I want to build a system for someone (in the future) and for myself, later on.
But, this is budget so I probably have to compromise here and there on parts. I thought to buy low-end that would allow an upgrade later. I have upgraded my own system before and who I am building for, has as well. So, it's not a case of 'keeping original hardware' all through the life of the components. I'm particularly talking about RAM and cpu.
Anyway, the case, imho, is what determines what goes in or can go into the entire rig.
I am undecided whether to go itx or m-atx and wasn't sure where to post. Can I discuss matx in the SFF section? I did read about cases and although I haven't visited in a while, I know about the NCase and read something about a user-designed 'Nova' matx case (btw, it looks cool). Unfortunately, we cannot afford these cases at the moment (I assume, they are $200 and up). So, we are stuck to looking at what is out there now. The parts will be bought periodically and I have some questions about them.
For cases, I thought it would be something like this:
itx - SG05, Elite 110,
matx - N200, SG10
Is there any other contenders? The reason I'm unsure about whether to go itx or matx is that only the matx option allows for more RAM. The user I'm buidling it uses virtual machines but maybe 16GB of RAM is enough? Although, 'might only get 8gb to start with (so, should it be the cheapest 2x4gb?) or should they just save for 2x8gb? If they go matx, they can max. it out with 4 slots whenever.
I need some ideas and advice here.
The NCase and Nova are perfect sizes, respectively, so I would like something like that. Although, if it will be somewhat of a tower, the matx towers via retail (in production) are often too big, imho. Most, anyway? I read that the SG10 is actually smaller than many itx cases so it looks pretty good but I think it's about $140. It's a lot more than if we were going to use itx - the itx cases listed are around $30 - $50. Big difference. :-/
I know that the itx case will be more difficult to work in and the RAM capacity is much more limited compared to matx.
Lastly, the person is not a gamer. They have a HD 6450 so it's not a large card. Also, they can use Intel graphics if they go the Intel Haswell route. I prefer Haswell. Is there any reason to go AMD? I was thinking using a G3258 even though the extra threads of something like AMD FX6300 might be more useful but the upgrade path for Intel seems better, imho. I think $70 is not much for a cpu even if you will probably upgrade it later. I also want to have less heat/power. They've had AMD systems in the past (almost all) and it seems like heat is always killing their hardware. The latest, the mobo capacitors blew out. However, it was an older AMD system. I prefer Intel and Haswell. I know the G3258 is mostly an OC-ing chip so I don't know how useful it is in an m-itx system. One would probably want to OC such a chip and it's weak if you don't? If you OC in a m-itx box, then you need a good cooler?
I think I rambled on too much. Anyone care to offer any advice or suggestions?
It's probably not as interesting since there's no real need to add a fancy gaming card but I know many of these cases have that option. Also, regarding PSU, I definitely want to use a modular PSU for both systems. I only need to concentrate on the 1st system, though. I won't build mine for a while. The budget for this one is around $400 but less would be ideal. I think if $400 is the budget, we could buy '$100' parts periodically.
CPU: $70
RAM: $90 (8gb)
mobo: $??
case: $??
psu: $100 (I think most modulars are at least $100?)
$400 might be wishful thinking? LOL Help?
But, this is budget so I probably have to compromise here and there on parts. I thought to buy low-end that would allow an upgrade later. I have upgraded my own system before and who I am building for, has as well. So, it's not a case of 'keeping original hardware' all through the life of the components. I'm particularly talking about RAM and cpu.
Anyway, the case, imho, is what determines what goes in or can go into the entire rig.
I am undecided whether to go itx or m-atx and wasn't sure where to post. Can I discuss matx in the SFF section? I did read about cases and although I haven't visited in a while, I know about the NCase and read something about a user-designed 'Nova' matx case (btw, it looks cool). Unfortunately, we cannot afford these cases at the moment (I assume, they are $200 and up). So, we are stuck to looking at what is out there now. The parts will be bought periodically and I have some questions about them.
For cases, I thought it would be something like this:
itx - SG05, Elite 110,
matx - N200, SG10
Is there any other contenders? The reason I'm unsure about whether to go itx or matx is that only the matx option allows for more RAM. The user I'm buidling it uses virtual machines but maybe 16GB of RAM is enough? Although, 'might only get 8gb to start with (so, should it be the cheapest 2x4gb?) or should they just save for 2x8gb? If they go matx, they can max. it out with 4 slots whenever.
I need some ideas and advice here.
The NCase and Nova are perfect sizes, respectively, so I would like something like that. Although, if it will be somewhat of a tower, the matx towers via retail (in production) are often too big, imho. Most, anyway? I read that the SG10 is actually smaller than many itx cases so it looks pretty good but I think it's about $140. It's a lot more than if we were going to use itx - the itx cases listed are around $30 - $50. Big difference. :-/
I know that the itx case will be more difficult to work in and the RAM capacity is much more limited compared to matx.
Lastly, the person is not a gamer. They have a HD 6450 so it's not a large card. Also, they can use Intel graphics if they go the Intel Haswell route. I prefer Haswell. Is there any reason to go AMD? I was thinking using a G3258 even though the extra threads of something like AMD FX6300 might be more useful but the upgrade path for Intel seems better, imho. I think $70 is not much for a cpu even if you will probably upgrade it later. I also want to have less heat/power. They've had AMD systems in the past (almost all) and it seems like heat is always killing their hardware. The latest, the mobo capacitors blew out. However, it was an older AMD system. I prefer Intel and Haswell. I know the G3258 is mostly an OC-ing chip so I don't know how useful it is in an m-itx system. One would probably want to OC such a chip and it's weak if you don't? If you OC in a m-itx box, then you need a good cooler?
I think I rambled on too much. Anyone care to offer any advice or suggestions?
It's probably not as interesting since there's no real need to add a fancy gaming card but I know many of these cases have that option. Also, regarding PSU, I definitely want to use a modular PSU for both systems. I only need to concentrate on the 1st system, though. I won't build mine for a while. The budget for this one is around $400 but less would be ideal. I think if $400 is the budget, we could buy '$100' parts periodically.
CPU: $70
RAM: $90 (8gb)
mobo: $??
case: $??
psu: $100 (I think most modulars are at least $100?)
$400 might be wishful thinking? LOL Help?