[Help] needed for new desktop, super confused

[buibuisnail]

hi experts! need some help w my new rig. i was using a 2nd hand compaq presario cq40 which has recently totally died on me.

thinking of getting new machine for
1. normal surfing
2. watching movies/youtube
3. able to burn dvd
4. gaming, I'm more of a RPG type (preferably the latest games, lost touch, last i played was Diablo3! about a yr ago)

My budget is probably around $2k +/- $200 to $300. my friends advised me to build my own but my pc skills suck & i worry about troubleshooting & lack of warranty issues though I guess it be cheaper.

if buy off the rack desktop which is recommended?

Alienware X51 Gaming Desktop Details | Dell Singapore

for this one, i love the portablity factor, small but sure can expand next time as the video said?

or is this better?

https://www.aftershockpc.com/AFTERSHOCK HYPERGATE/

then for both brands can i like add in extra hdd? have to tell them upfront or considered warranty void?

very confused... help

 

[Jian19]

Warranty issue wise it's up to individual parts but mostly have 2-5 years warranty depend in brands etc.

A look @ aftershock their pc is slightly more upgradable friendly compare to Alienware , u can also consider Asus ROG GR8 which is pretty similar to Alienware

Pricing wise I will draft a setup to let u compare between DIY and those branded pc

250D config

i5-4460 + Asus h81i plus ~ $360
G.skill 8gb ddr3 ~ $100
Crucial mx100 256gb ssd ~ $160
Wd blue 1tb ~ $72 / Wd red 2tb ~ $131
Powercolor 260x ~ $179 / Zotac gtx750ti ~ $215
Fsp aurum s 500w ~ $89
Lg dvd rom ~ $21
Corsair 250D ~ $125
Win8.1 64 oem ~ $130 / Win7 64 oem ~ $120

$1329 buy and assemble @ pctheme ask for discount.

A even more compact case config for Silverstone Rvz01

i5-4460 + Asus h81i plus ~ $360
G.skill 8gb ddr3 ~ $100
Crucial mx100 256gb ssd ~ $160
Wd blue 1tb ~ $72 / Wd red 2tb ~ $131
Powercolor 260x ~ $179 / Zotac gtx750ti ~ $215
Fsp 450w Sfx ~ $99
Silverstone slim drive ~ $79
Silverstone Rvz01 ~ $139
Win8.1 64 oem ~ $130 / Win7 64 oem ~ $120

$1413 buy and assemble @ pctheme ask for discount.

 

[buibuisnail]

Thanks for the swift reply jian19. couple questions

1. does the OS matter in terms of supporting future software upgrade? diff of $10. do they consume more hdd space as well?

2. for the cooling fans, i use silverstone as example.
2 x side (bottom) 120mm fan mounts (one fan included)

so this means 2 bottom fan mounts but only come w 1 fan? if add 1 more fan, will be how much more & help better to cool system?

3. corsair : Drive bays 2 x 3.5in, 2 x 2.5in, 5.25in external
5.25" is to put what device?

silverstone: Drive bays 1 x external slimline optical, 1 x internal 3.5in, 3 x internal 2.5in

so the SSD will be in the 1 x ext slimline optical there? then say the Wd blue 1tb or red 2tb will be the 1 x internal 3.5"? then 3 x internal 2.5" i can take my current ext 2.5 hdd & ask them put inside as well? extra costs?

4. the Asus h81i plus is able to support future graphics card for how many years ahead ah with today's technology? assuming now it uses Zotac gtx750ti

ok down here, I've also changed a bit of the parts, those that is changed are hightlighted in red, pls see if they are compatible for the system? Thanks.

Prices from PC Themes dated 3 Jan 2015

i5-4690k + Asus H97-pro gamer- $527.00
G.skill 8gb ddr3- $100.00
Corsair force LX 256GB ssd- $185.00 crucial mx100 256ssd $160 is listed as NS in price list,i assume NS is not selling?
wd black 3tb 64mb sata 3- $237.00
Zotac gtx750ti 2GB DDR5- $219.00
Fsp 450w Sfx (Fsp 450w 80 + Sfx 80 + bronze (3 yrs)- $99.00
Silverstone slim drive- $79.00
Silverstone FTZ01 this seems to be new release, u know e price for it?
Win8 pro 32/64GB- $188.00 I can't seem to find Win8.1 64oem in the listing?
corsair H105 CPU cooler- $189.00 u didn't recommend cooling system? why?
creative sound blaster Z- $139.00 u didn't recommend sound card? why?

Total- $1,962.00 based on above amended configurations

wireless LAN ? Need?
wireless keyboard? how much would that cost for average gaming type?

any other experts for comment pls?

 

[Jian19]

1.) Win8.1 will have more support since win7 support has ended, but some ppl still preferred win7 interface thus the recommendation, it's up to u to decide which u preferred.

