• Help me build a cheap PC that doesn't suck.
    44 replies, posted
Hello facepunch, I know you LOVE challenges, here's a challenge for you: Help me build my first PC (I am a mac fanboy and i want to convert) Ironically enough, my mac fanboy budget is low: 250 pounds - maximum 300. I AM NOT a serious gamer, however - i might want to play some less graphic intense games. I live in England - so anything that you can ship cheaply or domestic is good. Also, i've never built a PC before, so if you guys have any tips - i'd love to hear them. If you think that there isnt a point in building a PC myself, suggest some package deal i can get (surely you know more than me in the subject) (P.S. Package has to include a monitor (makes it even harder) however, any normal res is fine, i'm not too picky - mouse and keyboard can be anything too. I would ideally like to maybe upgrade it later.) (P.P.S I like programming, graphic design and playing minecraft - those might be some clues as to what I might want) Thanks, and I apologize for my noobyness.
[QUOTE=Speedfalcon;29738422]Hello facepunch, I know you LOVE challenges, here's a challenge for you: Help me build my first PC (I am a mac fanboy and i want to convert) Ironically enough, my mac fanboy budget is low: 250 pounds - maximum 300. I AM NOT a serious gamer, however - i might want to play some less graphic intense games. I live in England - so anything that you can ship cheaply or domestic is good. Also, i've never built a PC before, so if you guys have any tips - i'd love to hear them. If you think that there isnt a point in building a PC myself, suggest some package deal i can get (surely you know more than me in the subject) (P.S. Package has to include a monitor (makes it even harder) however, any normal res is fine, i'm not too picky - mouse and keyboard can be anything too. I would ideally like to maybe upgrade it later.) (P.P.S I like programming, graphic design and playing minecraft - those might be some clues as to what I might want) Thanks, and I apologize for my noobyness.[/QUOTE] With a monitor? I'm guessing with an OS too. Can't be done, if you had a screen and OS then may be... You could sell your mac for extra dosh. Can't you use your mac monitor? Or is it a family pc.
[QUOTE=BrainDeath;29740170]With a monitor? I'm guessing with an OS too. Can't be done, if you had a screen and OS then may be... You could sell your mac for extra dosh.[/QUOTE] I'll still need my mac for some things - i don't need an OS. by mac, I mean macbook pro (sorry if i confused you) And no, this will be a desktop in my room. I don't really care much about screen resolution for now, so a 70 pound monitor will do, that leaves roughly 230 max for keyboard + mouse + tower
[img]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20307499/23409/asdasdwdq.jpg[/img] [url=http://www.scan.co.uk/products/4gb-(2x2gb)-corsair-xms3-classic-ddr3-pc3-10666-(1333)-non-ecc-unbuffered-cas-9-9-9-24-150v]RAM[/url] [url=http://www.scan.co.uk/products/lg-gh22ns50-22x-dvdr-16xdvddl-dvdplusrw-x8-rwx6-12xram-sata-black-oem]DVD-drive[/url] [url=http://www.scan.co.uk/products/cit-1107-black-microatx-mini-tower-case-with-450w-psu]Case+PSU[/url] [url=http://www.scan.co.uk/products/logitech-deluxe-250-wired-keyboard-usb-black]Keyboard[/url] [url=http://www.scan.co.uk/products/logitech-b110-optical-usb-mouse-black-3-button-with-scroll-wheel-800dpi-pc-mac-retail]Mouse[/url] [url=http://www.scan.co.uk/products/500gb-samsung-spinpoint-f3-hd502hj-sata-3gb-s-7200rpm-16mb-cache-8ms-oem]HDD[/url] [url=http://www.scan.co.uk/products/185-aoc-maskk-n941sw-black-lcd-monitor-1366x768-5ms-200cd-m-600001-vesa-usb-dock]Monitor[/url] [url=http://www.scan.co.uk/products/asus-m4a78lt-m-le-amd-760g-s-am3-ddr3-1800(oc)-sata-3gb-s-sata-raid-microatx-onboard-graphics]Motherboard[/url] [url=http://www.scan.co.uk/products/amd-athlon-ii-x4-640-propus-quad-core-s-am3-3ghz-2mb-total-cache-ht-2000mhz-95w-retail]CPU[/url] Slightly above your budget, this is probably about the best you can get for that amount. The case and PSU of that build are really bad though and the monitor, mouse and keyboard aren't that good either. The graphics are onboard, so you can't expect that to be the best either. Can't go much lower than this without getting a really sucky build though.
