Budget 41-50k Upgrade suggestion for CAE/CAD and Photo Editing

P

Parv

Adept
Questions
  1. What is your budget?
    • 40-50K (would prefer to spend as less as possible for intended use, might increase it as well if needed)
  2. What is your existing hardware configuration (component name - component brand and model)
    • CPU - Intel Core 2 Duo E7200
    • Motherboard - Gigabyte EG31M-S2
    • GPU - Nil (onboard Intel GMA X3100)
    • RAM - Transcend 2X2GB PC6400
    • Monitor - Samsung 22" 226BW
    • PSU - Corsair VX450
    • Sound Card - M-Audio 2496 (with MX5021, though I'm rarely using both, recently got Marantz+Dali Z1 bookshelf for Music)
    • HDD - Western Digital 640GB WD6400AAKS
    • DVD-RW - Samsung SH-S223F
    • Keyboard+Mouse - Logitech (about Rs.1000 iirc)
    • Case - Zebronics Bijli :p
    • I think I've covered pretty much everything, all these components are exact 8 years old.
  3. Which hardware will you be keeping (component name - component brand and model)
    • Monitor - Samsung 22" 226BW (Not sure as I think I should get an IPS panel for photo editing work, or may need to get a colorimeter for 226BW if that can calibrate this TN panel, might be helpful in calibrating Laptop display as well)
    • PSU - Corsair VX450 (f It's good enough for new rig)
    • HDD - Western Digital 640GB WD6400AAKS
    • Sound Card - M-Audio 2496 (Not Mandatory though as using it rarely as stated above)
    • DVD-RW - Samsung SH-S223F
  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 Skylake Core i3/i5
    • Motherboard - Compatible motherboard with HDMI/DVI out to connect new monitor
    • RAM - 2x8 GB DDR4 2133/2400 MHz
    • GPU - don't want to buy unless needed for intended use mentioned below
    • PSU - If can't use existing VX450
    • SSD - Samsung EVO 120/250 GB for OS+apps (not sure if 2.5 and m.2 has same performance)
    • Monitor - Dell Ultrasharp 24" (if 226BW needs to be discarded)
    • Case - Good one with good cable management
    • Keyboard - with mechanical keys with backlit support
    • Mouse - big in size with good dpi as using my MX518 (cable gone bad I think) was a joy while doing CAD work
  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, don't intend to upgrade, but would still prefer room for upgrade for RAM and GPU
  6. Where will you buy this hardware? (Online/City/TE Dealer)
    • Bangalore
    • Open to online purchase
  7. Would you consider buying a second hand hardware from the TE market
    • Preferably No
  8. What is your intended use for this PC/hardware
    • Technical Computing using CAE/CAD softwares like MATLAB, AMESim, ADAMS, Catia etc
    • Photo editing using Photoshop/Lightroom
    • No to bare minimum Gaming
    • Browsing of-course
    • In general looking for a responsive machine for above tasks
  9. Do you have any brand preference or dislike? Please name them and the reason for your preference/dislike.
    • I'd prefer an Intel build though not strict about it
  10. If you will be playing games then which type of games will you be playing?
    • Strategy - Project IGI type (have not really played anything after Project IGI :eek:)
    • Racing - NFS type (used to play Most wanted)
  11. What is your preferred monitor resolution for gaming and normal usage
    1. Gaming - 1980x1080
    2. Desktop - 1980x1080
  12. Are you looking to overclock?
    • No
  13. Which operating system do you intend to use with this configuration?
    • Windows 10 64 bit
Technical computing and Photo editing would be the prime use of this machine. Games can be ignored if I have to add additional/better hardware for gaming purpose.

TIA :)
 
  • CPU - Intel Core i5 6500 -15000,
  • Motherboard - Gigabyte B150M-D3H -7500,
  • RAM - Corsair Vengeance 16GB DDR4 2400 MHz -5000,
  • Monitor - Dell S2216H 22" LED IPS -9000,
  • SSD - Samsung EVO 120GB -4500,
  • PSU - Seasonic S12II 520w -5000,
  • Case - Antec GX200 -2700,
  • Keyboard/Mouse - Cooler Master Octane Gaming Bundle -3000.
  • TOTAL -51,700.
 
Last edited:
Parv said:
    • CPU - Intel Skylake Core i3/i5
    • Motherboard - Compatible motherboard with HDMI/DVI out to connect new monitor
    • RAM - 2x8 GB DDR4 2133/2400 MHz
    • GPU - don't want to buy unless needed for intended use mentioned below
    • PSU - If can't use existing VX450
    • SSD - Samsung EVO 120/250 GB for OS+apps (not sure if 2.5 and m.2 has same performance)
    • Monitor - Dell Ultrasharp 24" (if 226BW needs to be discarded)
    • Case - Good one with good cable management
    • Keyboard - with mechanical keys with backlit support
    • Mouse - big in size with good dpi as using my MX518 (cable gone bad I think) was a joy while doing CAD work
Click to expand...
i5 6500 - 15000
Asus B150M Plus 7750
Corsair Vengeance DDR4 2x8GB - 5400

Your build could use a workstation graphic card like Quaddro or Firepro. They are expensive than gaming cards. But if you're okay with the iGPU of your existing rig, you should likely be okay with the new too. But still look for what kinda card would be best suitable for your purpose.

