SFF PC Build for parents

[Melvang]

Hey guys, I will admit, I have not done much research on this yet so mostly looking for guidelines, though full component builds are appreciated.

Story goes like this.  The last PC my parents purchased was back in '99 and they are still using it today.  It is dying, I know I was just as shocked that it even still runs.  But it takes like 10 minutes to get from pushing the power button to a web page.  They want something small, and my dad really likes the stack cooling setup on some of the Silverstone cases.  So, I have chosen the FT03.  The only downside, I have never built, priced, or parted up anything smaller than extended ATX. 

Now the case supports Micro-ATX, Mini-DTX, Mini-ITX.  Any suggestions?

The current budget is ~$1k.  They don't need anything powerful, though I would like to at least put in a small video card to at least smooth out everything.  The only thing they are concerned about is longevity.

Thanks for any help guys.

[Badwrench]

Well, to start with, I would stick to mATX (since it fits the case) to save a little $$.  I would also start with on-board graphics as they are quite good now.  This build also includes a monitor:  I kept it at 1080p and large size (my parents hate the tiny text of the 1440p monitors).  I put in the gpu I would recommend, but feel that the on board HD4600 is more than enough for a general use rig. 
Also, if you have a Micro Center near you, you can get a better deal on the mobo/cpu. 

Here is a good little build:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($175.74 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($67.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: PNY Anarchy 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory  ($40.50 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate  1TB 2.5" 5400RPM Hybrid Internal Hard Drive  ($74.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Video Card  ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Silverstone FT03B MicroATX Mini Tower Case  ($161.99 @ Directron)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA GS 550W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply  ($56.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: LG GS40N DVD/CD Writer  ($31.91 @ Mwave)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 OEM (64-bit)  ($86.75 @ OutletPC)
Monitor: LG 27MP33HQ 60Hz 27.0" Monitor  ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $956.83
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-07-29 20:57 EDT-0400

[fohat.digs]

I am a big advocate for having a 2nd hard drive for data.

If they are "savvy"enough to keep all their photos and documents and such on D: instead of C: it will create a valuable level of security.

And, better, when/if they do move on, they just move the data disk to the new box.

[tbc]

just buy a NUC

it takes like 4 screws to install.

remember, an ATOM cpu is more powerful than c2ds from '08.  nevermind a broadwell i3 or i5.


EDIT:

you can buy the taller case and fit a 2.5" HDD and a mpcie ssd

[Badwrench]

I am a big advocate for having a 2nd hard drive for data.

If they are "savvy"enough to keep all their photos and documents and such on D: instead of C: it will create a valuable level of security.

And, better, when/if they do move on, they just move the data disk to the new box.

I totally agree, I was just going for cost effective and ease of use.  As long as you set it up for them so that all saves go to the hdd, a small (120gb ish) ssd as a boot will greatly improve the feel of the machine. 

[tjcaustin]

Yeah, add me to the "just buy a NUC" vote.  It doesn't sound like they need something crazy, just small.  Or find a last gen mac mini if they'll do mac.

I think $1k is way overkill for a websurf box.  That said, if building a new pc is a must, build them something around the pentium or low end i3.

[jdcarpe]

I just built a mini ITX gaming PC in a Cooler Master Elite 130 case. I used an AMD X4 860K processor and 8GB of DDR3 1866 memory. You can get a GTX 750 Ti  graphics card for like $140. Add a 120GB SSD for a boot drive, and a 1TB hard drive for storage. You only need around a 400W power supply for such a system.

[jdcarpe]

Or, just get them the lowest spec Alienware Alpha, and set it up to boot into desktop mode.

Replacing the slow HDD with an SSD would be a good idea, though.

[Badwrench]

Or, just get them the lowest spec Alienware Alpha, and set it up to boot into desktop mode.

Replacing the slow HDD with an SSD would be a good idea, though.

This is actually a great idea.  I am not sure how friendly the Alpha is to work on though, especially considering all the specialty Dell drivers.  You could probably get away with a 500gb ssd as a direct replacement and just clone the drive over (to keep the stocker as a backup for warranty purposes). 

Currently on sale at Fry's:  Alienware Alpha
Add 4gb of memory and the ssd and viola!
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[Melvang]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.  But I am afraid that ideas like the Alienware Alpha and such won't agree with my dad.  He is dead set on something built, just so that any part can be replaced in event one ****s the bed.

