Feedback for new $400 build

[meekers]

I am building a computer to be used primarily for office related tasks and the occasional very light gaming. I set myself a budget of $400, though if I can do what I need for less that's great. The motherboard in particular I am not sure what I should go for. I also went with a 430 w PSU which I suspect is overkill.

Here is my first draft for the parts:

Llano a8-3850 $140

BIOSTAR TA75M FM1 AMD A7 $98 w/ shipping

2x2gig 1600 ram $20

Cooler Master Elite 430 Case $45

Antex 430 w PSU $45

500g hd $42

Any of many $20 dvd drives

Total: $410

 

[Outlander_04]

I think most people would recommend an Asus or Gigabyte , or even Asrock ,motherboard

This A75 board has a better slot layout if you ever add a graphics card
ASUS F1A75-M FM1 AMD A75
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131768
Shipping is free so it only costs $1 more

Llano graphics performance improves with faster RAM , so if you can then use 1866Mhz , but the sticks you have chosen will work fine

Good luck

 

[rex000]

I agree with Outlander_04. Even on a budget, I believe quality / reliability is still a priority. As far as motherboards go, Asus or Gigabyte.

I like how you've chosen to use the AMD APUs, great value for the money!

Also, I just recently made a $400 build myself. I will also be using this computer for similar tasks as you are, office w/ light gaming. Feel free to take a look and compare to what you've got.


ASUS M4A78LT-M LE MOTHERBOARD - $55 (after $10 rebate)
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD_AM3/M4A78LTM_LE/

AMD PHENOM II X4 840 CPU - $100
http://www.amd.com/us/products/pricing/Pages/desktop-phenom.aspx

XFX 9600 GSO GPU - $15 (after $30 rebate)
http://xfxforce.com/en-us/products/graphiccards/9series/9600GSO.aspx

CORSAIR XMS3 DDR3 8GB RAM- $40 (after $40 rebate)
http://www.corsair.com/cmx8gx3m2a1600c9.html

CORSAIR CX430W V2 POWER SUPPLY - $40
http://www.corsair.com/power-supply-units/builder-series/builder-series-cx430-v2-80plus-certified-power-supply.html

NZXT GAMMA CASE - $25 (after $10 rebate)
http://www.nzxt.com/new/products/classic_series/gamma

WESTERN DIGITAL CAVIAR BLUE 500GB HARD DRIVE - $40

SONY OPTIARC DVD DRIVE - $20

** Total came to about $400, AFTER taxes and shipping costs.

 

[meekers]

Thank you for the replies. I had done a little research into ram speeds, mainly from http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1652/1/, and 1600 seemed to be the sweet spot for performance/price.

 

[aznshinobi]

Just a suggestion, the $400 build here:
http://www.squidoo.com/electronicandmore