PC Build Help

SydStrand on 02/12/2012 - 22:59

Due to the launch of Steam's Big Picture Mode, I want a small "Steam Box," to sit under my TV for games (3rd person action, RPGs and emulators) and watch movies. I already have a conventional desktop for work and Starcraft, so keyboard/mouse isn't important for this project.

There was a great article on The Verge recently (http://www.theverge.com/2012/11/30/3706718/forget-the-ps4-an…) so I caved in. I've never built a PC before, but have done the odd DIY and RAM/graphics card upgrades so not completely hopeless, though haven't been following the scene.

After some homework and asking friends for advice, the build that's considered is below.
https://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=wish_lists&wl…
-ASRock B75M-ITX Motherboard
-Intel Core i3 3220
-Sapphire Radeon HD7750 2GB
-Samsung 830 Series 128GB SSD
-Seagate Barracuda 500GB HDD
-Corsair 8GB RAM
-Silverstone SG05 Black Cube with 450W

The total comes to $650 (not including shipping). My budget is around $500, and I may be able to inherit a friend's 500GB HDD, shaving the cost down to around $600. The OS and peripherals are already taken care of. Ideally, I'd want everything to gel as seamlessly as possible (not too complex), though I'm not sure if everything will fit inside. I don't want a massive tower that roars like a jet engine when I boot up but something that can more-or-less sit next to my 360 or PS3 without looking too out of place and can hum fairly quietly in a living room.

I've noticed there's a pretty active PC-building scene on Ozbargain, so my question to you is how I might be able to get this down to $500 without significantly cutting corners in performance and reliability (no dodgy parts). I don't need the absolute bleeding edge, so hit me with suggestions: Cheaper store, sales timing, substitution for more realistic specs, pan-handing, whatever.

Computing

Comments

  • andz88 on 03/12/2012 - 08:59

    Hi,

    I've take a look at similar specs:
    ASRock B75M-ITX Motherboard - 99 (PCCG)
    intel 3220 - 117 (MSY)
    2G 7750 Gigabyte DDR3 - 99 (MSY)
    120 samsung 830 - 92 (MSY)
    8G Single 1600 G.Skill-NT - 34 (MSY)
    CoolerMaster Elite 120 Advanced Mini ITX Case - 60 (PCCG)
    Thermaltake 500 OEM - 45 (MSY)
    Total: 546

    if you swap samsung 830 ssd with OCZ agility 3 (83 @ MSY), it ended up to 537 in total.
    Please double check whether the PSU, case and Motherboard are compatible. These are only my rough idea, haven't got much time to do research :P

    Cheers

  • _Bruce_ on 03/12/2012 - 10:29

    One option is to drop that video card entirely. It isn't very fast and the CPU has one. Sure it is slower, but this way you have a working system until you have money to put an atually good video card it (look for a 7850).

    If you do this look at swapping the i3 3220 for a 3225. The difference is that the 3225 has much better on chip video (pointless if you do get a card though).

    EDIT: Actually depending on your expectations maybe the 7750 is fine. Still think about not getting it yet anyway, you can get wait for a front page ozbargain deal!

  • srhardy on 03/12/2012 - 10:45

    I would spend the little extra and go the better cpu/gfx and save on the ATI (for now). A good B75 mb should be around $60, for $100 you can get the Z77…If your not OC then just use box cooler and get a combo atx/power like the Thermaltake V4 Black Edition Case with 500W USB3.0 for $75

    • _Bruce_ on 03/12/2012 - 11:06

      I would spend the little extra and go the better cpu/gfx

      gfx perhaps, but the CPU is fine.

      and save on the ATI (for now)

      What do you mean? You just suggested getting a better gfx?

      A good B75 mb should be around $60, for $100 you can get the Z77

      B75/Z77 makes no difference to the OP. Just about the features/size/quality that the OP wants.

      If your not OC then just use box cooler

      There is no cooler in the OPs list.

      get a combo atx/power like the Thermaltake V4 Black Edition Case with 500W USB3.0 for $75

      Possible option, but I would avoid this if you plan to get a video card. Will probably be fine if just using the on CPU video.

  • SydStrand on 03/12/2012 - 11:51

    Cheers for the pointers. I don't need this thing to be an absolute monster (hence the modest budget) and since it's modular, I can swap out bits and pieces as I go along.

    As for the case I outlined, it's probably the only piece of the puzzle I'm set on. With the listed dimensions, I would be able to perfectly fit it into my entertainment unit.

    So I might wait until frontpage OZB deals to shave off a few bucks here an there. If I live in inner Sydney, what would be the best/cheapest option to getting this together? Is there a Umart-like etailer I would be able to pick up from a warehouse? Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/12/2012 - 15:19

    The best possible advice i can give you is to go onto whirlpool pc building forums and ask for advice there.
    Also, build it yourself, its actually quite easy if you can follow simple instructions.

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