU in its capabilities. You will not require a large scale power supply for this rig, 300+ continuous watts should be more than sufficient. However, reliability and better support and components/features become much more prevalent at only slightly higher prices such as the corsair i suggested.

Edit: Consider Seasonic, Antec, Silverstone, FSP etc. as they all make some high quality yet less expensive PSUs that should suit your needs well. Something along the lines of this will work as well http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371005

4. 4GB will be perfect for her needs, I was just rambling on about various options you have. Though there are some cheaper kits that may be worth a look to save $5 -$10.

5. You most definitely can drop to a cheaper video card, or if you must use onboard. I suggest an HD 3450 or 4350 or higher as they can be had for around $25 and will greatly outperform integrated solutions (lowering the cpu load for aero and other graphical applications).

PS: LilBuddy did include a GPU, it was built into his motherboard (integrated graphics).
 
I have used both AMD and Intel, she will not know the difference. The only problem you might have is if the motherboard for some reason doesn't support the processor right out of the box and needs a BIOS flash to support the processor. Just make sure it has native support out of the box by checking the manufactures website for supported CPU's.

Any graphic card that supports the native resolution of the monitor will be fine. Maybe you can getaway with a on board graphics's solution.

Just get a duel core CPU, their cheep and will do her fine.

The 430w Thermaltake will run it all fine as long as you don't get a high power graphic card.

She will be fine with 4gb.
 
LilBuddy said:
Here is my suggestion:

GIGABYTE GA-73PVM-S2H LGA - $68.99

Intel Q8200 - $169.99

Samsung 500gb HD - $54.99

Samsung DVDRW - $25.99

Coolermaster 330 Case - $34.99

Thermaltake 430w PSU - $30.99

Corsair XMS2 2x1gb DDR2 - $9.99

Vista Home Premium - $104.99

Total - $500.92

If I was building for myself I'd spend a few extra and get a 640gb WD hd. It is hard beating prebuild PC's that include a keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor and OS. The OS and monitor are almost half of your budget. You could build what I have above with something like an E5300 and save $100 to get the monitor and other stuff.

I hate when people try to compare a custom built PC to a store bought Dell or HP.
Click to expand...

Lol I apologize for my lack of knowledge. This looks really good only thing I would change is 4gb ram and a cheap gpu. Will save this and consider. Thanks.

GameSinewPCs said:
1. Corsair PSU link -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008

2. No the AMD Chip will be more prone to errors vs an intel counterpart.

3. Avoid using that thermaltake 430watt (especially for a quad core). It has sufficient power for the system, but I have used them extensively and have found them to be unreliable. Higher end thermaltake models are great, but that particular model (used to be less expensive) and was reminiscent of a generic PSU in its capabilities. You will not require a large scale power supply for this rig, 300+ continuous watts should be more than sufficient. However, reliability and better support and components/features become much more prevalent at only slightly higher prices such as the corsair i suggested.

Edit: Consider Seasonic, Antec, Silverstone, FSP etc. as they all make some high quality yet less expensive PSUs that should suit your needs well. Something along the lines of this will work as well http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371005

4. 4GB will be perfect for her needs, I was just rambling on about various options you have. Though there are some cheaper kits that may be worth a look to save $5 -$10.

5. You most definitely can drop to a cheaper video card, or if you must use onboard. I suggest an HD 3450 or 4350 or higher as they can be had for around $25 and will greatly outperform integrated solutions (lowering the cpu load for aero and other graphical applications).

PS: LilBuddy did include a GPU, it was built into his motherboard (integrated graphics).
Click to expand...

Yeah that corsair psu looks good, definitely willing to spend some extra money if it reduces the risk of things going wrong.

I'll look for cheaper ram, but I'm not getting any with no heat spreaders.

I think for the GPU I'll get a MSI 4350.. it got better reviews than sapphire and asus' versions of it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127390

Thanks for the help.

I'm still kind of debating whether I should go amd or intel..
 
Mr.DLucey said:
I have used both AMD and Intel, she will not know the difference. The only problem you might have is if the motherboard for some reason doesn't support the processor right out of the box and needs a BIOS flash to support the processor. Just make sure it has native support out of the box by checking the manufactures website for supported CPU's.

Any graphic card that supports the native resolution of the monitor will be fine. Maybe you can getaway with a on board graphics's solution.

Just get a duel core CPU, their cheep and will do her fine.

The 430w Thermaltake will run it all fine as long as you don't get a high power graphic card.

She will be fine with 4gb.
Click to expand...

Yeah I'm thinking of getting a dual core.. I mean an E8500 is cheaper than a Q6600
 
A Dual-core processor should be fine for what she does. And don't be afraid to go intel, just expect to pay more for the same level of performance (unless you're OCing). If you decide to go intel and dual core then I suggest considering the E5200 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116072 and this motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16813186145. If you decide to stay with AMD but go dual-core then consider the cpu I suggested previously the X2 4850e http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103255
 
Ya that E8500 is a really nice chip but think she would see the difference between that and a E5200. Theirs a $100 price difference.

