PC Build for a Relative

[Squirrely]

This PC will be for a family member. He will mainly be doing Word, Excel, Quicken, Internet, etc, but does need their data backed up frequently, so I will implement a RAID 1 array. On the processor, should I stick with the C2D family, since its faster and has 2mb L2 cache, or go to the cheaper Pentium family of Dual Cores?

Here is my build so far: (Have not built a Intel based PC before, so any suggestions on better parts welcome. :D)

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163116 (he wants a Shuttle PC based case, so I chose this one)

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256019

Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115032

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130127

Memory: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227139

Harddrives: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136074

Optical Drive: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151154

There isn't much need for graphics, so I just got a onboard video card, as the PC will be running XP Pro. I also have the same harddrive, and it is silent, so I will probably stick with it. Silverstone makes good PSU's as well.

So any suggestions?

Thanks. :D

[Kenshai]

Actualy if you're planning on doing the core 2 duo give the E7200 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115052) a shot.

Otherwise, if it's not going to be much of anything other than an internet box or just basic machine, there is nothing wrong with the E21x0 series. If you're trying to save a little bit of money on it, then I'd go with the E21x0 series.

[JrRacinFan]

Are you going to be overclocking this rig Squirrely?

[Squirrely]

Actualy if you're planning on doing the core 2 duo give the E7200 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115052) a shot.

Otherwise, if it's not going to be much of anything other than an internet box or just basic machine, there is nothing wrong with the E21x0 series. If you're trying to save a little bit of money on it, then I'd go with the E21x0 series.

Ooh, that one is only $10 more, and its 45nm, didn't notice that one, thanks. :D

Are you going to be overclocking this rig Squirrely?

I may OC it a bit at the beginning, for a little bit of tinkering. (Its too temping to to just leave something at stock and never try and OC it. :laugh:) As it will not be mine, and it will be used for business, I think I will just leave it at stock, for ultimate stability. (And 2.53 on the E7200 is plenty for just basic stuff)

PS: The stock cooler should do fine in the case I will purchase? If not, I'll probably have to find/buy a low profile one if this one will not fit.

Thanks. :D

[Kenshai]

PS: The stock cooler should do fine in the case I will purchase? If not, I'll probably have to find/buy a low profile one if this one will not fit.


The Intel Cooler is pretty small, I've never messed with a shuttle case, but I think it should work.

[Squirrely]

The Intel Cooler is pretty small, I've never messed with a shuttle case, but I think it should work.

Ah, ok. Thanks.

May order some other fans as well, not sure how loud the ones in the case will be.

[Kenshai]

Did you choose that motherbaord because of the DVI connection?

You will probably have to flash the bios to support the 45nm processors.

[Squirrely]

Did you choose that motherbaord because of the DVI connection?

You will probably have to flash the bios to support the 45nm processors.

Mainly, I could do other mobo's such as:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163116

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813188021

But, not sure. Also did not think of having to flash the BIOS...hmm.

Also, should I just scrap an onboard video chipset, and go with a dedicated card? I am kinda leaning toward that, as if he chooses to use a bigger monitor, with a higher res in the future, the onboard chipset may not be able to handle that size of screen. Maybe a low-middle 7 or 8 series card would do better than an onboard video chipset.

[JrRacinFan]

Only reason why I asked an AMD build is cheaper if no overclock planned.

[Squirrely]

Only reason why I asked was maybe an AMD build may be cheaper if no overclock planned.

Yeah, but I would just like to stick to Intel. Never built one before, and also he would prefer Intel, mainly for the name. So not going to complain about that, as I get to OC and tinker with it, before I give it to him. :laugh:

Also, how loud are the stock Intel coolers? As this will be on a desk, noise would be liked to be kept to a minimum. :D

[WarEagleAU]

I like the E7200 mentioned. The PSU is fine, but Id go beefier, like 500W. Youd be better off in the long run. Ram and HDD are nice and so is that Case. Id choose a different motherboard and get a dedicated card. Maybe an HD 3600 or something like that.

[Squirrely]

But would a E7200 be overkill? Its mainly just going to be a working business PC, so that's why I thought about the Pentium E2200, or E2220.

[dark2099]

E7200 will be nice, will give the PC enough life to last a while without needing major updates as time goes on and apps require more power.

[Squirrely]

Ah ok.

45nm would cause some problems though, correct? I would have to flash the BIOS, but without a processor, how would i go along doing that, lol. (Unless the mobo will work without a processor, like some older ones, :laugh:) If it will be too much trouble, I will probably just get the E4600.

[JrRacinFan]

For the e7200, I am pretty (99%) sure you will need a bios flash. But for the e4600 you may need a bios flash but it will recognize it long enough to get an updated bios on the board's chip.

[Squirrely]

For the e7200, I am pretty (99%) sure you will need a bios flash. But for the e4600 you may need a bios flash but it will recognize it long enough to get an updated bios on the board's chip.

