Buying Advice · DIGIT-ARC

T

I actually wanted to get a laptop but then decided to upgrade my PC. So heres it:

1. What is the purpose of the computer? (Note: If you are planning to say multimedia, you will have to be more specific as all types of systems are capable of doing that)
A: Video Conferencing, Casual Gaming, Videos and a bit of photoshop/dreamweaver

2. Are you open to alternate ideas/products giving similar better performance but offering more VFM/ sellers? If not- why?
A: Yes

3. What is your MAX budget?
A: Around INR 15000/- (+- 3K)

4. Planning to overclock?
A: Not Yet

5. Which OS are you planning to use?
A: Fedora + Windows 7

6. How much hard drive space is needed?
A: N/A - I already have a HDD

7. What resolution will the screen run at & whats the size of the screen you want? If you already want have one and want to use it, mention its resolution and size.
A: I have Samsung 17" LCD(Not Widescreen).

8. How would you rate your hardware knowledge from the count of 1-10? (1 being the lowest, 5 being you are somewhat in sync with the current performers and 10 being the highest)
A: 9

9. Have you ever built a desktop before or will this be done by an assembler?
A: I have built a desktop many times.

10. When are you planning to buy the system?
A: Within this week

11. Are you one of the types looking out for "future proof" configurations?
A: Somewhat.

12. Are there going to be any components that you don't want to include in this new rig? If yes, do mention.
A:

13. Which city do you live in and are you open to buying from shops from other city/states?
A: Open to buying from other city/states

14. Mention any other points if deemed necessary
A:

I need a good configuration. To be precise :
A Good Processor (NOT A Highend) - i3/i5 --> Around 5K
GPU - Around 3-5K
Motherboard - Around 3-4K
RAM -2GB is enough. DDR2/3 won't really matter to me.
Sound + LAN Card (2K).
Need a good UPS and PSU as well. I have a cabinet.
Note : I want a SILENT noise free GPU and CPU. Please make sure that the CPU/GPU you are advising has no noise.

cpu- AMD athlon II x4 635 @ 4k
mobo- gigabyte /msi 880g (non usb3/sata6) @ 4k
corsair 2*2gb ddr3 1333 @ 2.2k
MSI/Sapphire HD 5670 512mb @ 4.5k
PSU FSP 350W @ 1.5k

800VA UPS from numeric (dont know the price)

moreover
you can reduce the price bar by :
going for AMD x3 435 @ 3.3k
and getting a 785g based mobo for 3.5k

also if u game less and in lower resolutions too...then you can rather opt for HD 5570 @ 3.8k

CPU: AMD PhenomII X4 955BE -- 6.5k
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-MA785G-UD2H -- 3.4k
RAM: Corsair 4GB DDR3 -- 2.2
PSU: FSP SAGAII 400W -- 1.8k
GPU: Radeon 5670 -- 4.5k
Total ---- 18.4k

T

What about the i3 processors? Aren't they supposed to be the entry level ones?
I've personally never used AMD Processors.

The Conqueror said:
What about the i3 processors? Aren't they supposed to be the entry level ones?
I've personally never used AMD Processors.

the new SB i3/i5 are good
but it will overshoot your budget for sure

and regarding AMd...you'll find it a perfect for your needs
i mean 4 cores at 4k clocked at ~3ghz...nothing can be better than this

Piyush said:
cpu- AMD athlon II x4 635 @ 4k
mobo- gigabyte /msi 880g (non usb3/sata6) @ 4k
corsair 2*2gb ddr3 1333 @ 2.2k
MSI/Sapphire HD 5670 512mb @ 4.5k
PSU FSP 350W @ 1.5k

800VA UPS from numeric (dont know the price)

moreover
you can reduce the price bar by :
going for AMD x3 435 @ 3.3k
and getting a 785g based mobo for 3.5k

also if u game less and in lower resolutions too...then you can rather opt for HD 5570 @ 3.8k

why not for the newly launched HD6790? some are shipping with 24ROPs. though will require a 400W PSU.