[QUOTE=Erwin;29740980][img_thumb]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/20307499/23409/asdasdwdq.jpg[/img_thumb] [url=http://www.scan.co.uk/products/4gb-(2x2gb)-corsair-xms3-classic-ddr3-pc3-10666-(1333)-non-ecc-unbuffered-cas-9-9-9-24-150v]RAM[/url] [url=http://www.scan.co.uk/products/lg-gh22ns50-22x-dvdr-16xdvddl-dvdplusrw-x8-rwx6-12xram-sata-black-oem]DVD-drive[/url] [url=http://www.scan.co.uk/products/cit-1107-black-microatx-mini-tower-case-with-450w-psu]Case+PSU[/url] [url=http://www.scan.co.uk/products/logitech-deluxe-250-wired-keyboard-usb-black]Keyboard[/url] [url=http://www.scan.co.uk/products/logitech-b110-optical-usb-mouse-black-3-button-with-scroll-wheel-800dpi-pc-mac-retail]Mouse[/url] [url=http://www.scan.co.uk/products/500gb-samsung-spinpoint-f3-hd502hj-sata-3gb-s-7200rpm-16mb-cache-8ms-oem]HDD[/url] [url=http://www.scan.co.uk/products/185-aoc-maskk-n941sw-black-lcd-monitor-1366x768-5ms-200cd-m-600001-vesa-usb-dock]Monitor[/url] [url=http://www.scan.co.uk/products/asus-m4a78lt-m-le-amd-760g-s-am3-ddr3-1800(oc)-sata-3gb-s-sata-raid-microatx-onboard-graphics]Motherboard[/url] [url=http://www.scan.co.uk/products/amd-athlon-ii-x4-640-propus-quad-core-s-am3-3ghz-2mb-total-cache-ht-2000mhz-95w-retail]CPU[/url] Slightly above your budget, this is probably about the best you can get for that amount. The case and PSU of that build are really bad though and the monitor, mouse and keyboard aren't that good either. The graphics are onboard, so you can't expect that to be the best either. Can't go much lower than this without getting a really sucky build though.[/QUOTE] you sir, are a winner. If any of you guys have more suggestions - go right ahead :D
Wait, I'm gonna come up with something. [editline]10th May 2011[/editline] Mobo: [url]http://www.scan.co.uk/products/asus-m4n68t-m-le-v2-nf-630a-am3-pci-e-(x16)-ddr3-1800(oc)-sata-raid-matx-on-board-graphics[/url] CPU: [url]http://www.scan.co.uk/products/amd-athlon-ii-x2-255-regor-dual-core-s-am3-31ghz-2mb-cache-ht-4000mhz-65w-retail[/url] Get the before-mentioned RAM. Case: [url]http://www.scan.co.uk/products/rasurbo-basicandcase-bc-13-black-atx-midi-tower-chassis-w-o-psu[/url] PSU: [url]http://www.scan.co.uk/products/350w-antec-bp350p-uk-basiq-power-80mm-quiet-fan-dual-12v-rails-atx12v-v201[/url] GPU: [url]http://www.scan.co.uk/products/512mb-sapphire-hd-5670-pci-e-21-(x16)-4000mhz-gddr5-gpu-775mhz-400-cores-d-sub-dl-dvi-i-hdmi[/url] You'll have to put in a tad more money, but it'll be worth it. [editline]10th May 2011[/editline] Other than what you see there, just get what was posted before. This is a case of priority, as you'll get a better CPU with the other build. Here you get a better PSU, and something that will actually run some games. [editline]10th May 2011[/editline] Building the computer shouldn't prove hard for you, just follow the instructions on this site: [url]www.pcityourself.com[/url] ..and you'll be rolling in no time. Some things may differ from the tutorial there, but just read your motherboard manual and that should be about it. Don't forget stand-offs! Those are some smalls screws that comes either with the case or the motherboard. You'll have to screw them in before placing the motherboard in the case - otherwise your motherboard will be fried. Check the 4-pin CPU power connector, as many forget that one for some reason. Don't forget to plug in the 6-pin PCI-E power connector into your GPU, either.
