Build recommendations and some additional questions (non gaming)

jimogr

I'm looking to build a new pc, and I'd appreciate some advice.

Here are my requirements:

No gaming.

itunes - manage a large library of music 90GB of music.

Stream video files (currently mostly SD but HD in future perhaps) to apple tv.

Manage and edit a large library of photos.

Occasional video and audio editing.

MS office.

Internet.

And most importantly: a lot of multitasking, ability to have 50 tabs of chrome open across a number of windows (with many tabs displaying large PDFs) along with streaming video online, listening to the radio online, using excel and word, itunes running, image editing software etc - all at the same time.

I want to run dual monitors.

I know this is hard to predict but I would expect the computer to last (in that it is able to keep up with modern software) for about 5 years.



Here's what I'm thinking so far:

Item|Price
Seagate Barracuda 7200 2000GB, SATA 6Gb/s|€88.02
Intel Core i5-3570 Box, LGA1155|€190.05
ASRock B75 Pro3-M, Sockel 1155, mATX|€60.89
LG GH24NS bare schwarz|€18.38
LogiLink USB 2.0 all-in-one Card Reader, für 3,5" Einbauchschacht|€3.32
16GB-Kit G.Skill RipJaws-X PC3-10667U CL9|€57.44
InLine® Antistatik Handgelenk Manschette|€4.99
BitFenix Merc Beta|€32.04
Samsung SSD 830 64GB SATA 6GB's Basic|€59.99
Cooler Master GX Series PSU, 80Plus Bronze - 450 Watt|€46.62
Shipping|€18.99
Total|€580.73

What do people think of that build?

In addition I'll get windows 8 (probably via the upgrade option - seems to be ways to install it on a new built).

Some general questions:

Do I need a graphic card (that motherboard will handle dual monitors.)

Do cases usually have fans built in.

How much power do I need. I’ve put in 450. But would 350 be ok?

I'm not sure about the SSD - was thinking of running the OS on it - does it add much benefit.

Finally, I’ve never built a PC from scratch before, however, I’ve done lots of upgrading, adding memory, adding hard drives cards etc... Do I need any unusual tools, cables etc for the build.

IrishMetalhead

ok first off 64gb ssd arn't really worth, besides the small storage there alot slower then the 128gb model but they worth it they just improve your os and any apps installed to it so much, also a 3570 is fairly poor value for money you'd be better off getting a 3470 since it has a better price to performance ration to it.
The only tool you'll need is a standard phillips head screw driver just make sure it's non magnetic and all the cables, screws etc you'll need will come with the components.
Yes the case comes with fans and the one you chose is a nice case anyway so no worries there, intel hd4000 graphics can run dual monitors so no need to get a gpu, i would recommend a 450w over a 350w anyway because it leaves plenty of head room for expansion altho theres a cheaper 430W there that's just as good, would usually recommend a super-flower amazon but there out of stock atm:

Item|Price
Intel Core i5-3470 Box, LGA1155|€172.41
ASRock B75 Pro3-M, Sockel 1155, mATX|€60.89
16GB-Kit G.Skill RipJaws-X PC3-10667U CL9|€57.44
Samsung SSD 830 128GB SATA 6GB's Basic|€94.99
Seagate Barracuda 7200 2000GB, SATA 6Gb/s|€88.02
LogiLink USB 2.0 all-in-one Card Reader, für 3,5" Einbauchschacht|€3.32
Samsung SH-224BB bare schwarz|€17.15
BitFenix Merc Beta|€32.04
Thermaltake Smart Power 430W|€38.27
Shipping|€18.99
Total|€583.52

Made very few changes overall since your one was pretty much spot on, didn't include the wrist strap because personally I think they get in the way I find it just as effective is to ocassionally touch the out side of the case to keep grounded but thats up to you

ED E

Only tools you'll ever need are a phillips head and sometimes thermal paste(new cooler will have it pre applied so you'll be good with that for 2yrs before you'd really need new stuff).

tuxy

It's a non overclock build so if using the stock intel cooler thermal compound comes pre applied to the base of the cooler. This does not need to be replaced unless the cooler is removed and reseated. Even after years of use.

jimogr

Thanks for the suggestions IrishMetalhead, the 128GB SSD looks like a better buy alright.

Is the only difference between the CPUs the 3.2 Vs 3.4 GHz?

tuxy

jimogr wrote: »

Is the only difference between the CPUs the 3.2 Vs 3.4 GHz?

That's all, you won't notice it.

jimogr

My order arrived on Friday and I put it together at the weekend. Build was very straight forward and I'm very happy with the machine.

Only issue I ran into, was the case has 4 USBs on the front requiring 2 USB headers and the card reader also required a USB header but the motherboard only has 2. Just saying, in case anyone is looking at this build thinking of buying similar - I can always get a PCI card with additional headers if I want.

Thanks for the help guys.

Jim

unseenfootage

The board has 2xusb3 and 4xusb2 headers.

That is more than enough, no?

IrishMetalhead

I think the spec list is wrong tho, I can only see 2 looking at, but it's not really a big deal not plugging in one set of usb's

vard

I built a HTPC recently with an i3 processor. 3225... or something, I've forgotten it. Has the best intel onboard graphics, which are in fact surprisingly decent and has more power than I need.

jimogr

Yes, the spec list on hardwareversand is wrong. This is the correct one:

http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/B75%20Pro3-M/?cat=Specifications

unseenfootage

^ Get yourself one of this portable usb card readers instead.