SYSTEM ORDERED! [Cheapest build needed] A web browsing machine for my mom.

[norseamd]

How would the AMD APU processors fair in this type of computer?

Does she need to use virusscan to protect her computer?

 

[VirtualLarry]

How would the AMD APU processors fair in this type of computer?

Does she need to use virusscan to protect her computer?

Dual-core AMD APUs are slower than an E8400 (that you can get for $13 on ebay).

Quad-core AMD APUs (the overclockable ones) are comparable in performance to an Intel i3.

Overall, the APUs are quite weak in CPU performance.

I would go with a Haswell i3, myself.

 

[Cerb]

How would the AMD APU processors fair in this type of computer?

I tried working one up at PCPP, and ended up at the same cost as an Intel, and the Intel's CPU would be faster.

 

[mnewsham]

I tried working one up at PCPP, and ended up at the same cost as an Intel, and the Intel's CPU would be faster.

the trade off is more GPU power for less CPU power, just depends what your priorities are. Though the Intel IGP has been getting much better recently the AMD APU IGP is still a bit ahead as far as I am aware.

 

[norseamd]

the trade off is more GPU power for less CPU power, just depends what your priorities are. Though the Intel IGP has been getting much better recently the AMD APU IGP is still a bit ahead as far as I am aware.

Yah I know and he was talking about integrated graphics and if a dual core I3 sufficient for him than I was wondering if a APU would work? How are the APU programming for Open CL and GPGPU on the APU for virusscans working? Are they more efficient than regular scanning via a regular CPU?

 

[VirtualLarry]

I've never heard of using GPGPU to scan for viruses. Is there such a thing?

Edit: Here's an article from 2007, claiming that it is 21x faster:
http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1042106/gpgpu-drastically-accelerates-anti-virus-software

So it's 2014, going on 2015 soon. Why haven't I seen this feature in commercial A/V software advertised?

 

[norseamd]

Here is a link from this year but I know there was a lot of talk about it with AMD APU processor from the last year or so.

http://www.computerworld.com/articl...ips-bring-console-like-experience-to-pcs.html

 

[norseamd]

Here is another link but it is a bit of a read so I will have to come back to it later and see what it actually says.

http://www.bdti.com/InsideDSP/2014/04/08/AMD

 

[Cerb]

Yah I know and he was talking about integrated graphics and if a dual core I3 sufficient for him than I was wondering if a APU would work? How are the APU programming for Open CL and GPGPU on the APU for virusscans working? Are they more efficient than regular scanning via a regular CPU?

Just get an SSD, and don't sweat it. For the proposed uses, any GPU that works is going to be good enough, provided we're talking about current-gen parts. Unless there's a big photo/video collection that needs to be local, the SSD will make up for any CPU differences. I could not do better than the Lenovo I (and then Burpo) posted, adding an HDD or SSD, and video cable (if needed).

I doubt, even if GPU-based searches become common, that their performance will too much better, rather than their being effective at saving power, where I suspect that could be quite useful.

 

[norseamd]

any GPU that works is going to be good enough

True but I would also assume most full size x86 cpus would be good enough also. If anything I would get 4 GB of RAM so if she is running 50 tabs open at once she does not fill up her RAM and slow down her computer.

 

[Cerb]

True but I would also assume most full size x86 cpus would be good enough also.

I agree. But, if weaker CPUs aren't saving any money, why not get the stronger one? I suspect as we near BF/CM, the varied sales on APUs, making them cheaper, will start to show up, again.

 

[norseamd]

BF/CM

What is this? Was thinking Broadwell and Cannonlake but that would run as BW/CL.

 

[norseamd]

But, if weaker CPUs aren't saving any money, why not get the stronger one?

Honestly I am not that knowledgable about the low end of the CPU product lines and I thought the low end APU processors were cheaper than they maybe are. Also thought for combined CPU and GPU power the AMD APU were stronger than the I3 and the Intel Integrated Graphics for like maybe Haswell or something.

 

[Termie]

What is this? Was thinking Broadwell and Cannonlake but that would run as BW/CL.

Black Friday. In reality, there is no distinct Cyber Monday event anymore, as most of the biggest sale items will already be sold out and Monday is used to clear remaining items.

 

[escrow4]

Haswell i3 with a decent H97 or B85 with a BIOS update mobo and a 256GB SSD with 8GB RAM. Will last until it dies.