Seasonic S12 II Bronze 430W - 4500 (This should be good enough even if you go for 15-20k worth card)
Samsung 850 EVO 120GB - 4500

Since you already have a monitor, you can postpone your monitor purchase and decide whether the money should be put on a new monitor or a GPU. Are you thinking of a 10-bit display by any chance? Your budget is not sufficient for that, just asking.

Backlit mechanical keyboard will cost a lot, will leave very little of your money for monitor/GPU.
 
bssunilreddy said:
  • CPU - Intel Core i5 6500 -15000,
  • Motherboard - Gigabyte B150M-D3H -7500,
  • RAM - Corsair Vengeance 16GB DDR4 2400 MHz -5000,
  • GPU - Dell S2216H 22" LED IPS -9000,
  • SSD - Samsung EVO 120GB -4500,
  • PSU - Seasonic S12II 520w -5000,
  • Case - Antec GX200 -2700,
  • Keyboard/Mouse - Cooler Master Octane Gaming Bundle -3000.
  • TOTAL -51,700.
Click to expand...

Thanks

So I'll have to change mu PSU? and Monitor?
Do you think onboard graphics will suffice my requirement?
 
nac said:
i5 6500 - 15000
Asus B150M Plus 7750
Corsair Vengeance DDR4 2x8GB - 5400

Your build could use a workstation graphic card like Quaddro or Firepro. They are expensive than gaming cards. But if you're okay with the iGPU of your existing rig, you should likely be okay with the new too. But still look for what kinda card would be best suitable for your purpose.

Seasonic S12 II Bronze 430W - 4500 (This should be good enough even if you go for 15-20k worth card)
Samsung 850 EVO 120GB - 4500

Since you already have a monitor, you can postpone your monitor purchase and decide whether the money should be put on a new monitor or a GPU. Are you thinking of a 10-bit display by any chance? Your budget is not sufficient for that, just asking.

Backlit mechanical keyboard will cost a lot, will leave very little of your money for monitor/GPU.
Click to expand...

Thanks

i5 6500 - 15000 - won't i3 6100 suffice my needs?
Asus B150M Plus 7750 - what is main difference between 110, 150 and 170 chips? I was thinking of H110M board with HDMI for about 5k.
Corsair Vengeance DDR4 2x8GB - 5400 - is that a dual channel kit? or 2 nos. of single channel kit?
Seasonic S12 II Bronze 430W - 4500 - Is my existing PSU Corsair VX450 aged for the new rig? If yes, how's Seasonic 520w for about 5k? another Rs.500 for additinal 90w as compared to 430w psu you suggested.

about monitor, I'm certainly not looking for 10-bit monitor. 226BW is 6-bit TN, so I was thinking of a good 8-bit IPS panel. Size preference is 24 inch or 27 inch. Budget as less as possible. Monitor should be good for photo editing.

and about GPU, I think I can start without a GPU for now and see if I really need to add one.

Backlit mechanical keyboard - any suggestions

and any alternate for Antec GX200 case?
 
Parv said:
Thanks

i5 6500 - 15000 - won't i3 6100 suffice my needs?
Asus B150M Plus 7750 - what is main difference between 110, 150 and 170 chips? I was thinking of H110M board with HDMI for about 5k.
Corsair Vengeance DDR4 2x8GB - 5400 - is that a dual channel kit? or 2 nos. of single channel kit?
Seasonic S12 II Bronze 430W - 4500 - Is my existing PSU Corsair VX450 aged for the new rig? If yes, how's Seasonic 520w for about 5k? another Rs.500 for additinal 90w as compared to 430w psu you suggested.

about monitor, I'm certainly not looking for 10-bit monitor. 226BW is 6-bit TN, so I was thinking of a good 8-bit IPS panel. Size preference is 24 inch or 27 inch. Budget as less as possible. Monitor should be good for photo editing.

and about GPU, I think I can start without a GPU for now and see if I really need to add one.