[QUOTE=GoDong-DK;29743102]Wait, I'm gonna come up with something. [editline]10th May 2011[/editline] Mobo: [url]http://www.scan.co.uk/products/asus-m4n68t-m-le-v2-nf-630a-am3-pci-e-(x16)-ddr3-1800(oc)-sata-raid-matx-on-board-graphics[/url] CPU: [url]http://www.scan.co.uk/products/amd-athlon-ii-x2-255-regor-dual-core-s-am3-31ghz-2mb-cache-ht-4000mhz-65w-retail[/url] Get the before-mentioned RAM. Case: [url]http://www.scan.co.uk/products/rasurbo-basicandcase-bc-13-black-atx-midi-tower-chassis-w-o-psu[/url] PSU: [url]http://www.scan.co.uk/products/350w-antec-bp350p-uk-basiq-power-80mm-quiet-fan-dual-12v-rails-atx12v-v201[/url] GPU: [url]http://www.scan.co.uk/products/512mb-sapphire-hd-5670-pci-e-21-(x16)-4000mhz-gddr5-gpu-775mhz-400-cores-d-sub-dl-dvi-i-hdmi[/url] You'll have to put in a tad more money, but it'll be worth it. [editline]10th May 2011[/editline] Other than what you see there, just get what was posted before. This is a case of priority, as you'll get a better CPU with the other build. Here you get a better PSU, and something that will actually run some games. [editline]10th May 2011[/editline] Building the computer shouldn't prove hard for you, just follow the instructions on this site: [url]www.pcityourself.com[/url] ..and you'll be rolling in no time. Some things may differ from the tutorial there, but just read your motherboard manual and that should be about it. Don't forget stand-offs! Those are some smalls screws that comes either with the case or the motherboard. You'll have to screw them in before placing the motherboard in the case - otherwise your motherboard will be fried. Check the 4-pin CPU power connector, as many forget that one for some reason. Don't forget to plug in the 6-pin PCI-E power connector into your GPU, either.[/QUOTE] Sweet - i am in no hurry, so i'll look over anything submitted - feel free to comment on what you would get from what is suggested - that helps me out tonnes since i'm not good with hardware. Also, question: in the first (and second) case, can i put in my own graphics if i ever wish to upgrade?
What do you mean by graphics? Like painting it or buying a new GPU?
What i mean is, if i want to upgrade the GPU (on your build) can I? also, does the heat sink come with the case? or the motherboard? nevermind, i missed the GPU that you put in... 2nd seems like a good idea since i can upgrade the processor anyway (i'm guessing) and the PSU seems better. Edit, @second suggestion it costs 396 quid - wayy over my budget. I was looking for something a but less expensive - however it does begin to sound like a good build. Is there anything I can sacrifice on? (HDD/RAM)
The PSU is better, and it'll run mid-segment cards that only requires one 6-pin connector. You can upgrade CPU, too if you want to.
Here is a build i got from my friend for 391 pounds (cheaper than previous, apparently better): [img]http://i.imgur.com/GB4kJ.png[/img] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/238977[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/166518[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/127584[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/124228[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/229102[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/225964[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/176026[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/255694[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/205010[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/122845[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/159814[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/188211[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/190139[/url] Comments?