Ah, ok. Is there another mobo I could purchase which I could avoid this problem? As I can not really check with the manufacturer, as Newegg may just have a stock of old mobos with the older BIOS.

[JrRacinFan]

Ah, ok. Is there another mobo I could purchase which I could avoid this problem? As I can not really check with the manufacturer, as Newegg may just have a stock of old mobos with the older BIOS.

I want to say anything P45.

[farlex85]

Yeah the p4x's will support it out of box. Some of the p35s do, the best sellers, but a different bios is needed for the e7200 so you may still have to flash. P43/p45 is really your only sure bet.

[Squirrely]

Yeah the p4x's will support it out of box. Some of the p35s do, the best sellers, but a different bios is needed for the e7200 so you may still have to flash. P43/p45 is really your only sure bet.

Problem is, I am confined to a Micro ATX mobo, so I am pretty limited. :(

[farlex85]

Problem is, I am confined to a Micro ATX mobo, so I am pretty limited. :(

Ah, well, your just gonna have to bios flash then. Are you around any sort of electronics store? They usually have good return policies, just pick one up, flash the bios, and return it. It's worth it for the e7200 over other procs in that price range.

[Squirrely]

Ah, well, your just gonna have to bios flash then. Are you around any sort of electronics store? They usually have good return policies, just pick one up, flash the bios, and return it. It's worth it for the e7200 over other procs in that price range.

Yeah, I might just have to do that, oh well.

I think I'll switch to this mobo, as people seem to be having good luck with this one with 45nm: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128078

Total cost is now $523.92. Woot. :toast:

I want to get a better CPU cooler, for the noise level (if the stock ones are loud, are they?) but not sure, as height will be an issue. :shadedshu

[JrRacinFan]

They aren't loud at all, but if you truly want to do away with noise .....
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185046

If your bios can kill the cpu fan header, you may be able to run passive if you got good airflow in the case.

[Squirrely]

Ah, ok. I'll probably stick with the stock cooler then.

Well thanks for all the help. :D

[Kenshai]

Ah, ok. Is there another mobo I could purchase which I could avoid this problem? As I can not really check with the manufacturer, as Newegg may just have a stock of old mobos with the older BIOS.

The same board you mentioned later has been had a new version put out, same board with up to date bios, and some power saving feature.

Here (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128338)

Was going to recommend it earlier but thought you would need the DVI.

Jr is right with the scythe mini, nice small cooler

I like the E7200 mentioned. The PSU is fine, but Id go beefier, like 500W. Youd be better off in the long run. Ram and HDD are nice and so is that Case. Id choose a different motherboard and get a dedicated card. Maybe an HD 3600 or something like that.

The PSU would be fine for the needs, but if you were looking for upgrades,

This (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371019) is a newer revision of Antec's Basiq 500W power supply.

Then here (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153023) is one I've used personally in a couple builds and have had no issues whatsoever with it.

As for the Video Card, since it won't be doing gaming of any sort. you really don't need much

8400GS would do well, there is also silent version that is low profile made by MSI
URL="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130316"]EVGA 8400GS[/URL]

[Squirrely]

I think I'll stick with the 350w, its efficient, good brand, and cheap as well. It isn't going to be a power guzzler. Mine only takes maybe ~190w max from the wall, so this one should be covered. Also, didn't notice the revision mobo, I'll be sure to pick that one up.

If need be, I can always pick up a 8400GS down the road. Heck, I even have some junk PCIe cards laying around such as a 6600, and 6200 I can pop in, lol.

Edit:

Should I just go with a Seasonic PSU? (rebagged), such as the Corsair 450w? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003

Or are Silverstone PSU's ok? I have just always liked Seasonic PSU's for my builds, as they are the most stable, and usually very efficient power wise. (I dislike my Thermaltake, just haven't bought a Seasonic, lol)

[Kenshai]

Should I just go with a Seasonic PSU? (rebagged), such as the Corsair 450w? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003

Or are Silverstone PSU's ok? I have just always liked Seasonic PSU's for my builds, as they are the most stable, and usually very efficient power wise. (I dislike my Thermaltake, just haven't bought a Seasonic, lol)


I haven't heard of any issues with Silverstone PSU's and are by far on the upper end of PSU's. Nothing wrong with the Corsair that was linked, if it isn't going to be getting any major upgrades in the next 2 years or so I would personally stick with the Silvertstone.

[Squirrely]

I haven't heard of any issues with Silverstone PSU's and are by far on the upper end of PSU's. Nothing wrong with the Corsair that was linked, if it isn't going to be getting any major upgrades in the next 2 years or so I would personally stick with the Silvertstone.

Ok, thanks. Yeah, there will be no upgrades in the future, since this is pretty overkill for its basic business use. Just wanted to future proof for a long time. :laugh:

Well here's the final build:

Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163116

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128338

PSU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256019

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115052

RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227139

2 HDD's: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136074

ODD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151154

Subtotal: $520.92

Now I want to keep it, and give my PC to him. :roll: Well, thanks for all the help. Hope I didn't forget anything. :p