1st PC Build...Advice for a forum newbie

L

lukesow

New Member
Hi, My name is Luke and I am new to the forum!
I have a BSc Hons in Computer Science and am currently training to become a Computing and ICT teacher.

I have never built a PC on my own before although I understand what it entails.

My friend (an older man) asked me to build him a PC for Christmas. He said it doesn't have to be for gaming or that, just as long as it is powerful, quick and has lots of memory for storing data.

He has a budget of £300. I am not looking to make profit by the way! Anyway, I came up with these two lists. Could you run your eye over them and offer me advice. I will need to order these Thurs morning in order to have the parts delivered in time to build this weekend.

If you can come up with better a spec or a better deal then feel free to say so. If you think any of these would meet his requirements then please give me feedback!

Thanks in advance and I look forward to contributing to this forum!

PS: He doesn't need a monitor, mouse, keyboard etc.....you get the picture!


Hard Drive - £75.96
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/320901601650?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Motherboard Bundle - £139.99
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190724950799?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Graphics Card - £35.00
http://www.ebuyer.com/272721-xfx-hd-6450-1gb-ddr3-dvi-hdmi-low-profile-graphics-card-hd-645x-znh2

Case & Power Supply - £19.98
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360516214858?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

CD/DVD Drive - £14.20
http://www.ebuyer.com/176026-liteon-ihas124-sata-dvd-write-optical-drive-oem-ihas124-19


Total Price = £285.13

Or

Motherboard Bundle - £178.99
http://www.amazon.co.uk/PRE-ASSEMBL...1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1354720856&sr=1-1

Case & Power Supply = £25.99
http://www.amazon.co.uk/CiT-Black-I...1_9?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1354721423&sr=1-9

CD/DVD Drive - £14.20
http://www.ebuyer.com/176026-liteon-ihas124-sata-dvd-write-optical-drive-oem-ihas124-19

Hard Drive – £55.68
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Western-Dig...1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1354721519&sr=1-1

Total = £274.86
 
Gonna be hard with 300.
Where's the OS?
The mb's are pretty old chipset with a new socket on it.
No need for graphics card with this need/budget.
Get power supply and case separately.

Get a 7200rpm hdd. 1TB is a good pricepoint for space but with 300 budget, smaller might be better. Space is easy to add down the road.
 
Benny Boy said:
Gonna be hard with 300.
Where's the OS?
The mb's are pretty old chipset with a new socket on it.
No need for graphics card with this need/budget.
Get power supply and case separately.

Get a 7200rpm hdd. 1TB is a good pricepoint for space but with 300 budget, smaller might be better. Space is easy to add down the road.
Click to expand...

Hi, thanks for your reply.

I have the OS already purchased for him. The £300 budget is just for components needed to build it.

Excuse me, but can you elaborate on what you mean by "The mb's are pretty old chipset with a new socket on it."

Also, any suggestions as to why I should get case and power supply seperately.

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback
 
Hi again,

I would really appreciate some help. I want to order everything by mid-day today!

I have taken the above advice on board and come up with this.

Overclockers
Use code 'GSLXFREESHIP' for free DPD next day delivery

Motherboard - £80
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-555-AS

Processor - £89.99
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-366-IN&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=

Case - £32.99
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-060-AE&groupid=2362&catid=2278&subcat=

Power Supply - £18.98
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-062-OP

Hard Drive 1TB - £54.98
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-024-TS

CD-DVD Drive - £18.98
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CD-090-LG&groupid=701&catid=10&subcat=

RAM – 8GB (2x4GB) - £39.95
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-299-CS

Total = £335.87

Granted I may have to come up with a cheaper case with a power supply thrown in but what do you think of this.
 
I come up with these for £305. It would suit what his need at the moment, and if eventually if he need to upgrade it, it give him better options.

Intel Pentium Dual Core G2120
http://www.ebuyer.com/393560-intel-...-3-10ghz-skt1155-3mb-cache-boxed-bx80637g2120

Gigabyte GA-Z77-DS3H
http://www.ebuyer.com/386271-gigaby...7-1-channel-audio-atx-motherboard-ga-z77-ds3h

Crucial 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600Mhz
http://www.ebuyer.com/342352-crucial-8gb-ddr3-1600mhz-ballistix-sport-memory-bls2cp4g3d1609ds1s00ceu

Liteon 24x Int. Dvdrw Black Sata
http://www.ebuyer.com/411746-liteon-24x-int-dvdrw-black-sata-ihas124-04