Oh and their the "Wolfdale" cores. They are fairly new so make sure you get that "native support out of the box " on the motherboard so you don't have to flash the BIOS to use that chip.
 
GameSinewPCs said:
A Dual-core processor should be fine for what she does. And don't be afraid to go intel, just expect to pay more for the same level of performance (unless you're OCing). If you decide to go intel and dual core then I suggest considering the E5200 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116072 and this motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16813186145. If you decide to stay with AMD but go dual-core then consider the cpu I suggested previously the X2 4850e http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103255
Click to expand...

Lol, you got it backwards, it's AMD I'm not familiar with.

The E5300 has the same frequency as that athlon.. are they the same speed? What about the "architecture" I think it is..?

Mr.DLucey said:
Ya that E8500 is a really nice chip but think she would see the difference between that and a E5200. Theirs a $100 price difference.

Oh and their the "Wolfdale" cores. They are fairly new so make sure you get that "native support out of the box " on the motherboard so you don't have to flash the BIOS to use that chip.
Click to expand...

You're right, and this is exactly why I'm here! Thanks.
 
No, I just worded it poorly, sorry. What I had meant to say was don't be afraid to stay with a company (intel) that you've used in the past and feel secured in using. If a company proves to be reliable and they're not scamming you out of $XXX then it is completely viable to support that company. However, performance/dollar AMD is the way to go (if you have no particular preference). The e5200 will be slightly faster than the athlon due to their differing chip architectures. However, the differences in day to day use will be completely negligible (performance/clock on the intels is faster). And that motherboard natively supports the E5200,
 
Sumtime19 said:
The E5300 has the same frequency as that athlon.. are they the same speed? What about the "architecture" I think it is..?
Click to expand...

Clock, for clock, right now, the Intel chips are faster.

Well the architecture is nothing you need to worry about in this discussion, but no their not the same. Nor does that mean anything, they will both run the computer just fine. AMD will probably be cheaper. But you get what you pay for. I would set a price point in my mind say $80. I would get the best AMD chip I could for this price. Don't shop solely on GHz.

Oh and with AMD theirs a AM2 chips and AM2+. The AM2+ are the newer ones. I personally would get a AM2+ motherboard to have the most expandable in the future if you want to upgrade the CPU later.
 
Mr.DLucey said:
Clock, for clock, right now, the Intel chips are faster.

Well the architecture is nothing you need to worry about in this discussion, but no their not the same. Nor does that mean anything, they will both run the computer just fine. AMD will probably be cheaper. But you get what you pay for. I would set a price point in my mind say $80. I would get the best AMD chip I could for this price. Don't shop solely on GHz.

Oh and with AMD theirs a AM2 chips and AM2+. The AM2+ are the newer ones. I personally would get a AM2+ motherboard to have the most expandable in the future if you want to upgrade the CPU later.
Click to expand...

Okay with this in mind this is what I got..

AMD X2 6000 3.1GHz

ZOTAC GF8100-A-E AM2+/AM2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813500014


Applying the same thing to intel :

Intel E5200 2.5GHz

GIGABYTE GA-G31M-ES2L
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128357

Am I being too cheap with the mobos? Perhaps I shouldn't get a micro?
 
Those are good basic mobos. The good thing about the micro boards is they have onboard GPU's. If they are not gaming or anything I would go with the onboard. Just about all store bought PC's that are under $1000 have onboard video.

I'd get the E5200 with the micro board and no other GPU. The OCZ PSU's are good for the money too (around $40-50.
 
I say go for the AMD Athlon X2 7750 with a Foxconn A7GM-S. That will give you a pretty fast CPU and a motherboard with decent onboard graphics, eliminating the need for a separate graphics card.

From what I've seen so far, nobody has listed an operating system. So, unless you plan on giving your sister a Linux PC or a pirated copy of Windows, you'd better cut some costs or at another $100 to your budget.

If she doesn't need a quad core, why spend $150~$200 on one? I recommend getting a cheaper CPU and using the saved money to get her a legal copy of Windows.
 
GameSinewPCs said:
2. No the AMD Chip will be more prone to errors vs an intel counterpart.
Click to expand...

I read this wrong the first time. It is? Damn.. I just finished picking out the whole build with going AMD. Price/preformance is better but it's also more likely to give problems :-/..


Well anyway.. heres what I have.

COOLER MASTER Centurion 5.. $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119068

Western Digital 640GB $74.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218

Foxconn A7GM-S $66.99 (Should I get this or the Zodac?)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813186141

CORSAIR 400w $37.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008

Logitech S-220 Speakers $22.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121014

Microsoft Comfort Curve 2000 Keyboard + Mouse $19.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109156

CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) $26.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184

AMD Athlon 64 X2 7750 $78.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103300

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 64 bit $99.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488


OVERALL: $515.16

Thoughts?

Oh and about the video card.. I have an 8800gt in my current rig, and a 9500gt in my other computer.. not to long from now I'm going to upgrade my my gpu, and give the 8800gt to my other computer and then I'll stick the 9500 in my sisters computer.
 
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