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NeedaComputer

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Haven't built a computer for 2 or 3 years now. Just wondering what the going base is for Processor/Motherboard. My brother in law wants to build one. Budget is $400 to $800.
Does anyone know of a great combo deal at newegg where I can start the research?
 
Thanks for the reply. Looks like if he goes AMD, we'd be looking at an FX4100 paired with an 880G chipset mother board. Is there a better option?
I see that the 900 series is the newest and best, but there is no integrated graphics. Is the HD4250 the latest onboard graphics controller?
Thanks again for any help!
 
NeedaComputer said:
Thanks for the reply. Looks like if he goes AMD, we'd be looking at an FX4100 paired with an 880G chipset mother board. Is there a better option?
I see that the 900 series is the newest and best, but there is no integrated graphics. Is the HD4250 the latest onboard graphics controller?
Thanks again for any help!
Click to expand...

What is this for? if it's not for gaming or professional editing or 3d stuff, then intel would be better for him.

And AMD is still a good option for cheaper, but bulldozer/FX sorta stinks compared even to the AMD Phenom II's, and for what he wants an i3 would prob be better than that.
 
It's a work computer esentially. There will be no gaming. If there is, it won't be a new game. He still wants a fast computer and has set a loose goal of $500. I was just looking into the Phenom AM3 area. I personally have only build amd systems, so I'm pretty green when it comes to Intel. Although my work laptop is an i5 and I think that is the speed he would be happy with.
 
 
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Thanks for the build! One more starting point for us to explore. Although I forgot to mention that he needs to include a Monitor in this price ($100- $150).
Which items would you think best to sacrifice if I went the intel route?
I was considering an SSD as well, but it sounded like the performance gains weren't enough to justify the price. What do you think?
Thanks again for the input.
 
From that, the cpu is pretty much the only thing you can. Other than a few bucks less on the case, which that one looks good and is pretty good for cable management, the mobo and psu could go down, but a cheap psu or mobo is a terrible idea, not to be considered. And what programs is he using, can help with deciding i3 or 960T, And do you happen to live near a microcenter, they do great cpu/mobo combo deals.
 
I don't know what programs he'll use. I think Microsoft Office, Chrome and browsing pictures and loading HD Movies from his camera. Maybe editing the movies. I can't imagine anything more. Why types of programs would be better on the AMD vs the Intel? Is it a real difference, or is it just on paper. He won't be benchmarking his system.
 
That`s a really solid build jonny put together, as you are not a gamer there is no need for a dedicated graphics card, intel has just released a new driver for the hd graphics on 1155 socket and it is quite a big jump in performance, i would go intel.
 
Well it depends on your budget and what you want to get, sometimes you have to balance the level of items you buy with what items you buy.

For instance if you got an i3 instead of an i5, so your budget could also include an ssd.

My son`s pc has a core i3 2100 3.1 ghz, and is nice and fast, performs pretty well in benchmarks, can run every piece of software i have put in it, photoshop etc, and can run a lot of decent games.
 
Again, is there a microcenter near you? that would help to knock a big chunk out so you could afford a monitor and an i5
 
He has his heart set on a Phenom II x4 960T http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16819103995
And the ASUS M5A88-V EVO AM3+ AMD 880G http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16813131733

Also these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16817139026
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?item=N82E16824236059
with GSkill 1333 ram, 2tb Barracouda Green, and the Antec 300 case. It's running him something like $715.

Are there any red flags in that build?
Also, we do have a MicroCenter about 45 minutes away we could go to.

Thanks again for all the advice!
 
It will all work. For a few bucks more, I would probably go with DDR3 1600. Plus the power supply will work since he will be using onboard, I would go with the Corsair CX 500/Silverstone ST50F-ES 500W. To give him alittle over head just in case he decided to upgrade the video at a later date
 
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