Seagate 1.5TB 3.5" SATA-III 6Gb/s Barracuda Hard Drive - 5900RPM 64MB Cache
http://www.ebuyer.com/248581-seagate-1-5tb-barracuda-hard-drive-st1500dl003

Antec VP450P 450W PSU - 120mm Fan 4x SATA 1x PCI-E
http://www.ebuyer.com/245675-antec-450w-psu-120mm-fan-vp450-4x-sata-1x-pci-e-0761345-06451-4

Casecom JL-68 All Black Case
http://www.ebuyer.com/367338-computer-case-jl-68


In future, if he want more power, he could upgrade to i5/ i7 CPU, get a SSD drive and with good 450W PSU, he could get a mid-range graphic card like 7750.
 
Last edited:
lukesow said:
Hi again,

I would really appreciate some help. I want to order everything by mid-day today!

I have taken the above advice on board and come up with this.

Overclockers
Use code 'GSLXFREESHIP' for free DPD next day delivery

Motherboard - £80
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MB-555-AS

Processor - £89.99
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-366-IN&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=

Case - £32.99
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-060-AE&groupid=2362&catid=2278&subcat=

Power Supply - £18.98
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-062-OP

Hard Drive 1TB - £54.98
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-024-TS

CD-DVD Drive - £18.98
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CD-090-LG&groupid=701&catid=10&subcat=

RAM – 8GB (2x4GB) - £39.95
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-299-CS

Total = £335.87

Granted I may have to come up with a cheaper case with a power supply thrown in but what do you think of this.
Click to expand...

Case no good. That only take micro-atx mobo
Xigmatek Asgard III
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-056-XG&groupid=2362&catid=2277&subcat=

PSU no good. Unknown brand, unknown quality. (Corsair CX430 is good budget choice, but it is out of stock...)
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-146-AN&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=

RAM - Don't see the need of spending extra £10 for that. I don't see your friend would overclock
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-094-KS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517
And DDR 2133 is for £36!?
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-064-PA&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1387
 
Last edited:
daisymtc said:
Case no good. That only take micro-atx mobo
Xigmatek Asgard III
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-056-XG&groupid=2362&catid=2277&subcat=

PSU no good. Unknown brand, unknown quality. (Corsair CX430 is good budget choice, but it is out of stock...)
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-146-AN&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=

RAM - Don't see the need of spending extra £10 for that. I don't see your friend would overclock
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-094-KS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517
And DDR 2133 is for £36!?
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-064-PA&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1387
Click to expand...


Thank you very very much for that feedback. I really appreciate it.
So if I change my order with your suggestions, is that everything I need to proceed. I'm ready to place an order now and want to ensure I have got everything correct.
 
what you mean by "The mb's are pretty old chipset with a new socket on it
Click to expand...
The 1st mbs(motherboards)had old technology.
Also, any suggestions as to why I should get case and power supply seperately.
Click to expand...
Because basically, you get what you pay for in ps(power supply). PS is very important so don't skimp. And it's about amps, not the watts it says it has(which can be misleading depending on the brand and model).

Following daisy's lead, here's other options.

Changed the hdd and ram to allow a little better mb and an i3 @ 3.3GHz. Didn't lose quality on the hdd/ram, just space(altho it is 7200rpm)/ and 4gb ram instead of 8. 4 will be plenty. Both hdd and ram are easy future additions if ever needed.

The VP450 or the CX 430 are good for the budget and will power the system much more reliably than a ps w/case combo. The go with the CX if it's in stock. It was when I made this list.

If you can go a lil higher then you can get a case that comes with 2 fans for less than the 335 in your other build.
If they like...
Casecom JL-68 All Black Case
http://www.ebuyer.com/367338-computer-case-jl-68
...get a 12cm fan for the back.

It's 275 w/o case.

http://orders.ebuyer.com/customer/shopping/index.html?action=c2hvd2NhcnQ%3D
 
Last edited:
Benny Boy said:
The 1st mbs(motherboards)had old technology.
Because basically, you get what you pay for in ps(power supply). PS is very important so don't skimp. And it's about amps, not the watts it says it has(which can be misleading depending on the brand and model).

Following daisy's lead, here's other options.

Changed the hdd and ram to allow a little better mb and an i3 @ 3.3GHz. Didn't lose quality on the hdd/ram, just space(altho it is 7200rpm)/ and 4gb ram instead of 8. 4 will be plenty. Both hdd and ram are easy future additions if ever needed.

The VP450 or the CX 430 are good for the budget and will power the system much more reliably than a ps w/case combo. The go with the CX if it's in stock. It was when I made this list.