[tp4tissue]

Try this build exactly..


cpu- 4690k ~$200

Mobo-  Gigabyte Gaming 7, or UD5H Black ~$130    <-- these have Real 8phase digi power delivery,  the UD5H has 6 phase, but has the doubler for high current.

Ram- 16GB corsair 2400mhz ~$100

GFX-  USED nvidia 670, ~$100-120 (ebay)

PSU - corsair cx500m watt, $30-35

Cpu, Cooler - H5 Cryorig $50



Microcenter will have those cpu and mobo @ those prices,  otherwise it's gonna be a bit more..




With this build, you can get 4.7ghz out of the chip..  that is going to be as fast as a computer that comes out 6 years from now..


Remember guys,  Overclocking = Time-Travel

[Larken]

I'd suggest just looking at an integrated solution with regards to the graphics card. I've build three systems in the last 2 years for my parents (one as a HTPC, and one each for their daily use), all using rather similar parts.

All three systems uses a mobo like http://www.gigabyte.sg/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4733#sp; paired with pretty much the lowest end intel at the time of purchase (I believe the first one was an intel G2030). If the budget allows, get a nicer cpu cooler; but to be honest, its not needed. The stock intels are very quiet given their size, and the chip doesn't generate much heat.

Integrated graphics is more than enough for general usage, unless your parents have the intention to play high requirement games I used to have the mentality that onboard was crap and needed at least a low end graphics cards to 'smooth things out' as well, but given the current pc tech, that's no longer true anymore. If anything I find it a benefit as its one less part that could go wrong.

Ram usage, anything 8gb or above will do fine.

Get an ssd (ie. Crucial MX200 256gb; less than 100 from amazon) paired with a separate hard disk of your choice (1-2TB); set up it so that all OS/program files are put on the ssd, keeping all personal files on the harddisk. Then create a clone image of the freshly installed ssd with a program like Macrium Reflect; so they can revert to a clean OS easily should anything go wrong without having to sift through any files on C:). For general everyday, real world use performance, the ssd will give a bigger boost than a faster chip; pretty much non-negotiable.

PSU wise; such a system would have pretty low requirements. Just 2 requirements; modular for easy cable management, and get any brand known for reliability.

For the FT-03, you'd need to get a slot loader dvd drive should you choose to put one it; normal ones won't work. Should fit in your budget pretty easily.

[Badwrench]

I'd suggest just looking at an integrated solution with regards to the graphics card. I've build three systems in the last 2 years for my parents (one as a HTPC, and one each for their daily use), all using rather similar parts.

All three systems uses a mobo like http://www.gigabyte.sg/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4733#sp; paired with pretty much the lowest end intel at the time of purchase (I believe the first one was an intel G2030). If the budget allows, get a nicer cpu cooler; but to be honest, its not needed. The stock intels are very quiet given their size, and the chip doesn't generate much heat.

Integrated graphics is more than enough for general usage, unless your parents have the intention to play high requirement games I used to have the mentality that onboard was crap and needed at least a low end graphics cards to 'smooth things out' as well, but given the current pc tech, that's no longer true anymore. If anything I find it a benefit as its one less part that could go wrong.

Ram usage, anything 8gb or above will do fine.

Get an ssd (ie. Crucial MX200 256gb; less than 100 from amazon) paired with a separate hard disk of your choice (1-2TB); set up it so that all OS/program files are put on the ssd, keeping all personal files on the harddisk. Then create a clone image of the freshly installed ssd with a program like Macrium Reflect; so they can revert to a clean OS easily should anything go wrong without having to sift through any files on C:). For general everyday, real world use performance, the ssd will give a bigger boost than a faster chip; pretty much non-negotiable.

PSU wise; such a system would have pretty low requirements. Just 2 requirements; modular for easy cable management, and get any brand known for reliability.

For the FT-03, you'd need to get a slot loader dvd drive should you choose to put one it; normal ones won't work. Should fit in your budget pretty easily.

This was pretty much my thinking as well.  The only difference is that I suggested the base i5 to give it some longetivity and the better integrated graphics.  Also, if they are anything like my parents, there will quickly be 10+ programs trying to run at the same time so the quad core would help with that.  In my parents last build I went with an apu setup with an ssd/hdd and it works very nicely.

[tp4tissue]

I'd suggest just looking at an integrated solution with regards to the graphics card. I've build three systems in the last 2 years for my parents (one as a HTPC, and one each for their daily use), all using rather similar parts.

