$800-$1000 Desktop Setup Suggestions?

-.- on 22/08/2014 - 22:04
Last edited 22/08/2014 - 22:05

Looking for a suitable desktop configuration at around the $800 - $1000 mark, can go higher.
I'm not looking for a gaming rig, but rather something that's fast for general activities, some gaming (though not hardcore by any standard) some photo editing, and the very occasional video editing. That being said, a half decent graphics card is still needed, probably no better than R9 280X

Was thinking of getting the SanDisk Extreme II 480GB SSD with mounts. Although what's the deal with the new M.2 form factor?

Old desktop had
* DVD Drive (Reusable)
* PSU (http://www.i-tech.com.au/products/143930_Powercase_PowerCase…) (Don't know whether it's worth reusing, since PSU's are cheap anyway)
* Motherboard (http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Product/Product_Detail.aspx…)
* Graphics (http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Product/Product_Detail.aspx…)both of which need replacing as they're severely outdated, particularly as I need SATA 3 on my motherboard to get the best out of the SSD.
* Processor was a first gen i3-530 that did its job well, but it's probably time for an upgrade. (http://ark.intel.com/products/46472/Intel-Core-i3-530-Proces…)
* Heatsink: Intel e41997-002
* Some generic case

Already have Windows 8.1 and all peripherals (That being said a new IPS monitor wouldn't hurt) and I will need a new case for the new setup.

Thanks all in advance! (I used http://www.logicalincrements.com/# as a rough starting point)

Computing

Comments

  • kathmandu-jeff on 22/08/2014 - 23:33

    Don't bother with the M.2 ssd. They are just a different form factor (like msata) but can also supports pci express. A sata ssd will be fine for your needs.

  • steff on 23/08/2014 - 00:06

    A good PSU is never cheap mate. That being said, always allocate a small sum for a reliable PSU like a Corsair or Seasonic (just to name 2). Also, I'd personally get a 120G SSD rather than a 480 solely based on your budget, so you could spend the cash on a more 'balanced' PC.

    Here's a quick config that you could consider:

    MSI B85M-E45 mobo - $85
    Sapphire Radeon R9 280X - $319
    i5 4590 - $219
    840 EVO 120G SSD - $99
    Seagate 1TB HDD - $69
    Corsair 2x4GB - $105
    Corsair CX-500 - $85

    Total of $981

    These prices are just through PCCG< but you should be able to shave a bit off the total by shopping around for bargains like SSDs that popup on Shopping Express and Centrecom's occasional deals on stuff.

    • scrimshaw on 23/08/2014 - 01:56

      A Crucial 256GB SSD can be had for $129. if you buy today.

      You also forgot the case in your list of parts.

      Here's how you can make it all fit under a $1k budget

      Antec Neo Eco 520C Bronze $78

      Downgrade the GPU to a regular Sapphire 280 ($239)

      Include Coolermaster K350 Gamer ($50)

      85 mobo
      219 Core i5
      129 SSD
      69 1tb hdd
      105 8g ram
      78 Antec Neo Eco 520c
      239 R9 280 Sapphire
      50 Coolermaster K350 case

      $974 total

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