$1k - $1.5k System - Requesting opinions/suggestions

Lthe nathan on 02/10/2013 - 16:07

Hi all,
I'm wondering if someone/everyone could help me in the construction of a computer for my brother.
He wants a computer that you can surf the internet and download torrents worry free (i.e. at high speeds).
I'd also opt to include a decent video card in there so when I use it can I can play some games on it (atm… POE). He's given me a budget of approx $1000, with a hard cap of $1500 (ignoring peripheral).

I've recently been surfing the net just looking at what other people recommend at this budget. I'm wondering whether anyone could offer up some opinions on parts/alternatives/problems with the build I've pieced together. I have no intention of overclocking or having dual videocards in the future. He did however state that he want more than 1 USB3 port at the front of the case.

I have the knowledge/skill to assemble the computer myself, but in all honesty I can't be bothered. We're happy for a shop to build it.

I've been play around with Umart and their custom build option and this is what I've come up with:
$249 Intel Core i5 4670 LGA1150 CPU 3.4Ghz 6Mb Cache Haswell
$91 ASUS B85M-G/B85/4 x DDR3/1 x PCI-E/4 x SATA3/4 x USB3.0/HDMI/DVI/D-SUB/GBLAN/RAID/mATX
$93 Kingston 8G(2x4G) DDR3 1600MHz CL9 HyperX
$138 Seagate SATA3 3TB 7200RPM Barracuda 64mb Cache
$109 Samsung 120GB SSD 840 EVO SATA III 6Gbs 7mm 2.5inch 540MB/410MB
$219 Gigabyte GV-N660OC-2GD GTX660 2GB,1033/6008MhZ,HDMI
$18 Samsung SATA Black Internal DVD�RW Drive
$77 Corsair Carbide Series 200R Compact ATX Case - A compact, builder-friendly case designed for qu
$99 Corsair CX-600M Modular ATX Power Supply, 80 PLUS Bronze Certified, Power Supply You Can
$1234 TOTAL (including (what appears to be) a $141 assembly fee (ouch)($1093 for parts alone))

Any suggestions would be appreciated. TBH I don't really know if I'm going overkill in some areas and then lacking in others.

Oh and I'm not married to Umart, I know MSY as well as others build to order.

Thanks.

Computing

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Umart
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Comments

  • stream78m on 02/10/2013 - 16:23
    +2

    Check out iibuy. I have recently purchased the following computer and its pretty cheap considering its quality components.

    http://www.iibuy.com.au/-desktop-pcs-powerful-gaming-desktop…

    However its complete overkill for browsing and downloading. Seriously an I3 system is more than good enough for this.

    • the nathan on 02/10/2013 - 16:39

      I'll have a look, thanks.

      Yeah, though I want to give it a bit of grunt for my own (selfish) personal use.

    • the nathan on 02/10/2013 - 16:48

      I don't mind the look of some of these systems.
      Might even have to consider one for myself…

      Thanks again.

  • ethereal88 on 02/10/2013 - 17:30

    You can download torrents full speed on a $44 G1610, as long as you have a separate dump drive so you are not I/O bound. Yes, that low. I would recommend as a basic cheap all rounder:

    • FX 6300
    • Asus M5A97 R2
    • 7870
    • 8GB RAM
    • Antec HCG-620M
    • Corsair Carbide 300R

    plus a HDD + SSD. You don't need an i5. Avoid iibuy, eh.

    EDIT: New GPU's incoming within a month so you may want to wait.

  • jimborino on 02/10/2013 - 20:44
    +1

    new AMD cards soon. May be worth waiting to check it out.

    • scrimshaw on 02/10/2013 - 23:32
      +2

      Just use integrated Intel HD for the moment. I don't see why you have to hold off on an entire system just to wait for a new GPU to arrive.

      Anyway for an all-rounder system, a FX6300 build like one here:

      CPU: AMD FX-6300 – $135
      Mobo: ASRock 980DE3-U3S3 – $69
      RAM: Patriot S 8GB Kit (4GB x2) DDR3 1600 – $80
      HDD: Seagate Barracuda 2TB – $95
      GPU: Sapphire 7850 2GB OC – $197 [Or integrated]
      Case+PSU: Thermaltake Versa II USB3 w/ 500W Litepower – $72
      ODD: MSI 20x DVD Writer – $16
      Optionals: SSD, Wireless adapter, Windows and periphery + $200 give or take.

      Is already sufficient for a large variety of tasks, save for extreme/high end gaming.

      If you're serious about gaming, say if Battlefield 4 is on your list of to play games, I'd say you should spend the extra on the Core i5 build.

      • ethereal88 on 03/10/2013 - 07:17
        -1

        Don't build a new PC on an outdated dead chipset. 970/AM3+ minimum.

  • the nathan on 03/10/2013 - 08:50

    So much more to consider… Thank you all.
    Although you've all provided me with MORE to think about, it has helped significantly.

    I'll have a rethink.

  • steve_asdfg on 03/10/2013 - 08:55

    Check out http://www.cplonline.com.au/
    They post a deal on here every Thursday morning, always seems to be good value (I've been waiting for it all week)

  • Brouw3r on 03/10/2013 - 10:49
    +1

    I got mine built from MSY at the start of the year for $80 labour.

    I found:
    Coolermaster N400 USB3.0 Side Window Case $59 which meets your 2 USB3.0 on the front requirement.
    Antec Neo Eco 620C 80Plus Bronze 620W PSU $89 for cheaper
    G.Skill Ares 8GB Kit (4Gx2) DDR3 1600 $86 cheaper (and better reviews on newegg)

  • Medrad on 03/10/2013 - 16:06

    Check out PCMeal on eBay. They are a bricks and mortar store in Sydney but post Aus wide. They have a full range of budget to top-end PC's for sale. I purchased my gaming rig from them including on-site warranty (I live in VIC) for ~$1600. They are great with communication and any issues or concerns you have they are happy to answer before purchasing.

    • the nathan on 03/10/2013 - 17:01

      Yeah I've come across them when looking on eBay in the past.
      I'll have another look at them now that I have a better idea of the build/components I'm going for.

  • frewer on 04/10/2013 - 14:41
    +1

    Check out gumtree.com if you dont mind a few months old PC. I bought a i5 3570k at bargain price for my wife.
    EDIT: The kid built it then decided doesn't like it any more lol … typical teenager.

    • the nathan on 08/10/2013 - 10:26

      Will do. Though knowing my brother, he won't want any "second hand crap"… (wouldn't bother me)

  • Ventak on 09/10/2013 - 17:42

    How'd you get the cheaper prices? I checked Umart prices (Melbourne store) and it's more expensive (eg. $85 for your case, not $77).

    • the nathan on 10/10/2013 - 12:58

      I was looking at the Milton store (Brisbane). It may have also been on special at the time I did the above list.

      Edit: just looked online again, yep, it must have been on special. It's back up to $85 (as you mentioned).

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