I have been summed before my computer dies

[Silicate Wielder]

(HELLO! ITS BEEN A LONG TIME! NICE TO SEE YOU ALL~~)
(Don't tell my mom i'm using the neighbor's Wi-Fi connection...)


Hello guys, so my computer has literally gone kaput so many times I've lost track, aaaaaaand I get to build a computer as a Christmas present! Seeing as I am impatient I would like to keep the budget down to about $600 but my mom will let me go as high as $900, this is my first build and I Want to get your opinions on my part list.

First off, this is going to be a multi-purpose computer, so all the things will have to be done on it, Rendering 3D models, Graphics Editing (bitmap, and vector), Programming, running intensive programs, anime, and of course Tumblring. Now, do take note that the 6-core was chosen out of my need to be able to run multiple instances of software and multitask, I felt an 8-core is just overkill (but would be fun for an enthusiast build!)

So, now that I have rambled on about all that I now present you with the links to my two contemplated builds, I shall return again when it is time for me to decide my fate.

Lists updated: JAN 4 - 9:57PM

(BUDGET INCREASED TO $1000 MAX, both builds have been updated and optimized)
$700 build: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/PCclockWork/saved/ZjqWGX
(Power supply and short cable kit chosen because of cable management needs)

$100 build: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/PCclockWork/saved/KCMmP6

[Abyssal Echo]

CharlieHorse built his computer so I'm sure he can help ya out with a good parts list and sites to get them.

[LifeOfLove]

Your $600 version doesn't have a hard drive it would appear?
Also your DVD drive on that first one won't fit in the case.
Additionally, remember that an OS will cost you some money unless you use a form of Linux or obtain it in a less than legal way.

Now, on the $900 version you'll have a few issues too. The case will make for a super tight/not possible fit for your video card. Also to use that motherboard with that processor, it's possible the BIOS needs to be updated, which requires a processor to do...so that could be a super big issue. Also if you are going to spend $900 on a computer, USB 3.0 is kind of something that should exist, which doesn't with that motherboard.
Again the issue of an OS is present.


Now, with all of that said, my opinions are that Micro ATX cases are cool, but when it comes to a performance computer a full size case is totally worth having. Unless it has really good fans and or water cooling, a small case will run components at a higher temperature which will result in a shoter lifespan as well as slower performance.

Building a computer the first time takes a lot of research. I'd look for a complete build list somebody has, and then take each component and modify it to fit your needs. If you'd like I can provide you with one or two, but you'll want to change things as they are for $2,000+ builds.
Also if you have any questions I'd be happy to help, I have tons of experience with this one as I spend the summer working in a computer shop and building high-end computers for people to use in 3D modeling/rendering and all sorts of crazy applications (I'm actually pretty sure one of the ones I bulit is currently running like $5million+ worth of equipment off of it now! Yikes!)

[Silicate Wielder]

Your $600 version doesn't have a hard drive it would appear?
Also your DVD drive on that first one won't fit in the case.
Additionally, remember that an OS will cost you some money unless you use a form of Linux or obtain it in a less than legal way.

Thank you for pointing the hard drive issues out, I have added a hard drive to the list.

Yes, yes, I know the site says it won't fit but i checked it out and it will, they don't make slot loading drives for 3.5" and 5.25" bays and research reveals it supports this format of CD Drive. Don't always rely on their site and assume something doesn't fit when it does if you're willing to do the research.

I plan on running Ubuntu on this or using the copy of windows 8 I already have, but I am hesitant to use Windows after having purely used Linux for the past year. (Only real exception is at school) I also have the technical preview for Windows 10 but I know that isn't a wise choice to make for a main OS

Now, on the $900 version you'll have a few issues too. The case will make for a super tight/not possible fit for your video card. Also to use that motherboard with that processor, it's possible the BIOS needs to be updated, which requires a processor to do...so that could be a super big issue. Also if you are going to spend $900 on a computer, USB 3.0 is kind of something that should exist, which doesn't with that motherboard.
Again the issue of an OS is present.

With the video card the drive cage is modular and can be removed in sections to make space for larger cards, there is also a hidden mount for a 2.5" drive for those who remove the cages all together. I should be able to still use at least one hard drive bay though and still have plenty of space.