Backlit mechanical keyboard - any suggestions

and any alternate for Antec GX200 case?
Click to expand...
i5 can do better and you have budget, so the suggestion of i5 over i3
110 is a basic chipset, does have two slots not a lot of room for upgrade. For 2k more I think B150 is worth it. 170 is almost like B150 plus few more features like RAID...
No, it's a single channel kit. Dual channel kit would cost little more than that.
Yeah, 8yrs is too old I feel. If it's working well and good, you may consider keeping it. But I am not sure about that. Yeah, for 500/- more 520W is a better deal. Is it available for that price? If yes, what's the price of 430w at the same shop?
24" IPS would cost about 15k. Yeah, in this case you have to settle for an i3 to cut cost and to fit 24" IPS in budget.
Yeah, you can start with iGPU. But consider checking with CAD community.
Corsair 100r/200r/300r price starts from 3500/-
 
Parv said:
Thanks

i5 6500 - 15000 - won't i3 6100 suffice my needs?
Asus B150M Plus 7750 - what is main difference between 110, 150 and 170 chips? I was thinking of H110M board with HDMI for about 5k.
Corsair Vengeance DDR4 2x8GB - 5400 - is that a dual channel kit? or 2 nos. of single channel kit?
Seasonic S12 II Bronze 430W - 4500 - Is my existing PSU Corsair VX450 aged for the new rig? If yes, how's Seasonic 520w for about 5k? another Rs.500 for additinal 90w as compared to 430w psu you suggested.

about monitor, I'm certainly not looking for 10-bit monitor. 226BW is 6-bit TN, so I was thinking of a good 8-bit IPS panel. Size preference is 24 inch or 27 inch. Budget as less as possible. Monitor should be good for photo editing.

and about GPU, I think I can start without a GPU for now and see if I really need to add one.

Backlit mechanical keyboard - any suggestions

and any alternate for Antec GX200 case?
Click to expand...
Yes i3 6100 will suffice your needs,
110 & 150 does not have RAID support where as 170 has support for RAID support,
8GB 2400Mhz is rated at 2133Mhz and its priced around 2.5k each,
Keep your present VX450 PSU as you are not adding any discrete GPU,
Backlit Mechanical Keyboard is costly if you want to go with Normal Mechanical Keyboard so go with TVS gold keyboard.Okay.
 
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If you are going to use this for study and light work, go ahead. Else, if you plan to use this for professional work and the likes, please move to a Intel Xeon - you can get them cheap with an equivalent motherboard. The Xeon should have a P series iGPU onboard, which will work for most low level work and you can put in a GPU later. Else, you can throw in an entry level GPU and put a Quadro/Firepro down the line. The cost between the Xeon and the i5 would not be very large.
 
The ones in the blue are kind of finalized, please comment on them.
The ones in the reds are yet to be decided, please suggest.
The ones in greens will be used from old rig, please comment.
and it seems sound card can't be used in new rig due to lack of PCI slot on H110 mobo.
  • CPU - Intel Core i3 6100
  • Motherboard - H110 chipset with HDMI (I think B150 has additonal two more RAM slots and nothing more compared to H110 or has it??)
  • GPU - Skipping right now
  • RAM - Corsair 2x8 GB DDR4 2133/2400 MHz dual channel kit
  • Monitor - Yet to decide, please suggest a good VFM 24" or above IPS panel for photo editing
  • PSU - Corsair VX450 (will retain it)
  • Sound Card - M-Audio 2496 (will have to let go off this as new cheap mobos don't seem to have PCI slot)
  • SSD - Samsung EVO 120 GB for OS+apps (2.5 sata as m.2 slot not there on cheap mobos)
  • HDD - Western Digital 640GB WD6400AAKS (will retain this)
  • Keyboard+Mouse - Not yet decided
  • Case - Antec GX200 probably
Please help in finalizing all of above.​
 
Parv said:
The ones in the blue are kind of finalized, please comment on them.
The ones in the reds are yet to be decided, please suggest.
The ones in greens will be used from old rig, please comment.
and it seems sound card can't be used in new rig due to lack of PCI slot on H110 mobo.
  • CPU - Intel Core i3 6100
  • Motherboard - H110 chipset with HDMI (I think B150 has additonal two more RAM slots and nothing more compared to H110 or has it??)
  • GPU - Skipping right now
  • RAM - Corsair 2x8 GB DDR4 2133/2400 MHz dual channel kit
  • Monitor - Yet to decide, please suggest a good VFM 24" or above IPS panel for photo editing
  • PSU - Corsair VX450 (will retain it)
  • Sound Card - M-Audio 2496 (will have to let go off this as new cheap mobos don't seem to have PCI slot)
  • SSD - Samsung EVO 120 GB for OS+apps (2.5 sata as m.2 slot not there on cheap mobos)
  • HDD - Western Digital 640GB WD6400AAKS (will retain this)
  • Keyboard+Mouse - Not yet decided
  • Case - Antec GX200 probably
Please help in finalizing all of above.​
Click to expand...
Motherboard - Gigabyte B150M-D3H -7000,
Monitor - BenQ EW2440L 24" LE IPS -11000,
KB/Mouse - Cooler Master Octane Gaming Bundle-4000.
 
