mATX + I5

[butor20022]

Hi there,




Case: fractal Define Mini (I want a nice, classy, quiet computer)
SSD: Crucial M4
PSU: Antec 520 or 620 W
MEM: 8 Gig RIPJAW

Now for the MOBO/CPU I'm not sure. the computer wont be used for gaming (Mostly MS-Office, websurfing), so I dont need a crazy GPU. In fact, I could probably live with onboard graphic.
However, I do have an used 5850HD that I could put in the system (hopefully it will fit in the Fractal Mini). For the CPU, I'm leaning towards an I5 (3530 ?), which might look overkill given my usage, but
I wont likely change this computer for another 5 years (So I'm not sold really on the AMD 3870...I'm sure it will be ok on the short term, but will be obselete faster).

The mATX is because I would prefer a small case (and I wont be OC or only mild OC eventually)


any suggestions/comments ?

[Ravenor]

My suggestion would be an Intel IvyBridge combo. Really decent onboard graphics(with the Intel HD 4000) and more then enough speed for the next 5 years.

I would suggest:
Intel IvyBridge 3570K $234.99. This give you access to the HD4000 graphics, most others have the HD2500.
Asus Maximus V Gene Z77 motherboard $204.99. Great board with everything in it you need for now and later.
Alternate motherboard Gigabyte GA-H77M-D3H $89.99. Great budget board.

[Dzzope]

You won't be able to overclock anything but a k series chip.. so if you want to your looking at 3570k as a minimum..

You really won't need to oc for it's usage pretty much ever. grab a budget board and save the bucks (even if you were to game it's not a bad system at all)

[butor20022]

Originally Posted by Dzzope

You won't be able to overclock anything but a k series chip.. so if you want to your looking at 3570k as a minimum..

You really won't need to oc for it's usage pretty much ever. grab a budget board and save the bucks (even if you were to game it's not a bad system at all)

OCing is not the issu here, but more the fact that the 3570K is the only I5 with HD4000.

So I guess my choice is:
1) 3570K + H77 Board and rely on onboard graphics
2) 3530 + H77 board and put my HD5850 in there.

[Dzzope]

no point in getting a h77 board with a 3570k... if your getting the chip you may as well get a z77 and be able to OC it..

I'm not sure the ivy chips are supported by H77 boards.. think its z68 or z77 only?

[Generic User #2]

you're severely overestimating your computing needs.

what i'm saying is, the amount of CPU power you need to run a browser and word processors will NOT increase over time.

if you're trying to stay cheap, then you're already paying too much.

EDIT: you're already making a good choice by getting an SSD and, to a lesser degree, the 8GB of RAM*.

*For your use case, you won't be using this much, but sometimes Flash likes to use alot of RAM, so its nice to have a little wiggle room.

[butor20022]

Originally Posted by Generic User #2

you're severely overestimating your computing needs.

I agree...considering CURRENT needs. But like I mentioned, the intention is to run this machine for several years. (I'm upgrading from a AMD 3800! that build was fine 5 years ago for basic stuff)

[Funguseater]

Hi, just my thoughts on a classy build:

ASRock Z77E-ITX LGA 1155 Intel $160
i5 3570k $230
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 $55
Antec Kuhler 620 CPU cooler $65
Rosewill Green Series RG630-S12 630W $65
Bitfenix Prodigy (I like the white case, very compact but with space for water cooling and full length GPU) $80 at NCIX

This PC will look awsome and last for years and can be overclocked in the future should you decide to.

Fungi