new build

[wberry20]

Building one for my little brother. Just going to be using photoshop and illustrator, basic internet stuff, hd movies, nothing big. I'm trying to keep this low as possible but still have something that can be upgraded without too much trouble if he wants. I have a quad core, he likes how fast it is, so I'm hoping that the motherboard listed can have one installed later on, I think it can. If I can cut some cost off great, right now whats listed below is about 550.

Here's what I've got so far.

motherboard http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813121508
processor http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115078
memory http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311
hard drive http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136490
video card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130625
case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811353005
psu http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027&Tpk=cx500
cd drive I'm giving him the one I have currently

Thanks

[zburns]

Most of your important components are 2nd or 3rd level components from a performance viewpoint. I think you are better off to get this i5 processor -- i5-3570k -- with Intel 4000 graphics and drop the video card for the time being or permanent (depending on performance of the 4000 graphics). I am suggesting the processor based on being the only i5 with Intel 4000 graphics (recommendation not based on the 'k' suffix which enables overclocking). Also, you will need an upgraded motherboard that supports 4000 graphics.

Such a move gets the most important components into the 'higher performance class of products' and allows for 'valid upgrades later if desired'.

The case is awfully cheap. I would look for reviews that infer that it is an ok case for the price. I have seen a lot of 'after the fact' disappointing comments from builders who used cheap cases -- lots of problems. Just check it out carefully or look for a case in the $ 40.00 range with decent reviews. If you buy the cheap case and find that things do not fit well, and you have to, yourself, alter holes or other things regards the case, this will be a disappointing outcome!!

The cpu i5-3570k is about $ 229.00, the video card you chose is $ 100 plus, so dropping the video card, get the better cpu, total price about the same -- estimated price does not 100% include mobo upgrade. Later today, I will provide a rec on the mobo.

[RickyTick]

The hard drive is the Green version. It only spins at 5400rpm and would be really slow as a primary hard drive.

Take a look at this case and psu. It's a great set up, and much nicer case than the one you have listed.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129065

[RickyTick]

You can get the i3-2120 for $118 and free shipping.
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=59192&vpn=BX80623I32120&manufacture=Intel&promoid=1015

[zburns]

the i3-2120 has Intel 2000 graphics, the i5-3570k has intel 4000 graphics which is why I suggested it. Use 4000 graphics and drop the video card. Motherboard must comply chipset wise with the cpu. His high quality level for 'computing' is established via the processor and the appropriate chipset motherboard!

Guru of 3D has a good lengthy review on the Intel graphics and he gives it fair treatment for entry level quality. My point still goes back to wberry's investment in quality parts, namely the i5-3570k with 4000 graphics and the accompanying motherboard which is forced to a certain level of quality via the chipset and the pcie 3.0 spec.

[RickyTick]

All true, but for some reason I thought he was trying to stay with a low budget machine, hence the i3 processor. If there is a chance of gaming sometime in the near future, he's much better off with the discrete video card as opposed to integrated graphics.

[wberry20]

Thanks for the help. Still new to figuring out whats what. So here is what I've changed.

Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147153 I like the fans are already in it

I think I will go with the i5 processor, so what would be a recommended motherboard?
I saw these 2 boards
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131837

I assume I'll have to change the memory also?

I also changed the harddrive to the non green. And I didnt figure he would need the video card so I just through it in there. He's moving off so anything he wants to do later I'll have to walk him through so I was just trying to think ahead.

[zburns]

The AsRock motherboard specifications specifically state support for Intel 4000 graphics. The Asus board specs simply say 'Support for Intel Graphics' . Both boards support PCIe 3.0 technology, which means they are late model boards, so I would assume Asus just left out '4000' in their graphics spec.

I think Intel Graphics 4000 is a function of the i5-3570k cpu (this url: http://ark.intel.com/products/65520/Intel-Core-i5-3570K-Processor-%286M-Cache-up-to-3_80-GHz%29 ). Since both motherboards support 3 gen cpus, one would assume Intel 4000 graphics works fine on either board. If you are concerned about Asus and 4000 graphics support, you could call them here in the US for confirmation. I am certain the Asus board is fine, but I do like to see specifications clearly spelled out.

Regarding the Rosewill case, please look for several 'glowing reviews' on the case before purchase. I would much prefer an Antec case but that is strictly personal opinion.
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I just recommended the Antec case thinking it had USB 3.0 front ports, but there online advert says USB 2.0. Rosewill does not specify either 2.0 or 3.0. I need to look at Antec some more and / or call them to see about usb 3.0 ports on the front. I think it would be a mistake not to have 3.0, so let me look during the rest of today and I will post later today a case recommendation. Sorry for the misstep!

[zburns]

The Antec Three Hundred Case does have two USB 3.0 ports on the front of the case. Here is the URL for the 'Three Hundred Case' from the Antec Home site: http://www.antec.com/product.php?id=24&fid=4 The page will come up on 'Features', click on 'Specifications' . Front ports are close to the top inside the spec chart or listing!!

I also checked the Rosewill case on their site and all they say is two USB front ports; do not mention 2.0 or 3.0.

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Antec has a couple of older sites on the net evidently that have not been removed or upgraded. The Antec info above is from the main or home site. It is correct.

EDIT: I just checked Newegg for the Antec Three Hundred; looks like $ 55.00 plus a discounted ship fee!

[wberry20]

Thanks again for all the help. I really appreciate it.