Suggestions for a new build been about 6 years...

[jmcoreymv]

I've been out of the computer market for a while, so I'm pretty rusty. My current machine was built back in early 2008 and it's a full-size desktop with:
Core2Duo E8400
4GB RAM
GT9600
etc

I'm looking to upgrade to a newer computer, and ideally I'd want something:
- Smaller
- Some expandability but not a lot (i.e. 1 or 2 PCIe slots, 1 2.5" ssd, 1 3.5" hdd)
- Relatively low power/quiet

I don't do any gaming, mostly just web browsing, office apps, some programming, etc, so I think I'm fine with the on-board video of the I3/I5 processors.

Anyone have recommendations? I'm leaning towards building one since that's what I've always done in the past, but at the same time if there's a prebuilt one that fits my needs for a good price, I'm open to suggestions.

I'm not sure what my budget is yet, but ideally around $600 (or less!). This would include:
- New case
- CPU, MB, RAM
- SSD
- Re-use existing power supply? (Not sure)
- Re-use existing HDD

Thanks!

 

[Ken g6]

By "smaller" are you aiming for micro-ATX, mini-ITX, or maybe even a laptop?

You say you want at least one PCIe slot, but what would you use it for if you don't game? (This could affect mini-ITX case sizes and PSU requirements.)

 

[VirtualLarry]

I'm questioning the need for PCI-E slots. Did you have anything in particular you wanted to put in them?

I'm wondering about the feasibility of an Asus VivoPC or Gigabyte Brix, since you wanted smaller, and don't game (therefor don't need a GPU?). Add a 512GB MX100 SSD, and you'll be ready to go.

Btw, the VivoPC comes complete with AC Wifi, RAM, HDD, and pre-installed OS. The Brix is a bare-bones that requires RAM, HDD, and OS. Keep that in mind when comparing prices.

 

[mfenn]

By "smaller" are you aiming for micro-ATX, mini-ITX, or maybe even a laptop?

You say you want at least one PCIe slot, but what would you use it for if you don't game? (This could affect mini-ITX case sizes and PSU requirements.)

:thumbsup: My thoughts exactly.

I don't think I'd reuse a 2008-era power supply unless the budget was really tight. It's probably degraded at this point and is at the very least much less efficient than a newer one.

Same goes for the HDD unless it's a recent upgrade.

 

[jmcoreymv]

Thanks for the feedback.

By "smaller" are you aiming for micro-ATX, mini-ITX, or maybe even a laptop?

I just did some research and I think either mATX or mITX would be fine and smaller than what I currently have. I'm not interested in a laptop.

I'm wondering about the feasibility of an Asus VivoPC or Gigabyte Brix, since you wanted smaller, and don't game (therefor don't need a GPU?). Add a 512GB MX100 SSD, and you'll be ready to go.

These look really cool! The VivoPC seems a bit less powerful than I wanted, but the Brix is more capable. The downside for me would be lack of space for a 3.5" HDD and a PCIe slot.

I'm questioning the need for PCI-E slots. Did you have anything in particular you wanted to put in them?

I'd like the option to support dual displays and potentially to add a video card in the future if it ends up being needed. Currently I also use a PCIe TV Tuner card but I could replace that with an external one.

 

[mfenn]

How about this:

Core i3 4130 $110
ASRock B85M Pro4 $70
Team DDR3 1600 8GB $75
PNY XLR8 240GB $100 AR
Reuse HDD $0
Corsair CX500M $35 AR AP
Silverstone PS07B $75
Total: $465

There's room in the budget to go up to an i5 like the i5 4440 for $175 AP if you don't mind spending closer to $600.