As for the motherboard, I got lazy and forgot to check these two factors, I've updated the list with a new one that is still using an AMD970 chipset but should still be able to use the AMD6300 CPU without a BIOS update, if a BIOS update is necessary it can still be done without a CPU installed via the USB BIOS Flashback feature it has.

[Typhlosion]

Why AMD? I'd rather an Intel, even if slightly more expensive.

I'll also question the necessity of a sound card and CD drive

[Silicate Wielder]

Why AMD? I'd rather an Intel, even if slightly more expensive.

I'll also question the necessity of a sound card and CD drive

I would prefer an Intel processor but the AMD I chose is one of the best budget ones (at least in my price range) on the market at the moment, not to mention the multitasking and use of this will require more than just a mere 4 cores, because I like to run multiple heavy processes at the same time and still have headroom.

I really have no excuse for the Sound card other than just wanting good audio for the headphones i'm getting :P Maybe I can will myself out of buying it.

Now the CD drive, oh boy the CD drive. Really it's just because I wanted it as an extra feature, but I otherwise burn a lot of CD and DVDs for my sister and mom.

[Typhlosion]

Looking at your first MOBO it says that it supports only up to 1333MHz, whereas you're aquiring 1600MHz RAM.

Now the CD drive, oh boy the CD drive. Really it's just because I wanted it as an extra feature, but I otherwise burn a lot of CD and DVDs for my sister and mom.

If I may ask, why? DVDs are almost obsolete nowadays.

[Silicate Wielder]

Looking at your first MOBO it says that it supports only up to 1333MHz, whereas you're aquiring 1600MHz RAM.



If I may ask, why? DVDs are almost obsolete nowadays.
Thanks for pointing that out, i'll work on finding a different MOBO

Again regarding the CD drive I like a bit of old-tech, plus I have a lot of DVDs that I haven't ripped or can't rip with my current computer.

[Sir Enigma]

Alright, listen up.
I'd suggest no optical drive since we have the almighty bootable drives and .iso files.
Also, since youre in a tight budget (600$ option) I recommend you do what I did. I got 4 gigs of ram and a better GPU and just bought 4 more gigs later. Its easier to add modules that are 50$ than those that are 200$+ :)
Also, that cooler you picked just doesnt go into a mATX case, its too big. This is how I wouldve built a computer:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/GCRWjX
Compared to yours, I didnt put a wireless card or peripherals, you can add that yourself and get to those 668$
But, what I have built is a value oriented case. it offers upgradeability, the stock cooler for the fx6300 is just fine unless you plan to overclock it, the case has a lot of fan slots and very good airflow, you can add an ssd later on and 4 more gigs of ram. 4 gigs or ram will do just fine for anything but the most demanding games. Besides, on easter you can buy 4 more gigs and get there. :)

Of course, you dont have to listen to me. Just do your way if you find mine less appealing. :)

[randomuser123]

AMD? I would be more tempted to go down the Intel route, and certainly the NVIDIA route (especially if you are doing any 3D work - because CUDA is great if you don't have a great CPU or masses of RAM).

I would personally rather have a quad-core Intel, than a 6-core AMD, but that is just my opinion.

If you are on a tight budget (especially for a desktop PC), focus on getting a usable build now, but leave room for a lot of upgradability - so that you can turn it into a great PC further down the line.

Why are you limiting yourself to $600 if you have $900 available?

[Silicate Wielder]

AMD? I would be more tempted to go down the Intel route, and certainly the NVIDIA route (especially if you are doing any 3D work - because CUDA is great if you don't have a great CPU or masses of RAM).

I would personally rather have a quad-core Intel, than a 6-core AMD, but that is just my opinion.

If you are on a tight budget (especially for a desktop PC), focus on getting a usable build now, but leave room for a lot of upgradability - so that you can turn it into a great PC further down the line.

Why are you limiting yourself to $600 if you have $900 available?

I know, but AMD will allow me to get the six-core processor that will allow me to do more experimentation with multi-core utilizing applications, plus I only do light gaming, and not with crazy hardware intense applications.

Seeing as my mom changed her mind after me checking by with her on the build price, I now have a $1000 limit, i've been going on the part picker forums and doing alot of work, upgraded the fans, swapped the CPU cooler with a nicer looking, and better performing one (I hope my information is right) as well as gotten better ram, although I may have to swap it out for ram with a lower profile.

That's a fall-back build in case something goes wrong and my mom can't afford a $1000 build, I should probably fix it up with better hardware for it's price range, but meh.