All three systems uses a mobo like http://www.gigabyte.sg/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4733#sp; paired with pretty much the lowest end intel at the time of purchase (I believe the first one was an intel G2030). If the budget allows, get a nicer cpu cooler; but to be honest, its not needed. The stock intels are very quiet given their size, and the chip doesn't generate much heat.

Integrated graphics is more than enough for general usage, unless your parents have the intention to play high requirement games I used to have the mentality that onboard was crap and needed at least a low end graphics cards to 'smooth things out' as well, but given the current pc tech, that's no longer true anymore. If anything I find it a benefit as its one less part that could go wrong.

Ram usage, anything 8gb or above will do fine.

Get an ssd (ie. Crucial MX200 256gb; less than 100 from amazon) paired with a separate hard disk of your choice (1-2TB); set up it so that all OS/program files are put on the ssd, keeping all personal files on the harddisk. Then create a clone image of the freshly installed ssd with a program like Macrium Reflect; so they can revert to a clean OS easily should anything go wrong without having to sift through any files on C:). For general everyday, real world use performance, the ssd will give a bigger boost than a faster chip; pretty much non-negotiable.

PSU wise; such a system would have pretty low requirements. Just 2 requirements; modular for easy cable management, and get any brand known for reliability.

For the FT-03, you'd need to get a slot loader dvd drive should you choose to put one it; normal ones won't work. Should fit in your budget pretty easily.

I'm almost 1000% certain that the 87n is a 3+1 power phase design..

Also,  the VRM on that board doesn't have a heatsink.. again, longevity issue.


if you get a quad core... it might be pretty stressful for that board..

If you get the Dual cores.. 3+1 phase is more than enough..

[Leslieann]

I would go with an ITX and an AMD APU.

Much cheaper than a NUC (about half).
It will give them plenty of CPU and GPU power than they need, toss in 8 gigs of ram and an SSD and call it done and it would all fit into a shoebox for under $500.

[tp4tissue]

I would go with an ITX and an AMD APU.

Much cheaper than a NUC (about half).
It will give them plenty of CPU and GPU power than they need, toss in 8 gigs of ram and an SSD and call it done and it would all fit into a shoebox for under $500.

errrrr.... mmmm...harrrrr..

idk............  The entire platform cost to most amd builds will be 80% - 90% of an Intel build..,   maybe at the VERY VERY bottom, amd had lower prices,   but ever since the g3258...  There's really nothing AMD has that's actually price competitive when you take into account eh ENTIRE system cost.

[Larken]

This was pretty much my thinking as well.  The only difference is that I suggested the base i5 to give it some longetivity and the better integrated graphics.  Also, if they are anything like my parents, there will quickly be 10+ programs trying to run at the same time so the quad core would help with that.  In my parents last build I went with an apu setup with an ssd/hdd and it works very nicely.

yea, I get that. It's definitely a good idea to get a better chip i5 if the budget allows.

[tp4tissue]

This was pretty much my thinking as well.  The only difference is that I suggested the base i5 to give it some longetivity and the better integrated graphics.  Also, if they are anything like my parents, there will quickly be 10+ programs trying to run at the same time so the quad core would help with that.  In my parents last build I went with an apu setup with an ssd/hdd and it works very nicely.

yea, I get that. It's definitely a good idea to get a better chip i5 if the budget allows.

If you get the 4690k build I put up.. it should be good for your parents for the next 10 years..

Assuming you overclock..

[Leslieann]

I would go with an ITX and an AMD APU.

Much cheaper than a NUC (about half).
It will give them plenty of CPU and GPU power than they need, toss in 8 gigs of ram and an SSD and call it done and it would all fit into a shoebox for under $500.

errrrr.... mmmm...harrrrr..

idk............  The entire platform cost to most amd builds will be 80% - 90% of an Intel build..,   maybe at the VERY VERY bottom, amd had lower prices,   but ever since the g3258...  There's really nothing AMD has that's actually price competitive when you take into account eh ENTIRE system cost.

While not a bad processor, you're still stuck with Intel graphics, which was something the OP didn't want.

A decent Intel board tends to cost twice as much as an AMD board (if you want it to last, which the OP does), and you still need to throw in a decent video video card. Combined, it's at least another $100 over the AMD APU setup.  When spending $1000, you're right, that's not that significant, but when you can build the AMD setup for $400, that's a 25% cost increase.


Which is something the Op should consider, you don't need to spend $1000 to get a decent office grade computer (which is about what this is) that will go 5 years. You should be easily able to do it for half that.