 

[norseamd]

Haswell i3 with a decent H97 or B85 with a BIOS update mobo and a 256GB SSD with 8GB RAM. Will last until it dies.

A 32 bit computer that my dad used with 4 GB of RAM even got overrun after a while until it was restarted. I see a lot less of slowdowns using 8 GB of RAM.

 

[Cerb]

What is this? Was thinking Broadwell and Cannonlake but that would run as BW/CL.

Black Friday. In the U.S., it's a day after a holiday, just a few weeks away, now, where retailers historically went into the black, from selling lots of things, by enticing people with sales on major items (and then they'll by Christmas gifts and such while there, so the retailers profit). But, nonetheless, many typical small deals are drying up a little, which is common just before items go on holiday sales. Cyber Monday became the leftovers sale day, three days later.

Unless you want a TV or tablet, though, it's been for at least 3 years, now. Shopping malls and department stores being social centers (you have seen Dawn of the Dead (1978, not 2004), right? ^_^ If not, watch all 4, in a row, ASAP!), and everyone being at the mercy of B&M retail pricing made it worth having/waiting for; and both of those are dying aspects of our lives.

P.S. (edit): Wait, your location is Minnesota...you should know this. At least make sure to watch Romero's movies.
P.P.S. Ninja'd on edit!

Usually, I can find ways to piece together an APU build $20 or more cheaper than an i3, often equally as cheap as a Pentium build. But, tonight, I couldn't find any deals suitable for a low-end system.

 

[norseamd]

nevermind

 

[Zeze]

Could throw together something like this with a Haswell Pentium G for $298 or a Core-i3 instead for about $345 - would be very zippy for her with enough storage (1TB) and RAM (8 gigs), should last a while

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/rPc4Jx

I made a small tweak from your excellent list:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BNqP99

Changes:
* Added a different microATX case that comes with a PSU for same price but NO mail-in rebate. This PSU should be no problem yes? (I see this one isn't bronze-rated, just efficiency rating).

* Added an even cheaper DVD-drive for $2-3 less.

* Took out 500gig HDD, brought in 120gb SSD.

* Took out 8 gigs memory down to 4. There's a spare slot for adding more later.

1. I presume SSD & mobo are compatible? I never had an SSD before- my friend told me he had to buy another mounting bracket & right cables. Would I have this prob?

2. Any final thoughts before I close up shop? I saw in this thread about the alternative AMD CPU and this whole APU business (is that their integrated video?). Are those cheaper & better by chance? If so, then which CPU/Mobo combo?

I have a sneaking suspicion that mom's old 32-bit wireless adapter card may not have Win 7 (x64) drivers.... I should order one.

 

[frozentundra123456]

I would go with that Pentium build (or a prebuilt). The only advantage of an apu is better integrated graphics, but the igp of the Pentium should be fine for the use case you are looking at, while giving better CPU performance. In fact at this price range you would be looking at "dual core" apus, which I would not even consider due to their mediocre at best CPU performance.

 

[mnewsham]

1. I presume SSD & mobo are compatible? I never had an SSD before- my friend told me he had to buy another mounting bracket & right cables. Would I have this prob?

2. Any final thoughts before I close up shop? I saw in this thread about the alternative AMD CPU and this whole APU business (is that their integrated video?). Are those cheaper & better by chance? If so, then which CPU/Mobo combo?

1. It will be standard SATA3, however it will be 2.5" and some desktop cases don't have 2.5" mounts (as standard desktop hard drives are 3.5") However, as it is a solid state drive, it really doesn't matter if it's mounted or not, hard drives have spinning disks which require them to be secured at least somewhat so the force of the spinning disks doesnt cause it to move around or have the reader head skip or something. Basically, you should be fine putting it where ever, don't worry about mounting it unless you like clean looking insides.

2. The AMD APU is a CPU with integrated graphics processor. The Intel CPUs also have integrated graphics processors, but unless it is one of the highest end intel IGPs, they tend to be less powerful than the AMD offerings. However you sacrifice some CPU performance, so it's a trade off. However, if you have a micocenter close by, you might be able to get a better deal.

