Budget 21-30k Help assemble moderate power small computer

N

neomustdie

Adept
  1. What is your budget?
    • 20-30K
  2. What is your existing hardware configuration (component name - component brand and model)
    • CPU - AMD 5100
    • Motherboard - Gigabyte 785GMT USB3
    • GPU - ATI HD7770
    • RAM - 8GB
    • Monitor - Dell 24 somthing.. no Vesa mount
    • PSU - Corsair VX450
    • (please mention the rest in above format)
  3. Which hardware will you be keeping (component name - component brand and model)
    • Monitor, PSU, ODD, 5.25 inch 1TB HDD, RAM
  4. Which hardware component are you looking to buy (component name). If you have already decided on a configuration then please mention the (component brand and model) as well, this will help us in fine tuning your requirement.
    • CPU - Intel quad core preferably i5
    • Motherboard - mini iTX with front USB 3 header + back USB3, WIFI
    • Cabinet - small cabinet which can use my regular Corsair VX450, HD7770, the ODD, HDD and 128 GB SSD for boot drive. Cabinet as small as possible
    • Media Center compatible remote
  5. Is this going to be your final configuration or you would be adding/upgrading a component in near future. If yes then please mention when and which component
    • No, my last desktop upgrade.
  6. Where will you buy this hardware? (Online/City/TE Dealer)
    • Mumbai
    • Open to online purchase
  7. Would you consider buying a second hand hardware from the TE market
    • No
  8. What is your intended use for this PC/hardware
    • Mainly Photoshop, Fireworks and Eclipse usage
    • Browsing (a lot)
    • HTPC, moderate gaming
    • Rarely (read once a week) Download rig, 24x7 operation
    • Watching HD movies (a lot)
  9. Do you have any brand preference or dislike? Please name them and the reason for your preference/dislike.
    • Not going for AMD as it is not hakintosh compatible
  10. If you will be playing games then which type of games will you be playing?
    • Mostly FPS like COD and sports like FIFA. Have Xbox controller for windows for playing
  11. What is your preferred monitor resolution for gaming and normal usage
    1. Gaming - 1440x900 to Full HD
    2. Desktop - Full HD
  12. Are you looking to overclock?
    • No
  13. Which operating system do you intend to use with this configuration?
    • Have Win 8.1 Pro
    • Will use Linux ubuntu (virtual machine)

I want a moderately powerful machine to suit my work needs and let me enjoy some games. Space is a big constrain and hence want small cabinet. I don't want to go absolute compact as i want to reuse my GFX card and PSU. Something like Coolermaster Elite 120/130.

Front USB 3 is a must. Smooth Photoshop for designing and Eclipse/VS for coding.

Please suggest. Want to purchase in a week.

 
I can't see a single application in your list that absolutely needs a quad core processor. I would lean strongly towards IVB or Haswell i3, and a suitable b75 or b85 board, depending on your budget. Since you already have discrete graphics, a higher clocked dual will work just as well as a lower clocked quad, maybe a bit better unless you hit max cache. Even so, the difference will not be noticeable in day to day operations.

I run a IVB i3 3220 and it has never used more than 20w, Haswell may save a few more watts. I run a DAW or two, and some basic browsing and downloading. DAW applications are very troublesome because multi core support, even in this day and age, is very fickle. Photoshop is similar, where some filters support multi core and some don't, so there is no difference going from dual to quad except higher idle power consumption.

I would look at mini itx cabinets from bitfenix, Silverstone, lian li, and if you're pushing it, coolermaster. There are plenty options now of boxes that will easily accommodate full size dual slot cards up to 12" deep, and regular power supplies. Plenty of good boards in h77 and h87 too, so you won't be restricted for choice. Gigabyte, asrock and Asus all have decent ones, though you pay a little more than comparable micro atx versions.

Good Luck. I'm sure other members will give you more info on the models.
 
Last edited:
Got stuck with office work and haven't made the purchase yet. Still looking for it. I have decided on CM Elite 130 (where in india can i order the cabby?). Personally I liked the small form factor.
  • For CPU and Mobo I need some suggestions. For CPU I am OK with dual core if it saves bucks but provided it does not have any issues running VMWare, Eclipse, Photoshop, Games etc.
  • For Mobo - does this one has Front USB 3 header? Any other suggestions for Mobo at lesser price? Must have USB3 front header and WiFi option.
  • Any suggestions for Windows Media Center remote
  • For hard disk I am deciding if I want to go for a 2 TB one with Cache or a small boot SSD and retain my existing one
Edit: The motherboard has one USB 3.0 Header. I guess it can be use for connecting to front panel.
 
Last edited:
neomustdie said:
Got stuck with office work and haven't made the purchase yet. Still looking for it. I have decided on CM Elite 130 (where in india can i order the cabby?). Personally I liked the small form factor.
  • For CPU and Mobo I need some suggestions. For CPU I am OK with dual core if it saves bucks but provided it does not have any issues running VMWare, Eclipse, Photoshop, Games etc.
  • For Mobo - does this one has Front USB 3 header? Any other suggestions for Mobo at lesser price? Must have USB3 front header and WiFi option.
  • Any suggestions for Windows Media Center remote
  • For hard disk I am deciding if I want to go for a 2 TB one with Cache or a small boot SSD and retain my existing one
Edit: The motherboard has one USB 3.0 Header. I guess it can be use for connecting to front panel.[/quote]

Yes, it is meant for front USB ports.
Click to expand...
 
Back
Top