If you can go a lil higher then you can get a case that comes with 2 fans for less than the 335 in your other build.
If they like...
Casecom JL-68 All Black Case
http://www.ebuyer.com/367338-computer-case-jl-68
...get a 12cm fan for the back.

It's 275 w/o case.

http://orders.ebuyer.com/customer/shopping/index.html?action=c2hvd2NhcnQ%3D
Click to expand...

Thanks for that. That's a great help. Would you fancy going through ebuyer and "building" me a list of everything as if u were going to make the pc for someone.
That would be a great help. I like the sound of the i3 but its up to you. You guys are the experts here, not me. If you could help I would be delighted
 
I guess that link doesn't work w/o my cookies lol.

With that budget, for everyday fast general purpose -

this if Intel...
http://www.ebuyer.com/351598-gigabyte-ga-z77-d3h-socket-1155-vga-dvi-hdmi-8-channel-audio-atx-motherboard-ga-z77-d3h
http://www.ebuyer.com/254978-intel-core-i3-2120-3-3ghz-socket-1155-3mb-l3-cache-retail-boxed-bx80623i32120

this if AMD..
http://www.ebuyer.com/398815-amd-a8-5600k-black-edition-3-6ghz-socket-fm2-4mb-l2-cache-retail-ad560kwohjbox
http://www.ebuyer.com/406359-gigabyte-ga-f2a85x-up4-a85x-socket-fm2-vga-dvi-hdmi-displayport-7-1-channel-audio-ga-f2a85x-up4

with..
http://www.ebuyer.com/274405-corsair-4gb-ddr3-1600mhz-xms3-memory-cmx4gx3m2b1600c9
http://www.ebuyer.com/272944-seagate-500gb-barracuda-internal-hard-drive-st500dm002
http://www.ebuyer.com/409011-samsung-24x-dvd-writer-sata-sh-224bb
http://www.ebuyer.com/271798-corsair-430w-v2-cx-series-psu-cp-9020046-uk

The AMD is quad core and @ 3.6GHz and can go higher so I would go with that for a rig that won't need a video card and it already has better graphics capabilities than the i3's integrated graphics. Not that you'd see a diff on the screen, depends on what they're doing, but better nonetheless. The i3 setup has more options for cpu upgrading but it seems it would be years before this user would need to if even then. And by then there would be new tech. I'd go with the AMD APU and it will also prolong any needed/wanted cpu upgrade. Nice mb too. The pricing is about the same.

As far as case, it's personal preference. Look for:
ATX mb support.
Bottom mount ps.
front and rear fan.
Cut-outs in the mb tray (where the mb screws onto) so cables can be routed behind the tray instead of in the open area of the case.

If after that I had a little more money I'd get faster memory and/or more memory, or a bigger hdd if I needed more space right away. But as is they should be very happy with the performance.
 
Benny Boy said:
I guess that link doesn't work w/o my cookies lol.

With that budget, for everyday fast general purpose -

this if Intel...
http://www.ebuyer.com/351598-gigabyte-ga-z77-d3h-socket-1155-vga-dvi-hdmi-8-channel-audio-atx-motherboard-ga-z77-d3h
http://www.ebuyer.com/254978-intel-core-i3-2120-3-3ghz-socket-1155-3mb-l3-cache-retail-boxed-bx80623i32120

this if AMD..
http://www.ebuyer.com/398815-amd-a8-5600k-black-edition-3-6ghz-socket-fm2-4mb-l2-cache-retail-ad560kwohjbox
http://www.ebuyer.com/406359-gigabyte-ga-f2a85x-up4-a85x-socket-fm2-vga-dvi-hdmi-displayport-7-1-channel-audio-ga-f2a85x-up4

with..
http://www.ebuyer.com/274405-corsair-4gb-ddr3-1600mhz-xms3-memory-cmx4gx3m2b1600c9
http://www.ebuyer.com/272944-seagate-500gb-barracuda-internal-hard-drive-st500dm002
http://www.ebuyer.com/409011-samsung-24x-dvd-writer-sata-sh-224bb
http://www.ebuyer.com/271798-corsair-430w-v2-cx-series-psu-cp-9020046-uk

The AMD is quad core and @ 3.6GHz and can go higher so I would go with that for a rig that won't need a video card and it already has better graphics capabilities than the i3's integrated graphics. Not that you'd see a diff on the screen, depends on what they're doing, but better nonetheless. The i3 setup has more options for cpu upgrading but it seems it would be years before this user would need to if even then. And by then there would be new tech. I'd go with the AMD APU and it will also prolong any needed/wanted cpu upgrade. Nice mb too. The pricing is about the same.