Currently Micocenter offers the A10-6800K (quad core 4.1ghz) with the Gigabyte GA-F2A58M-HD2 motherboard for $120, which is about the same price as your current intel CPU/motherboard. However the A10-6800k has a MUCH more powerful GPU.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1262?vs=1256

It goes toe to toe with the G3420 in CPU aspects, but as you can see the G3420 can't keep up in the graphics department. However depending on your mothers usage, you may not care about graphics performance. Both should be able to do HD youtube no problem.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I made a small tweak from your excellent list:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BNqP99

Changes:
* Added a different microATX case that comes with a PSU for same price but NO mail-in rebate. This PSU should be no problem yes? (I see this one isn't bronze-rated, just efficiency rating).

As long as you are aware that PSUs that come with cases are lesser-quality than those sold separately, even from the same brand. I had a friend that had bought a different case a few years back, that came with an included Rosewill 500W PSU. I think the PSU lasted three years, before his Asus mobo started shutting down on him with "Asus anti-surge" messages. We replaced it with a Corsair CX430 PSU and all was well again.

Edit: Here's a case for $26.99:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811553011
and a 430W PSU for $30.99 (with an additional $15 MIR):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438015

* Added an even cheaper DVD-drive for $2-3 less.

* Took out 500gig HDD, brought in 120gb SSD.

* Took out 8 gigs memory down to 4. There's a spare slot for adding more later.

DVD drive is fine.
SSD is fine, although a Crucial M500 or MX100 would be much better. (The V300 started out life with sync, NAND, but current models have async. and are slower.) The being said, I have one in my HTPC, and they should still be fine for a mom-puter.
Are you really that budget-constrained, that you cannot afford 8GB of RAM for mom? I would stick to 8GB myself. Once DDR4 production hits stride, DDR3 may go up in price further.

1. I presume SSD & mobo are compatible? I never had an SSD before- my friend told me he had to buy another mounting bracket & right cables. Would I have this prob?

2. Any final thoughts before I close up shop? I saw in this thread about the alternative AMD CPU and this whole APU business (is that their integrated video?). Are those cheaper & better by chance? If so, then which CPU/Mobo combo?

I have a sneaking suspicion that mom's old 32-bit wireless adapter card may not have Win 7 (x64) drivers.... I should order one.

I would order a PT-8812AU AC1200 USB wifi adapter off of ebay from "PremierTek_com". They are $19.99 FS. They work well, with dual-band or AC routers, and are also backwards-compatible with 2.4Ghz. I'm having very good luck with them.

 

[guidinggod]

I made a small tweak from your excellent list:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/BNqP99

Changes:
* Added a different microATX case that comes with a PSU for same price but NO mail-in rebate. This PSU should be no problem yes? (I see this one isn't bronze-rated, just efficiency rating).

* Added an even cheaper DVD-drive for $2-3 less.

* Took out 500gig HDD, brought in 120gb SSD.

* Took out 8 gigs memory down to 4. There's a spare slot for adding more later.

re new case and psu, yea should be ok but personally I would still go with the Corsair PSU and the Cougar case I linked or the Cougar Spike case mentioned here - the cost for the case + psu will be the same for you or maybe a dollar more (although with MIR). These cases have front facing USB 3 ports as opposed to the USB 2 on the Rosewill you linked. Not a big deal I suppose but I know it helps me with speedier transfers from my portable drive so maybe that should be a consideration that your mum may appreciate down the road. (Especially since portable storage may be used now that the HDD has been removed)

re SSD is fine but , as has been stated, the Crucial MX100 128 would be my choice. $10 bucks more than the Kingston but its newer tech.

4gb Ram is fine too but once again, bumping it up to 8GB now and using slightly better parts overall may save you troubleshooting hassles down the road (I know my aunt and mom have me on the phone first for 'tech support' whenever something is wrong

 

[escrow4]

I really wouldn't recommend 4GB of RAM in 2015. You want at least a dual channel 8GB RAM stick for a daily in use system. 4GB has no headroom.

Otherwise in links:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116945

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128712

That H97 mobo has an M.2 slot + SATA Express + 6 SATA ports and shielded ALC 1150 plus 6 USB 3. Excellent board for an all rounder - can any FM2+ board even match this?

 

[VirtualLarry]

The H97 board may have a lot of features, but it's also ATX and not micro-ATX. And unless OP wants to enable SRT caching with a 64GB SSD and a 1-2 TB HDD, then it's sheer overkill.

Edit: Though I agree with your comment about getting 8GB of RAM.