The Conqueror said:
What about the i3 processors? Aren't they supposed to be the entry level ones?
I've personally never used AMD Processors.

you can get last gen i3 but that won't allow you to get a fast eniugh GPU & trust me, most of the forum members that have brought AMD based rig either had Intel based pc (like me) or no PC at all.

saswat23 said:
CPU: AMD PhenomII X4 955BE -- 6.5k
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-MA785G-UD2H -- 3.4k
RAM: Corsair 4GB DDR3 -- 2.2
PSU: FSP SAGAII 400W -- 1.8k
GPU: Radeon 5670 -- 4.5k
Total ---- 18.4k

change the proccy to some Athlon II X4 & upp the GPU to HD6790.

Reason:
1. X4 955 overheat. forum is full of such complains.
2. HD6790 will thrash HD5670. & as i am using a HD5670, this is not an midrange card anymore. a faster GPU is recommended even for casual gaming.

@SAM: the op's budget is around 15k [+\-3k].

3. What is your MAX budget?
A: Around INR 15000/- (+- 3K)

@OP: Consider this too.

This the best buy if you can increase your budget. You will get a performance boost in Processing & a decent performance even in Graphics too.

Otherwise change the above Processor : AMD Athlon II x4 640 - 4500.00
Motherboard :Gigabyte Ga-Ma785GMT-US2H @3.4 K

OR

Take a combo of Intel core i3 2100 -6k & Intel DH61WW - 3.5k.

T

Thank you Piyush,saswat23, Sam and d3p5kor

Let me know about the noise level and sound frequencies emitted by the GPU/CPU in concern. I'm asking this because I had a pathetic experience with nVidia EN8600GT 512MB DDR3 (ASUS) and it makes noise equivalent to aircraft take off continuously.
If the card you suggested makes noise then I will rather opt for onboard graphics. I can sacrifice gaming for noise. Please tell me whether the GPUs and Processors you have mentioned are noise-free.
I may increase a budget a little bit more if you could point me towards a noise free gpu.

d3p5kor said:
@SAM: the op's budget is around 15k [+\-3k].

3. What is your MAX budget?
A: Around INR 15000/- (+- 3K)

Suggesting a high end GPU is fine, but if the op is only interested in upgrading the whole CPU then it doesn't make any sense. Moreover the GPU cost is 18 -20k.

@OP: Consider this too.

Component | Make | Price Processor | Intel Core i5 2400 | 9500
Motherboard | Intel DH61WW | 3500
RAM | Corsair DDR3 value 2X2GB 1333 | 2100
Graphic Card | Sapphire HD5670 | 4500
PSU | FSP Saga II 400 | 1600
UPS | APC 600VA | 1700
| Total | 23000

This the best buy if you can increase your budget. You will get a performance boost in Processing & a decent performance even in Graphics too.

Otherwise change the above Processor : AMD Athlon II x4 640 - 4500.00
Motherboard :Gigabyte Ga-Ma785GMT-US2H @3.4 K

OR

Take a combo of Intel core i3 2100 -6k & Intel DH61WW - 3.5k.

Pls Let me know the sound-level and noise. What about the nVidia GPUs?

@conquerer
it totally depends on your budget bro
afaik 5670 is not noisy at all
you can think about 6790 too but it consumes a lot power than 5670
i'm not suggesting 6790 just because of its power requirements...otherwise its better than 5670
but since you mentioned that u'll game occasionally, so i suggested 5670

and if you want nvidia card, you can GT 440 (if its available)
but the thing is the price/performance ratio is not good
although if you can increase your budget a little bit you can go for GTS 450 which is a good card and performs good for its price

and regarding cpu and motherboard
the rig that d3pkor suggested is pretty good than mine but you have to increase you budget for that feast too
if you can go for that then its well and good
and even if you can't then its not a big problem because the requirement you pointed out can be fulfilled with AMD athlon II x4 processors

rest is upto you
do tel us if you plan to increase your budget

T

Thanks piyush! That was helpful. I think I'll try to get D3pkor's configuration.
Shall I take 5670 for granted that it is not noisy? What is the cost of 6790 and GT450?

I can't find Intel DH61WW in the hardware spec price list thread.

@baba
6790 is completely fine in power requirements. though they match 6850 but not that much of concern.