2.) More fan helps in air circulation of cos

3.) 5.25" bay is for dvd drive , Rvz01 can hold 1 3.5" hdd and 2 x 2.5" hdd or ssd , they have specific placement for them, the slim drive bay can only hold slim drives.

4.) it should still support gfx 2-3 years down the road, even a next gen pci-e is release the old will still be compatible.

5.) U do not need a k chip since u not overclocking and those case only support mini itx motherboard, the rest is not supported. U can ask in shop for the ssd, not a big issue since they can pull stocks from other shop. Since u aready using ssd ur hdd dun need a black drive, wd red 3tb will do. No idea on pricing for ftz01. Again OS wise just ask in shop will do. U are not overclocking thus u do not need any liquid cooling for ur system. Motherboard have onboard sound included, and due to the mitx factor a sound card will not likely to fit in cases.

If u using wifi can just get a USB adapter type for ur pc, get something that is compatible with ur router for easier troubleshoot and config. Wireless kb/m range from $30-100 for various brand.

 

[buibuisnail]

1.) Win8.1 will have more support since win7 support has ended, but some ppl still preferred win7 interface thus the recommendation, it's up to u to decide which u preferred.

2.) More fan helps in air circulation of cos

3.) 5.25" bay is for dvd drive , Rvz01 can hold 1 3.5" hdd and 2 x 2.5" hdd or ssd , they have specific placement for them, the slim drive bay can only hold slim drives.

4.) it should still support gfx 2-3 years down the road, even a next gen pci-e is release the old will still be compatible.

5.) U do not need a k chip since u not overclocking and those case only support mini itx motherboard, the rest is not supported. U can ask in shop for the ssd, not a big issue since they can pull stocks from other shop. Since u aready using ssd ur hdd dun need a black drive, wd red 3tb will do. No idea on pricing for ftz01. Again OS wise just ask in shop will do. U are not overclocking thus u do not need any liquid cooling for ur system. Motherboard have onboard sound included, and due to the mitx factor a sound card will not likely to fit in cases.

If u using wifi can just get a USB adapter type for ur pc, get something that is compatible with ur router for easier troubleshoot and config. Wireless kb/m range from $30-100 for various brand.

how much for extra fan?

for the motherboard since it's mini ver, issit like a common item thing for pc? scared hard to replace in future. the onboard sound for this motherboard good?

 

[Jian19]

$10-$20 depend on brand, u dun need extra fan to be honest

Mini itx is the trend now and also the future

Onboard sound is all standard

 

[buibuisnail]

ok. Revision 2 for comments pls.

i5-4460 + Asus h81i plus $360.00
G.skill 8gb ddr3 $100.00
Corsair force LX 256GB ssd $185.00
wd red 4tb 64mb sata 3 $233.00
Zotac gtx750ti 2GB DDR5 $219.00
Fsp 450w Sfx (Fsp 450w 80 + Sfx 80 + bronze (3 yrs) $99.00
Silverstone slim drive $79.00
Silverstone FTZ01 (Black for SG) $129.00 (casing out of stock atm)
Win8.1 64 oem $130.00
Logitech K270 wireless keyboard $32.00

Total: $1,566.00

anti-virus? MS office? oh, btw, WD Red got NAS meaning got back up hor?

 

[daniel798]

ok. Revision 2 for comments pls.

i5-4460 + Asus h81i plus $360.00
G.skill 8gb ddr3 $100.00
Corsair force LX 256GB ssd $185.00
wd red 4tb 64mb sata 3 $233.00
Zotac gtx750ti 2GB DDR5 $219.00
Fsp 450w Sfx (Fsp 450w 80 + Sfx 80 + bronze (3 yrs) $99.00
Silverstone slim drive $79.00
Silverstone FTZ01 (Black for SG) $129.00 (casing out of stock atm)
Win8.1 64 oem $130.00
Logitech K270 wireless keyboard $32.00

Total: $1,566.00

anti-virus? MS office? oh, btw, WD Red got NAS meaning got back up hor?

You could consider getting a graphic card as you are still well within your budget.

WD Red is a drive usually used in NAS. Thats all it means. If you want to backup, you still need to manually backup. It is just like any old HDD, nothing different.

 

[Jian19]

Do think about types of games u going to play or try, if just light gaming the current setup is fine but if u intend to play dragon age inquisition or witcher 3 u might wan to consider a gtx970

 

[buibuisnail]

You could consider getting a graphic card as you are still well within your budget.

WD Red is a drive usually used in NAS. Thats all it means. If you want to backup, you still need to manually backup. It is just like any old HDD, nothing different.

eh... i thought e zotac gtx970 u intro is graphics card? u mean gotch something better?

Do think about types of games u going to play or try, if just light gaming the current setup is fine but if u intend to play dragon age inquisition or witcher 3 u might wan to consider a gtx970

eh.... i hope the system can handle e latest game & also able to support for at least another 2 to 3 years. thought of upgrading graphics card every year isn't appealing at all.

oh another thing, for the parts warranty if it's a DIY system by the shop, they'll deal with the warranty part by part or like a package deal? so for all parts warranty is usually like how many years? then somex, I see this clause "accidental damage warranty" think it's alienware site. DIY systems got such thing?

