Looking to source new build entirely from B&M - Microcenter, Fry's

[fiddlestix]

I'm wondering if anyone has recently built or planned out a build sourcing all components from local B&Ms. I would like to avoid the hassle of shipping and possible returns by mail.

I'm in the Chicago area, so I have easy access to Microcenter and Fry's.

I'm in the $600-$800 range. Gaming is important, but I only play occasionally theses days, so it should not be the primary consideration. I tend to replace my PCs about every five years, so this one should be as future-proofed as possible.

Thanks!

 

[Ken g6]

Gaming is important, but I only play occasionally theses days, so it should not be the primary consideration.

So what tasks should be the primary consideration?

What computer are you replacing? Would you want to re-use any of its components if possible?

Do you need to buy Windows or other software?

 

[fiddlestix]

Sorry for the incomplete description.

The PC will primarily be used for Photoshop, office applications, web applications, software development, and light gaming. I keep a lot of windows and tabs open, so I would like to go a little overboard on RAM if it's cheap enough.

I am replacing a custom build from about 6 years ago. I intend to keep using it in another capacity, so I can't re-use the components. I have an HD I can use. I don't need a display, keyboard, or mouse.

I have a Windows license I don't believe was ever activated. I can always buy a license later if necessary, so the OS should not be part of the price consideration for this build.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I've done a couple Microcenter-only builds. It's not much different from anything else, except overall price was about $100 higher. No one component was guilty - they just charge like $5 more than Amazon/Newegg for pretty much everything, and their cables are too expensive.

The easy returns are nice though.

 

[Homerboy]

Wait... buying online is a hassle compared to shopping at B&M stores?
I find it's pretty much the opposite for just about EVERYTHING -- not just PC parts.

 

[Ken g6]

Speaking of hassles, PCPartPicker isn't tracking Micro Center prices right now. Which made this a little harder to put together:

CPU: I5 6500 $200
Mobo: ASRock Z170M Pro4S $100
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB $110
GPU: EVGA GTX 960 SSC $190 AR
SSD : Crucial MX100 256GB $85
DVD : Samsung DVD-RW $14
PSU: Corsair GS600 $29
Case: Corsair Carbide 200R $58
Total: $786

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Wait... buying online is a hassle compared to shopping at B&M stores?
I find it's pretty much the opposite for just about EVERYTHING -- not just PC parts.

Returns and exchanges are a hassle online compared to a B&M.

The shopping experience at MicroCenter is pretty good overall, especially if you indicate to the works-on-commission-and-is-suddenly-way-too-excited teenage employee that you're doing a complete system build. They're eager.

But I have average ~$100/month in Amazon Subscribe'n'Save orders for everything from cat food to toilet paper, and buy most of my electronics from them or Newegg too, because if I'm fairly confident in the product I'm buying and not in any big hurry, I'll take the better price.

 

[vailr]

Amazon has probably the most convenient return policy, and prices aren't much higher/different than other online vendors. Printable free return shipping labels can make Amazon a better choice than others, as well. The return shipment (via UPS) can then be arranged for pick up the following day, instead of requiring a trip to the post office or to a UPS shipping location..
However, even having any kind of need to return a defective item would probably be a pretty rare occurrence, in my opinion.

 

[RaistlinZ]

Speaking of hassles, PCPartPicker isn't tracking Micro Center prices right now. Which made this a little harder to put together:

CPU: I5 6500 $200
Mobo: ASRock Z170M Pro4S $100
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB $110
GPU: EVGA GTX 960 SSC $190 AR
SSD : Crucial MX100 256GB $85
DVD : Samsung DVD-RW $14
PSU: Corsair GS600 $29
Case: Corsair Carbide 200R $58
Total: $786

Nice build, although you might as well throw in the 6600K instead for only $20.00 more.

 

[fiveolddogs]

Speaking of hassles, PCPartPicker isn't tracking Micro Center prices right now. Which made this a little harder to put together:

CPU: I5 6500 $200
Mobo: ASRock Z170M Pro4S $100
RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB $110
GPU: EVGA GTX 960 SSC $190 AR
SSD : Crucial MX100 256GB $85
DVD : Samsung DVD-RW $14
PSU: Corsair GS600 $29
Case: Corsair Carbide 200R $58
Total: $786

Thanks for taking the time to price this. I have been lurking here for a long while, and this really is a great forum.

Can you talk about your choice for both the motherboard and the video card? I'm wondering why those stand out to you for this particular build.

 

[Ken g6]

Nice build, although you might as well throw in the 6600K instead for only $20.00 more.

And then a CPU cooler too for at least $15 more on top of that.

Thanks for taking the time to price this. I have been lurking here for a long while, and this really is a great forum.

Can you talk about your choice for both the motherboard and the video card? I'm wondering why those stand out to you for this particular build.

Mobo was the cheapest 4-RAM-slot LGA1151 board available at Micro Center.

GPU is a little more complicated. It fits the budget, but also Photoshop may use CUDA in some places. Although it looks like CS6 and later uses OpenCL, so I suppose an AMD card could work too. As for the brand and model, I like the pre-overclocked EVGA cards.

 

[fiddlestix]

Okay. I may be stopping at MC today to buy some of the components. I notice they have low stock on some items. For example the PSU in your parts list is not available at my location. So I'm going to ask about a few alternatives.

If I do decide to go with the i5-6600, what CPU cooler do you recommend? Is it a little odd the 6500 comes with the cooler and the 6600 does not?

Can you suggest an alternative GPU, taking Photoshop out of the equation?

During my previous two builds (years ago), I sought advise, and at that time a great emphasis was placed on getting a quality MB. Has that thinking changed?

 

[yinan]

I just built a Hswell-E system from MC a couple weeks ago. The shopping experience was fast and easy, and cheaper than Newegg, even with tax, and I got it instantly

Now, I am just waiting for the final component to be released, the M.2 Samsung 950 Pro 512...

 

[vailr]

If I do decide to go with the i5-6600, what CPU cooler do you recommend? Is it a little odd the 6500 comes with the cooler and the 6600 does not?

The non-K Intel Skylake CPU's include a cooling fan, while the "K" (overclockable) CPU's do not include a cooling fan.
As an example: the i7-6700K CPU does not include the fan,
http://www.directron.com/bx80662i76700k.html
while the i7-6700 CPU does include one; the non-K version (with the fan)
http://www.directron.com/bx80662i76700.html
is about $30 to $40 cheaper than the "K" version.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Is it a little odd the 6500 comes with the cooler and the 6600 does not?

As far as I know, both the 6500 and 6600 include coolers.

The 6600K does NOT.

 

[JeffMD]

Lol.. online ordering a hassle? whats a bigger hassle, getting your A-list parts online at amazing prices? or paying top dollar for all the B-rated retailer crap and having to constantly compromise for your new system because the part you WANT isn't sold locally so you make do with another lesser part?

Haven't needed to do a return to new egg in many many years. Anything I ship out was stuff well into the warranty period.