@conquerer
5670 is very less noisy afaik
GTS 450 will cost you around 6.5k
dont know the appx cost of 6790....could be between 8k-9k
also see jassy's rig
It suits your needs
but if u can go for d3pkor's config, then its well and good as i said before

@OP: If you are a weekend gamer than, go with 5670 otherwise 6790 is newly launch card & upgraded too, but not sure about the prices. [Post the prices, if someone comes across it.]

+1 to Sam for the info about 6790, it gonna give you a heavier boost & good for long run but check your needs before getting that.

IMO get a Higher End processor first, then try getting a gpu.

& AFAIK normally the AMD GPU's silent than Nvidia, but its like performance [NVidia] vs Efficiency [ATi]. : But thats an old teminology, not now, its changes every month & every year....

Notes: Noise limits are also depends on the overclocking part & Cooling provided by the cabinet too.

T

I have a 17" LCD (Not Widescreen) So I guess I won't need super high res capability.

I'm more terribly confused now however I have narrowed down to Jaskanwar's config and saswat's. One has a high end CPU and another has a comparatively better performing GPU.
I think I will go with the one that is least noisy.
I'm also considering d3p5kor config. because it seems better value for money in the long run.
@d3p5kor : I could not find the mobo you suggested in the hardware price list thread. Is it a bit old because I see something around DH68 there)

Is it better to order Online or at a local dealer? I've never had a huge online transaction till now.

The Conqueror said:
I have a 17" LCD (Not Widescreen) So I guess I won't need super high res capability.

I'm more terribly confused now however I have narrowed down to Jaskanwar's config and saswat's. One has a high end CPU and another has a comparatively better performing GPU.
I think I will go with the one that is least noisy.
I'm also considering d3p5kor config. because it seems better value for money in the long run.

Is it better to order Online or in-person? I've never had a big transaction till now.

Go for i5 config
much future proof
and since it 17 lcd, hen 5670 will be more than enough
go for offline if its possible
however online is not a bad idea

T

Piyush said:
Go for i5 config
much future proof
and since it 17 lcd, hen 5670 will be more than enough
go for offline if its possible
however online is not a bad idea

Will I have to wait for sandy bridge processors or are they easily available?

^^they are available now

@ Conq: DH61 is a new Mobo by Intel for budgeted i3 & i5 Config's.

Refer Link
Intel DH61WW : *www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&source=w...sg=AFQjCNF5VEQ_PjRkxbvjYtjZPd-WxefuHA&cad=rja

Mobo Image.

*www.intel.com/Assets/Image/prodlarge/DH61WW-lg.jpg

Let me narrow down your Choices.

Budgeted Perfomance vs GPU Banger vs Bang for Buck

T

@d3p5kor : Ok, Didn't knew that!
So I guess that 23K Config will be the best bang for buck. Right?

The Conqueror said:
@d3p5kor : Ok, Didn't knew that!
So I guess that 23K Config will be the best bang for buck. Right?

Exactly Mr Conquerer
now go and conquer that configuration suggested by d3pkor

T

Change of Plan, I'm not gaming. This year at least for JEE and 12th

.

So I want to remove the GPU from the config. Onboard Graphics will suffice for now.
So which config should I go for?

go for d3p5kor's i5 rig then without card

T

Jaskanwar Singh said:
Component | Make | Price | Comments Processor |AMD Athlon II x4 635|4000|sufficient for your needs
Motherboard |Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-US2H|3400|if unable to find get Gigabyte GA-880GM-UD2H for 4000
RAM |G.Skill F3-10666CL9S-2GBNQ 2GB |1250|enough for your needs
Graphic Card |Sapphire HD5770|7200|sam was right. gpu demands by games are increasing
PSU |FSP Saga II 500w|2000|
| Total |17850|

@baba
6790 is completely fine in power requirements. though they match 6850 but not that much of concern.

This seems to be a good deal. I want to remove the GPU. Which PSU should I use in this case? Can I get Corsair/Kingston as RAM Manufacturer on this config? If yes, which model no.?

Thanks

The Conqueror said:
This seems to be a good deal. I want to remove the GPU. Which PSU should I use in this case? Can I get Corsair/Kingston as RAM Manufacturer on this config? If yes, which model no.?