BenQ EW2440L 24" LE IPS - This is a VA panel and not IPS. Right now I'm looking at LG 24MP88HM mrp @17300 and mop@15000. Please comment.

And you guys are suggesting 150 chip mobo over 110. I'm not able to figure out what's there in 150 chip mobo over 110 except 2 more RAM slots??
 
Bought following items today, from Ankit Infotech, SP Road
  • CPU - Intel Core i5 6500
  • Motherboard - Gigabyte G1.Sniper B7
  • RAM - Corsair 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 2400 MHz dual channel kit
  • SSD - Samsung 850 EVO 250GB
  • HDD - Western Digital 1TB Blue 7200 RPM
  • Monitor - LG 24MP88HM 24" IPS
  • Case - Corsair Carbide Spec 3
  • PSU - Yet to buy
  • Keyboard+Mouse - Yet to buy
got following quote for PSU
Seasonic S12 520w - 5500
Seasonic S12 620w - 6000

but I was suggested to buy Corsair CS650 gold power supply for about 7k iirc as seasonic is bronze and inferior to Corsair CS gold, I got confused and left it.

Quote for CM Storm Octane k/b+mouse - 4500, checked at multiple store, everywhere same, it looked expensive value to me, I mean not that I can't afford or don't want to buy k/b+mouse for 4500 but is it really worth so much??

So basically above two are pending and want to buy new one (don't want to carry from old rig). Please suggest !!

PS: I will end up buying a good GPU like 1060 or rx480 pretty soon, so suggest the psu accordingly. New motherboard has crossfire only and no sli if this info adds some help.
 
Parv said:
Bought following items today, from Ankit Infotech, SP Road
  • CPU - Intel Core i5 6500
  • Motherboard - Gigabyte G1.Sniper B7
  • RAM - Corsair 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 2400 MHz dual channel kit
  • SSD - Samsung 850 EVO 250GB
  • HDD - Western Digital 1TB Blue 7200 RPM
  • Monitor - LG 24MP88HM 24" IPS
  • Case - Corsair Carbide Spec 3
  • PSU - Yet to buy
  • Keyboard+Mouse - Yet to buy
got following quote for PSU
Seasonic S12 520w - 5500
Seasonic S12 620w - 6000

but I was suggested to buy Corsair CS650 gold power supply for about 7k iirc as seasonic is bronze and inferior to Corsair CS gold, I got confused and left it.

Quote for CM Storm Octane k/b+mouse - 4500, checked at multiple store, everywhere same, it looked expensive value to me, I mean not that I can't afford or don't want to buy k/b+mouse for 4500 but is it really worth so much??

So basically above two are pending and want to buy new one (don't want to carry from old rig). Please suggest !!

PS: I will end up buying a good GPU like 1060 or rx480 pretty soon, so suggest the psu accordingly. New motherboard has crossfire only and no sli if this info adds some help.
Click to expand...
  • PSU - Seasonic S12II 430w -4500,
  • Keyboard - Logitech G310 Atlas Dawn Mechanical -3500,
  • Mouse - Logitech G402 -2500.
  • TOTAL -10,500.
BTW How much did LG 24MP88HM 24" LED IPS cost you?
 
Last edited:
If you're thinking about crossfire/SLI in future go for ~600W PSU, else ~400W should be sufficient for RX480/1060.

I feel the Seasonic you mentioned are better rated than CS650 though not gold rated.
 
  • CPU - Intel Core i5 6500 - 15250
  • Motherboard - Gigabyte G1.Sniper B7 - 8750
  • RAM - Corsair 16GB (2x8GB) DDR4 2400 MHz dual channel kit - 5635
  • SSD - Samsung 850 EVO 250GB - 6800
  • HDD - Western Digital 1TB Blue 7200 RPM - 3535
  • Monitor - LG 24MP88HM 24" IPS - 14400
  • Case - Corsair Carbide Spec 3 - 4325
Price mentioned are final price paid and are inclusive of all taxes. I've already spent 58700 for above items. Two more items to go.

This has gone quite a lot above what I had initially thought but it's ok as it should last for a long time.
 
The picture is of my case and it's really gorgeous.
 

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Bought following items yesterday from Ankit Infotech:

Seasonic S12 620w
Cooler Master Octane k/b + mouse
Asus DVD drive

Today at home, I realized that mouse doesn't have front pair of gliding feet. Gliding feet in red rectangle as seen in attached picture are missing in the mouse I bought.

I'll call them tomorrow for replacement but replacement chances are very low as he had this last piece with him and distributor doesn't seem to have stock.

So what are my options:
1) if he refuses for replacement.
2) if he offers me to buy something else in this place?

Nobody seems to have Logitech G310. How's ASUS cerberus keyboard?
 
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