[QUOTE=Speedfalcon;29746066]Here is a build i got from my friend for 391 pounds (cheaper than previous, apparently better): [img_thumb]http://i.imgur.com/GB4kJ.png[/img_thumb] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/238977[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/166518[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/127584[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/124228[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/229102[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/225964[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/176026[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/255694[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/205010[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/122845[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/159814[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/188211[/url] [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/190139[/url] Comments?[/QUOTE] But it's 30% over budget..?
You can't afford one of the Phenom dual cores on this budget. The Athlon will do you good, trust me. [editline]11th May 2011[/editline] Also, get the Antec basiq, though it may not look like it, it's really a quality PSU. When it comes to PSUs, you really can't tell from the looks.
you do realise that the build my friend suggested is 5 pounds cheaper than yours?
That doesn't really make sense, as most of the parts I picked costs the same as the ones in your build. Atleast, I can't figure out where it's more expensive. Anyway, if it really is 5£ cheaper, go for the Antec Basiq or this one: [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/264381[/url] [editline]11th May 2011[/editline] And if you are going to go for the dual core phenom, you might aswell jump to the Athlon II x4 640 posted earlier.
[QUOTE=GoDong-DK;29754279]That doesn't really make sense, as most of the parts I picked costs the same as the ones in your build. Atleast, I can't figure out where it's more expensive. Anyway, if it really is 5£ cheaper, go for the Antec Basiq or this one: [url]http://www.ebuyer.com/product/264381[/url] [editline]11th May 2011[/editline] And if you are going to go for the dual core phenom, you might aswell jump to the Athlon II x4 640 posted earlier.[/QUOTE] 15 more expensive than the one my friend chose - that brings me even more overbudget
I'm just saying that you won't notice a big difference: [url]http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Hardware/Reviews/aii_250/11.html[/url] You could spend those money better.
Or I could save that money :D [img]http://i.imgur.com/wMQfC.png[/img]
You should really put it towards the XFX PSU I posted. It will allow you to buy a more powerful card in the future, and it won't kill your components.
CiT make utter shit PSUs, you'd be an idiot to use them
Done! If you find any other ways to make this cheaper/more awesome for the same price - let me know. I didn't even know i could get this much power in an all-in-one build for 380 quid... [img]http://i.imgur.com/LZIA7.png[/img]
Not a word of the operating system in this thread? Do you need it, will you use a freeware os, will you get it elsewhere, should it be included in the budget?
[QUOTE=Murkrow;29765417]Not a word of the operating system in this thread? Do you need it, will you use a freeware os, will you get it elsewhere, should it be included in the budget?[/QUOTE] [img]http://gyazo.com/e4f94524abdced3bf40548084f4dde38.png[/img] :raise:
welp i read through that post twice and i missed it carry on (ps: if you'll use windows, for the love of god don't use anything older/lesser than 7 home premium)
[QUOTE=Murkrow;29765534]welp i read through that post twice and i missed it carry on (ps: if you'll use windows, for the love of god don't use anything older/lesser than 7 home premium)[/QUOTE] I'll be using my licensed XP 64bit until i have money for 7. I apologize in advance for any emotional inconveniences which that might cause you :3
[QUOTE=Murkrow;29765534]welp i read through that post twice and i missed it carry on (ps: if you'll use windows, for the love of god don't use anything older/lesser than 7 home premium)[/QUOTE] nothing's wrong with xp other than the lack of dx11 support
[QUOTE=wlzshroom;29767762]nothing's wrong with xp other than the lack of dx11 support[/QUOTE] everything is wrong with xp win7 > xp
Also could someone tell me what popular games i could run on high settings (or max) with decent 40+ fps?
Ace of spades.
Games like Fallout 3 shouldn't run too bad. Not on Max AA and so on, but fairly nice.
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