Aarmin
Active member
This feels a little odd asking here, but I'm not getting any help at the three other forums I posted at.
First off, I'm not completely new to putting a computer together, but I feel there is more I could learn before spending my money. I live somewhat frugally, so my budget is $0. Impossible, so I'm thinking maybe around $400 ($500 including the computer case I want to buy). I don't need a massive gaming rig (non gamer), but it will be used for media; no separate video card planned. I would prefer energy efficient, is there a significant difference between the lower end processors vs. the higher 100 watt processors?
I will start with the Motherboard... I know I know, I should start with the CPU, but reason are because the computer case I picked out supports only Mini ITX layout. This case was purely picked for aesthetic and quality reasons, so forgive me.
AMD or Intel, grrr... I really don't know.
Starting with AMD, there are only two Mini ITX boards to choose from at Newegg.com. I have had an awful experience with motherboards in the past, so I'm sticking with two top brands: ASRock and Asus. If you can convince me otherwise, please feel free.
That leaves me with only once choice: ASRock A75M-ITX FM1 socket
Processor: AMD A6-3500 Llano
Memory:
Most likely: G.Skill 4GB (2 x 2GB)
or: Kingston HyperX; can I run these Kingston's at 1.5volts? I don't know too much about this.
Intel
Processor: Pentium G630 Sandy Bridge 2.7GHz
Will I notice much difference stepping up to a HD 2000 graphics? How about bolting up to the $120 i3?
Motherboard: ASRock H67M-ITX
Memory: same G.Skills listed above
Other Stuff you may not necessarily need to know:
Storage:
Crucial M4 SSD (for operating system / program files, etc...)
LITE-ON DVD Burner - hastily picked, should I be more critical?
Windows 7 64-bit OEM
Parts bin... stuff I already own
WiFi card
PC Power and Cooling - its a keeper
Western Digital hard drive - which would you pick?
640GB Caviar Blue (WD6400AAKS) or 1.5TB Caviar Green (WD15EARS)
Will only use one, the other one may go for sale on eBay.
Toshiba 200GB 4200rpm hard drive (HDD2A30) - laptop hard drive used only for backups
Hanns G HZ201 20" LCD monitor. 2 years old - have LCD/LED monitors offer anything new in details?
AMD: $501.93
Intel: $484.93
First off, I'm not completely new to putting a computer together, but I feel there is more I could learn before spending my money. I live somewhat frugally, so my budget is $0. Impossible, so I'm thinking maybe around $400 ($500 including the computer case I want to buy). I don't need a massive gaming rig (non gamer), but it will be used for media; no separate video card planned. I would prefer energy efficient, is there a significant difference between the lower end processors vs. the higher 100 watt processors?
I will start with the Motherboard... I know I know, I should start with the CPU, but reason are because the computer case I picked out supports only Mini ITX layout. This case was purely picked for aesthetic and quality reasons, so forgive me.
AMD or Intel, grrr... I really don't know.
Starting with AMD, there are only two Mini ITX boards to choose from at Newegg.com. I have had an awful experience with motherboards in the past, so I'm sticking with two top brands: ASRock and Asus. If you can convince me otherwise, please feel free.
That leaves me with only once choice: ASRock A75M-ITX FM1 socket
Processor: AMD A6-3500 Llano
Memory:
Most likely: G.Skill 4GB (2 x 2GB)
or: Kingston HyperX; can I run these Kingston's at 1.5volts? I don't know too much about this.
Intel
Processor: Pentium G630 Sandy Bridge 2.7GHz
Will I notice much difference stepping up to a HD 2000 graphics? How about bolting up to the $120 i3?
Motherboard: ASRock H67M-ITX
Memory: same G.Skills listed above
Other Stuff you may not necessarily need to know:
Storage:
Crucial M4 SSD (for operating system / program files, etc...)
LITE-ON DVD Burner - hastily picked, should I be more critical?
Windows 7 64-bit OEM
Parts bin... stuff I already own
WiFi card
PC Power and Cooling - its a keeper
Western Digital hard drive - which would you pick?
640GB Caviar Blue (WD6400AAKS) or 1.5TB Caviar Green (WD15EARS)
Will only use one, the other one may go for sale on eBay.
Toshiba 200GB 4200rpm hard drive (HDD2A30) - laptop hard drive used only for backups
Hanns G HZ201 20" LCD monitor. 2 years old - have LCD/LED monitors offer anything new in details?
AMD: $501.93
Intel: $484.93