 

[Jian19]

Then u most likely need at least a gtx970 and also upgrade ur psu to Silverstone 450w gold Sfx @ $139 to ensure more juice for the graphic card

Warranty wise it's individual for each item, if ur gfx got issue u will have to bring it to distro to rma etc

No such thing as accidental damage warranty, any problem just bring to distro let them test and rma it.

 

[buibuisnail]

Then u most likely need at least a gtx970 and also upgrade ur psu to Silverstone 450w gold Sfx @ $139 to ensure more juice for the graphic card

Warranty wise it's individual for each item, if ur gfx got issue u will have to bring it to distro to rma etc

No such thing as accidental damage warranty, any problem just bring to distro let them test and rma it.

at least? means got better ones? like? but can fit w motherboard u recommend? sorry where distro?

 

[Jian19]

Diff brand diff distro

The best card now on market is gtx980 , gtx970 is just 1 tier below it and should be good enough

 

[buibuisnail]

Then u most likely need at least a gtx970 and also upgrade ur psu to Silverstone 450w gold Sfx @ $139 to ensure more juice for the graphic card

Warranty wise it's individual for each item, if ur gfx got issue u will have to bring it to distro to rma etc

No such thing as accidental damage warranty, any problem just bring to distro let them test and rma it.

sorry, hope i didn't see wrongly. cause the earlier zotac gtx750ti was $219. the zotac gtx 970 u're referring to is zotac gtx 970 4GB Twin Fan DDR5 that one at $448?

 

[Jian19]

Yes, that is if u intend to play latest games on very high or max settings

 

[buibuisnail]

ok revision 4, how it look now? price can bargain hor? silverstone also reply "our distributor didn’t get first batch of FTZ01 that you may need wait until middle of February" & advised me pre-order. shops got such thing as CNY sale boh?

Revision 4

i5-4460 + Asus h81i plus $360.00
G.skill 8gb ddr3 $100.00
Corsair force LX 256GB ssd $185.00
wd red 4tb 64mb sata 3 $233.00
Zotac gtx 970 4GB Twin Fan DDR5 $448.00
Silverstone SFX 450w Gold $139.00
Silverstone slim drive $79.00
Silverstone FTZ01 (Black for SG) $129.00
Win8.1 64 oem $130.00
Logitech K270 wireless keyboard $32.00
Total: $1,835.00

 

[kuroro2]

ok revision 4, how it look now? price can bargain hor? silverstone also reply "our distributor didn’t get first batch of FTZ01 that you may need wait until middle of February" & advised me pre-order. shops got such thing as CNY sale boh?

Revision 4

i5-4460 + Asus h81i plus $360.00
G.skill 8gb ddr3 $100.00
Corsair force LX 256GB ssd $185.00
wd red 4tb 64mb sata 3 $233.00
Zotac gtx 970 4GB Twin Fan DDR5 $448.00
Silverstone SFX 450w Gold $139.00
Silverstone slim drive $79.00
Silverstone FTZ01 (Black for SG) $129.00
Win8.1 64 oem $130.00
Logitech K270 wireless keyboard $32.00
Total: $1,835.00

Looks pretty good, consider crucial mx100 for $25 less. Its a tried and tested ssd, also have you considered a mechanical keyboard?

 

[buibuisnail]

Looks pretty good, consider crucial mx100 for $25 less. Its a tried and tested ssd, also have you considered a mechanical keyboard?

erm. u referring to Crucial MX100 128GB Sata3 SSD 2.5" $110 (PC Themes pricing 3 Jan 2015?) but the price is showing $110 so diff should be $75? Not sure if I'm looking at the correct item?

mechanical keyboard? u mean gaming keyboard? got, but quite ex..... $100+ at least for one... glup....

 

[kuroro2]

erm. u referring to Crucial MX100 128GB Sata3 SSD 2.5" $110 (PC Themes pricing 3 Jan 2015?) but the price is showing $110 so diff should be $75? Not sure if I'm looking at the correct item?

mechanical keyboard? u mean gaming keyboard? got, but quite ex..... $100+ at least for one... glup....

Im referring to the 256gb at 160. the mx100 is very popular.

Haha thats ok, it is more ex thats true. But its one of the main interfaces you will use to the pc always, so its not a wasted component. Also since they tend to last multiple pc upgrades/builds its worth taking a look at least

 

[buibuisnail]

Im referring to the 256gb at 160. the mx100 is very popular.

Haha thats ok, it is more ex thats true. But its one of the main interfaces you will use to the pc always, so its not a wasted component. Also since they tend to last multiple pc upgrades/builds its worth taking a look at least

ok... will rethink for keyboard.

er for the Crucial MX100 256GB Sata3 SSD 2.5" they show NS there.
NS is not selling or simi? but shop will have?