Building a new computer for dad - should I change anything?

Dev in need · Feb 6, 2016

Masterchiefxx17 · Feb 6, 2016

This doesn't look like a gaming build, so let's recommend some cost saving changes.

Drop the memory down to 8GB.

You certainly do NOT need a 500GB SSD. I'd change it to a 256GB SSD and see how that goes. If you need more space later, then add in a 500GB HDD.

That PSU is great, but your spending excess money on a modular unit.

You don't need thermal compound. The CPU cooler will come with it.

gcavan · Feb 6, 2016

When you consider that many new games require a minimum of 8GB to run smoothly, that would be the minimum you should have, and 16GB would be better. The only change I'ld make is to choose a 2 x 8GB kit for the memory.

Dev in need · Feb 6, 2016

Masterchiefxx17 said:
This doesn't look like a gaming build, so let's recommend some cost saving changes.

Drop the memory down to 8GB.

You certainly do NOT need a 500GB SSD. I'd change it to a 256GB SSD and see how that goes. If you need more space later, then add in a 500GB HDD.

That PSU is great, but your spending excess money on a modular unit.

You don't need thermal compound. The CPU cooler will come with it.

Isn't the great thing about having modular that you can buy cables for it. Like say I plug my sata cable into the hard drive and somehow the tip chips off and no longer plugs in. Wouldn't it benefit to have have a modular for replacement modular cables?

gcavan · Feb 6, 2016

Actually, that really isn't a consideration. The advantage of modular power supplies is only needing to install the required cables and not having to stow unused cables.

Thing is, at current Newegg.com prices, the actual difference in cost between the M12II620 and the non-modular S12II620 is just two dollars ($2). Why is this even an issue?

Masterchiefxx17 · Feb 6, 2016

A modular PSU is certainly nice to have, but not required. Just looking at bring down the cost on excess goods. You selected a full sized tower over the mid-ATX models. Plus, nobody said it had the be the SeaSonic non-modular equivalent.

http://www.amazon.com/XFX-ATX12V-EP...e=UTF8&qid=1454792982&sr=8-2&keywords=XFX+550

Is your Dad a gamer? If not, then take my 8GB recommendation for the memory.

satrow · Feb 7, 2016

Dev, can we be clear about what your Dad is likely to be doing on this rig, any photo/video editing + what resolution is his monitor?

Dev in need · Feb 7, 2016

satrow said:
Dev, can we be clear about what your Dad is likely to be doing on this rig, any photo/video editing + what resolution is his monitor?

1. Fast booting and loading, basically wants everything running nicely.
2. May game in future.

No video editing.

3. Photo editing could be a thing.

4. HD Movies.

5. Lots of different software's he runs and bloats things up, makes everything slow. Mainly why I'm going with 500 GB SSD.

Didn't do a GPU because an APU would play basic and if needed he could buy a gpu.

Just basic things he does but he always says how slow the computer is.

Trying to think of something that wouldn't be slow for what he does. Something that can handle a lot of software installed.

Dev in need · Feb 7, 2016

GIGABYTE GA-970
Mother Board > GIGABYTE GA-970-Gaming AM3+ AMD 970 SATA 6Gb/s 1 x USB Type-C port, with USB 3.1 support
1 x USB 3.1 Type-A port (red) USB 3.0 ATX AMD Motherboard - Newegg.com
Price: $99.99

AMD FX-4350 Vishera Quad-Core 4.2 GHz
CPU > AMD FX-4350 Vishera Quad-Core 4.2 GHz Socket AM3+ 125W FD4350FRHKBOX Desktop Processor - Newegg.com
Price: $89.99

G.SKILL Sniper Series 8GB
Memory > G.SKILL Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900) Desktop Memory Model F3-14900CL9D-8GBSR - Newegg.com
Price: $44.99

SAMSUNG 850 EVO 2.5" 500GB SATA III 3-D Vertical Internal Solid State Drive
Hard Drive > SAMSUNG 850 EVO 2.5" 500GB SATA III 3-D Vertical Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) MZ-75E500B/AM - Newegg.com
Price: $153.29

SeaSonic M12II 620 Bronze 620W
PowerSupply > SeaSonic M12II 620 Bronze 620W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS 12V V2.91 SLI Ready 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Full Modular Active PFC Power Supply - Newegg.com
Price: $79.99

Antec Twelve Hundred V3 Black Steel ATX Full Tower
Case > Antec Twelve Hundred V3 Black Steel ATX Full Tower Unbeatable Gaming Case - Newegg.com
Price: $149.99

GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 960 4GB
Graphics card > GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 960 4GB G1 GAMING OC EDITION - Newegg.com
Price: $239.99

(Motherboard Drivers Support Windows 8.1)
GIGABYTE - Motherboard - Socket AM3+ - GA-990FX-Gaming (rev. 1.0)

(Motherboard supports FX 4350)
GIGABYTE TECHNOLOGY Socket AM3+ - AMD 990FX - GA-990FX-Gaming (rev. 1.0)

Total Price:
$858.23

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I think that build will do everything without any slow down. Seems like a better pick, but isn't 100% compatible with Windows 10, not seeing a lot of motherboards compatible with Windows 10 100%. Just a few. Odd..

Masterchiefxx17 · Feb 7, 2016

I like that build better. Personally I find the AM3+ socket to be best for the long run.

Although, I'm not against the GPU that price is a little expensive IMO. I use a 2GB card and find it to be just fine:

EVGA GeForce GTX 960 02G-P4-2966-KR 2GB SSC GAMING w/ACX 2.0+, Whisper Silent Cooling Graphics Card - Newegg.com

As for the motherboard, stick with the GA-970-Gaming. It supports Windows 10 and should be a fine board.

Rich-M · Feb 7, 2016

Personally as long as you are moving to Am3 which is a desirable move I would much rather see you do this cpu and we can save the money with a case at half that price,
AMD FX-8320 Vishera 8-Core 3.5 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo) Socket AM3+ 125W FD8320FRHKBOX Desktop Processor - Newegg.com

DEEPCOOL KENDOMEN Black ATX Mid Tower Computer case Preinstalled 5 Cooling Fans With Side Window Support 240mm Water Cooling Installation at Top - Newegg.com
This is a great quality case I have used a lot of and it is extremelt well made:
DEEPCOOL TESSERACT WH Mid Tower Computer Case SPCC + PLASTIC - Newegg.com

Dev in need · Feb 8, 2016

Thanks guys.

Building a new computer for dad - should I change anything?

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