Need Help w/ CPU+Mobo Combo for Budget Build

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ezefosure

New Member
I want to build a new budget build desktop. I want to go AMD since they are much cheaper, but I honestly know next to nothing about AMD. I'm looking for a good chip under 125 USD.

Although it is over what I'm looking for, I've seen that the FX-8320 has an amazing performance for the price according to benchmarks. However, I see that AMD recently released their Richland A-series desktop processors. Since I know very little about AMD, it's hard for me to put things into perspective and make a decision on what processor to go with.

The desktop is going to be mostly used for Virtual Machines (VMware/VirtualBox) and some light gaming. I'm doing some experimenting w/ Windows Server and GNS3 at the moment, which my laptop can't handle very well. I plan to install 2*8 gb of RAM on my new build to give me the ability to go to 32 gb in the future (doubt it'll be necessary tho).
 
johnb35

johnb35

Administrator
Staff member
If you will be doing light gaming then you will want to go an AM3+ build with a dedicated video card.

You are probably looking at maybe either one of the following. Doubt you would actually need the 8320 though, would suggest the 6350.

fx4350 - quad core - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113326 129.99
fx6350 - six core - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113327 139.99
fx8320 - eight core - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113285 159.99

Motherboard - Gigabyte 970a-ud3 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128519 109.99
 
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ezefosure

New Member
I like the fx6350. Think I might go with that.

However, I'm sure I could go cheaper on the Mobo by getting one that doesn't support crossfire/SLI.
 
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ezefosure

New Member
I don't want to go completely cheap on the motherboard. However, I'm only doing light gaming - I don't plan on buying a high-end graphics card nor do I plan on using SLI/crossfire. And I won't be using the extra PCIe slot for a SSD or anything. I'm sure it'd be cheaper to get a similar board w/o that feature.

I also don't plan on doing any overclocking w/ this build. I'll be running everything on stock speeds. I think the FX-6350 should be sufficient for that. I simply need the computer to run a few VMs and/or a few Emulated Routers/Switches at once, and I'm sure since I'm mostly experimenting instead of putting any of those systems under load, RAM (and sufficient hard drive space for all those VMs) will be much more important than CPU.

Additionally, I only need this budget build for a year or so. In the future I'll probably build a higher power machine. I want to go budget now since this is (hopefully) temporary.
 
johnb35

johnb35

Administrator
Staff member
Boards with only 1 graphics slot would mean you would have to drop to the 760g chipset and only a few boards(asrock/biostar) have the Sata 3 option.

I would recommend staying with the 970 chipset, gives you better motherboard quality.

You could save $20 bucks by using one of these.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128521 89.99 but out of stock right now.

or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131872 84.99 in stock.

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157364 74.99

Or either one of these.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...IsNodeId=1&name=MSI&ShowDeactivatedMark=False
 
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ZeroSec

ZeroSec

New Member
My build is in my sig, it was under 1200$ and it runs like a dream. (1200$ not including the upgrading of my cooling to water because i oc.) if you dont get a ssd or as much ram it would be quite cheaper though.
 
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ezefosure

New Member
I don't think I'll be getting a SSD, but I will be looking to include as much RAM as your build (or maybe even more). However, I'm hoping to keep the final build well under $1000.

I'll probably be using an old HDD, old PSU, and wait to get a new GPU tho (start w/ an old DX9 card). Since about a 3rd of my components will be old, hopefully I'll be able to keep my initial purchase under $500.
 
ZeroSec

ZeroSec

New Member
ezefosure said:
I don't think I'll be getting a SSD, but I will be looking to include as much RAM as your build (or maybe even more). However, I'm hoping to keep the final build well under $1000.

I'll probably be using an old HDD, old PSU, and wait to get a new GPU tho (start w/ an old DX9 card). Since about a 3rd of my components will be old, hopefully I'll be able to keep my initial purchase under $500.
Click to expand...


Case-ThermalTake Chaser MK-1 (150$ but there are obviously cheaper cases)
Motherboard-ASUS SABERTOOTH 990FX (190$)
GraphicsCard-MSI RadeonHD7770 (this was only 120$ but i think i got it on sale)
RAM-Corsair VENGENANCE 16gb (130$)
Processor-AMD FX-8320 (around 150$)
= 740$
So if you got a cheaper case, not as much ram, and even a quad core instead of 8 core processor you would be in your budget area.

I am very happy with my build and I don't feel the need to upgrade for quite a long time, personally i feel that it's better to buy something that will last (though you may be a little over budget) then buy something that you'll have to spend more on in a year or less
 
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