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Old August 23, 2011, 07:32 AM
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Default Non-Gaming $500 build including monitor

I'm building a NON-gaming PC for a friend. The most intensive thing this computer will be used for is watching movies. His budget is $500 INCLUDING a monitor. He has no preference for Intel Vs AMD. It will run at 1920x1080. I'm looking to build this ASAP.

Here is my attempt at a sub $500 build including monitor:

AMD A6-3650 APU Bundle w/ Gigabyte GA-A75M-UD2H Motherboard ($214.98)
Corsair Builder Series CMPSU-430CXV2 430W ATX Power Supply Active PFC 120MM Fan ($42.35)
LG Super-Multi Security 22x DVD Writer, IDE w/ Lightscribe, Black (OEM) ($14.99)
Western Digital 500GB Caviar Blue 7200rpm SATA III w/ 16MB Cache ($39.99)
Coolermaster Elite 370 Black Mid Tower ATX Case 3X5.25 1X3.5 5X3.5INT No PS ($29.99)
GSKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB PC3-10666 Dual Channel DDR3 Kit (2 x 4GB) ($43.99)
Samsung SyncMaster E2320X 23in Widescreen LCD, Black ($149.99)

TOTAL: $536.28

Some of these items are on sale for today or this week so I may need to find alternatives if I don't make a decision soon.

Are there any areas where I can be spending less or getting something better for the same price?

Thanks
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Old August 23, 2011, 07:47 AM
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You could save some money on that AMD build by going with this
http://ncix.com/products/?sku=58782&...SI%2FMicroStar
OR
NCIX.com - Buy Gigabyte GA-E350N-USB3 Mini ITX AMD Dual Core E-350 DDR3 1PCI-E16 HDMI SATA3 USB 3.0 Motherboard - Gigabyte - GA-E350N-USB3 - in Canada
For about 130$

NCIX.com - Buy Mushkin Enhanced Silverline Stiletto 4GB 2X2GB PC3-10666 DDR3-1333 9-9-9-24 Dual Channel Memory Kit - Mushkin Enhanced - 996768 - in Canada 24$
Totals

154$
It is suppose to have full 1080p playback feature/support and if he's going to be watching movies and browsing the internet this would be perfect (This is even my ideal budget htpc mobo/cpu bombo)
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Old August 23, 2011, 08:02 AM
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Those look like great alternatives for the motherboard/processor/video card. Thanks!
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Old August 23, 2011, 10:15 AM
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Would 300W be enough power if I got something like the INWIN IW-BK623 Case?
Is the Asus E35M1-M motherboard another good option? ($10 cheaper)
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Old August 23, 2011, 11:18 AM
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if you dont game i would seriously consider an i3 here. why? because the onboard video its got is enough for most things non gaming.
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Old August 23, 2011, 01:48 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by _dangtx_ View Post
if you dont game i would seriously consider an i3 here. why? because the onboard video its got is enough for most things non gaming.
Agreed. If it not for mild gaming, then i3>llano. This build will be faster for what they will use it for and cheaper as well. Keep your build as you listed, but replace CPU/MOB/RAM with this bundle at NCIX for $212.99 and then a $15 MIR.

No need for 8gb ram in an internet box.
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