Thanks

that PSU is good
you can add upto HD 6850 on this PSU
if it is not available...then go for
gigabyte 460W superb
corsair cx 400W

regarding RAMs, just ask the dealer for DDR3 1333mhz
go for 2*2gb (i.e. 2 sticks)
and go for the RAM which have lower latencies
latencies are mentioned on the ram
they are denoted by 7-7-7-21 or 9-9-9-24 and so on

T

AMD Athlon II x4 635 - Rs 4000
Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-US2H - Rs 3400
Corsair DDR3 value 2X2GB 1333 - Rs 2100
PSU - FPS SAGA II 500 w - Rs 2000
UPS - APC 600VA - Rs 1700
----------------------------
TOTAL - Rs 13200/-
Just want to check this one last time :
So are all these above components compatible with each other?
What about the UPS?
What about the Cabinet? Should I get iBall's cabinet? I don't want to spend much on the cabinet. Even a local one would do. Or Do I need an appropriate cabinet for my config?
What price can I expect for to sell Pentium Dual Core?
My local shop keeper is ready to accept GeForce 8600 GT for 5K

The Conqueror said:
AMD Athlon II x4 635 - Rs 4000
Gigabyte GA-MA785GMT-US2H - Rs 3400
Corsair DDR3 value 2X2GB 1333 - Rs 2100
PSU - FPS SAGA II 500 w - Rs 2000
UPS - APC 600VA - Rs 1700
----------------------------
TOTAL - Rs 13200/-
Just want to check this one last time :
So are all these above components compatible with each other?
What about the UPS?
What about the Cabinet? Should I get iBall's cabinet? I don't want to spend much on the cabinet. Even a local one would do. Or Do I need an appropriate cabinet for my config?
What price can I expect for to sell Pentium Dual Core?
My local shop keeper is ready to accept GeForce 8600 GT for 5K

rig is excellent
better go for CM/NZXT cabinet....cheap cabinets pose problems in future,....believe me
P dual core...may be at 1.5k at the most
and u are a lucky chap....8600gt @ 5k....awesome

T

The AMD Branch Manager said that the processor is outdated and not available. So I went for Core i3 520 3Ghz with 4GB RAM and DH55TC Motherboard. Runs cool,silent and gets the job done. All for Rs 18K

I think AMD is replacing their 635 with 640. GEt AMD AThlon II X4 640 then. It is 4.4K. And get a motherboard based on 880G/870G chipset for better future upgrades as it is good for future upgrades for hex core processors or the upcoming Bulldozer processors.
And even 635 is available in the local markets and online shops. So rather than calling AMD's Branch Manager, check it your local hardware markets or in online shops.
Since you are not gonna buy the gpu now, you can add another 1K to your motherboard and get Asus M4A88T M @ 4.5K.

The specifications are

6 core CPU ready with 140W processor support.
4 Ram slots
2 PCI E X1, 1 PCI, 1 PC X X16
Core unlocker feature

As Asus officially has confirmed that their AM3 boards are gonna support upcoming AM3+ CPUs with just a BIOS update, I think it is one of the best options.

@conquerer
parts already bought?

@ cilus
Buddy i guess he has already purchased the i3 520 along with that h55 board. Although its good enough for his work, athlon2 x4 would have been better suited. Anyway, i guess our job is done here.

The Conqueror said:
The AMD Branch Manager said that the processor is outdated and not available. So I went for Core i3 520 3Ghz with 4GB RAM and DH55TC Motherboard. Runs cool,silent and gets the job done. All for Rs 18K

well, Intel Branch Manager would have also said the same about Core i3-520.

IMO i3-540 would have been a better choice for the same price.

BTW can you post the prices of the individual components.

T

saswat23 said:
IMO i3-540 would have been a better choice for the same price.

BTW can you post the prices of the individual components.

Yes sorry that was a typo. It is i3-540.

Config is as follows :

Intel i3 540 3.06 Ghz
ZION 4GB DDR 3 RAM 1333mhz
iBall Cabinet + SMPS
Intex Ups 600VA
Intel 55 Motherboard
iBall Rocky headphone (Free)
TOTAL -> Rs 18.5K

Works like a charm with Bamboo fun pen and touch (Brought for 11K

).
Also, I had sent an email to AMD and they also replied that the concerned processor is discontinued.