Build for Basic Use

[ARchamps]

Here we go again! After seeing my build, my dad has asked me to build him one. He has been complaining about the LG laptop he currently uses and wants something reliable. He mainly uses it for business. Mostly MS office applications, web browsing, and tax software (nothing too intense). I would like something that is reliable and fast.

After doing some basic research, it seems AMD would be the way to go for a low budget system. I would like to keep it to under $600. I am going to be using NCIX.com and picking things up with in-store pickup with appropriate price matches. I already have the OS and a basic keyboard and mouse will be bought seperately.

I'm going to need to have this running by the weekend... so here is my semi-final picks. I need some more recommendations on MicroATX cases. MY dad said he wants something smaller compared to my build lol.

Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 Micro ATX Computer Case w/ 1 x 120mm fan - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352009 - $39.99
CPU - AMD A6-3650 Llano 2.6GHz 4MB L2 Cache Socket FM1 - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103943 - $116.20
MB: ASUS F1A75-M FM1 AMD A75 (Hudson D3) HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 Micro ATX - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131768 - $96.00
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws X F3-10666CL8D-4GBXM 4GB - $30.50
HDD: WD Caviar Blue 320GB SATA 6GB/S 7200RPM 16MB - $39.99
PSU: CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W - $44.99
DVD Drive: Anything - $19.99
ASUS 20" LED Monitor - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236200 - 129.99

Total (After Price Matching) = $537.65 ($607.54 incl. tax)

I figured this was a better option and no GPU is needed. The case is small and cheap. Any final thoughts?

[RickyTick]

Since you're in Canada, the best places to shop seem to be NCIX and Newegg.

I really like the Antec 300 case.
This is a great deal here with the psu.
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129065

[zburns]

I have looked at the QVL list on the Asus mobo webpage twice and I do not see the RAM listed. Asus provides a 'Device' similar QVL list also on the same page as the memory list. Your hard drive is not on their device list.

The fact that the hard drive is not on the device list leads me to believe that the Asus webpage that shows device/memory 'Support' is just not up to date.

If this is so, is it possible your choice of memory is ok, and, it just does not show on the QVL list because the list is not up to date.

I have been under the impression that the mobo mfg makes a statement as to what memory works on a particular mobo of that mfg.-- such a statement allows the mfg to put that piece of memory (RAM stick) on the mfgs QVL list for that mobo.

-------------------------

As a builder talking to other builders (on this forum), can we as a 'decent' or 'qualified' specification reader not 'read' the specs on a stick of RAM and specify it, ourselves, to place it into a particular motherboard.

Summary Sentence or Question: Do we have to depend on a QVL list for memory or a telephone call to USA Support (example Asus) to see if a stick of RAM that we choose will work or not work in a particular mobo (Asus in this case)?

[ARchamps]

@RickyTick - Thanks for the suggestion. I will be using NCIX for instore pickup (no shipping!). Antec 300 was my original choice, but my dad wants something small. I'll see if I can convince him otherwise lol.

@zburns - I haven't gotten a chance to take a look at the QVL yet. When I built my computer a month ago, my MB QVL didn't have my RAM choice listed. But, I went to the Memory's QVL (G.SKill) and they listed my MB. Thanks for the info. I'll take a closer look when I get home and report back.

Thanks for the replies. Any other comments on the other parts?

Off topic --> I am unable to edit my profile... it says my account is disabled or something? I am trying to add a signature.

[ARchamps]

I made my order last night. I changed the RAM to Corsair Vengence (4GBx2) and a Seagate 500GB hard drive. The HDD prices really went up! Also, got this monitor.

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236117

Last question. I know the APU comes with a stock fan, but should I go for something like this just to be safe? Any other choices?

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103084

Thanks again.

[RickyTick]

looks good. Check this out. http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065

[ARchamps]

Thanks for the link. I may go for the Corsair A50. I just helped my friend with his build and it was so much easier than the 212+.