As far as case, it's personal preference. Look for:
ATX mb support.
Bottom mount ps.
front and rear fan.
Cut-outs in the mb tray (where the mb screws onto) so cables can be routed behind the tray instead of in the open area of the case.

If after that I had a little more money I'd get faster memory and/or more memory, or a bigger hdd if I needed more space right away. But as is they should be very happy with the performance.
Click to expand...

Thank you, this is the response I have been waiting for, a breakdown of a full system!

would this RAM be better tho, 8GB
http://www.ebuyer.com/264750-g-skill-8gb-ddr3-1600mhz-ripjawsx-memory-f3-12800cl9d-8gbxl
 
spirit said:
Yeah I have that RAM it's good but be aware it is tall. It does fit under the Freezer 13, I have that too.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that, Which case would you go for?

are there any other hidden costs i'm not thinking about such as kettle leads or other cables. I'm guessing I could just use the cables from his old PC!
 
Quick question, I have jiggled around with the list and reduced the price to £314 before postage. Could I compromise on that motherboard some in order to reduce the price or shall I just get the 4GB RAM
 
lukesow said:
here is a link to the list i have created
http://www.ebuyer.com/lists/list/108801
Click to expand...
With APU faster memory is better, and if your going to spend more on 8gb anyways, go ahead and get 1866.
http://www.ebuyer.com/370081-corsair-8gb-ddr3-1866mhz-vengeance-low-profile-memory-cml8gx3m2a1866c9r
It says Low Profile and that's good, even tho the pic is a taller model.

That hdd is still the 5900rpm. You want 7200rpm because the 5900 will be slow and hdd is already the bottleneck. Get fewer gb's if you have to, or more money :)

Don't know about the case yet.

edit: all the cabling will come with the parts or ps.
Change to this mb and 1866 and see how much it all is w/o a case.
http://www.ebuyer.com/406360-gigaby...-1-channel-audio-atx-motherboard-ga-f2a75-d3h

It's 272 like this and no case yet.

AMD A8 5600K Black Edition 3.6GHz Socket FM2 4MB L2 Cache Retail Boxed Processor

Gigabyte GA-F2A75-D3H Socket FM2 VGA DVI HDMI 7.1 Channel Audio ATX Motherboard

Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2x4GB) 1866MHz DDR3 Low Profile Memory Kit

Seagate 500GB 3.5" SATA-III 6Gb/s Barracuda Hard Drive 7200RPM 16MB Cache

Corsair 430W CX Builder Series 80 Plus Bronze PSU 3 Year Warranty

Samsung 24x DVD Writer SATA - Retail Box Version



Might find a 7200rpm 1TB Samsung F3 or Seagate here. Depends on shipping cost.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/search/ref=sr_in_-2_p_4_50?rh=n%3A340831031%2Ck%3Ainternal+hard+drive+1tb%2Cp_4%3ASamsung%7CSeagate%7CWestern+Digital&bbn=340831031&sort=price&keywords=internal+hard+drive+1tb&ie=UTF8&qid=1354834633&rnid=419150031#/ref=sr_kk_2?rh=i%3Acomputers%2Ck%3Ainternal+hard+drive+1tb&keywords=internal+hard+drive+1tb&ie=UTF8&qid=1354834731
 
Last edited:
I have decided to go with this I think...Do you reckon this is a good build

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/giga...gb-s-raid-pcie-20-(x16)-d-sub-dvi-d-hdmi-matx

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/amd-...-36ghz-amd-radeon-hd-7560d-760mhz-100w-retail

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/8gb-...0-(1333)-non-ecc-unbuffered-cas-9-9-9-24-150v

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/1tb-...00d)-35-hdd-sata-iii-6gb-s-7200rpm-32mb-cache

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/430w...-bronze-eff-uncertified-quiet-fan-atx-v23-psu

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/sony-ad-5280s-0b-24x-dvdr-12xdvddl-dvdplusrw-x8-rwx6-sata-black-oem

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/tsunami-gaming-manager-black-mid-tower-case-w-o-psu

Plus two anti static wrist bands with crocodile clips
Plus a 28 day insurance which covers all parts during installation for 28 days
Plus delivery to Northern Ireland

Grand Total = £308.25
 
Can someone please verify this for me as I am ready to click the purchase button!
If I get the go ahead and that I haven't missed something out then I am good to go. I just need reassurance that all this is compatible etc
 
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