how to make this apu based build cheaper

[wzhouiup]

Hi, i am going to build an apu powered machine. This computer is for streaming videos and doing basic work (word, excel, chrome, etc.) How can i make this build cheaper than what it is but still keeping quality and performance in mind? (newegg and amazon only please)

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/QVQJhM
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/QVQJhM/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD A8-7600 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($100.07 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper TX3 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($15.69 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A68M-HD+ Micro ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($60.96 @ Newegg)
Memory: *Mushkin ECO2 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($32.68 @ Newegg)
Storage: Silicon Power S60 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($48.93 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($34.48 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($17.42 @ Newegg)
Other: Antec EarthWatts Green Power Supply - 350W, 80 PLUS® BRONZE Certified EA-350 ($31.75)
Total: $394.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-01-05 22:54 EST-0500

 

[genrldisaray]

"how to make this apu based build cheaper but still maintaining the same cost"

That's quite a paradox.

 

[wzhouiup]

"how to make this apu based build cheaper but still maintaining the same cost"

That's quite a paradox.

lol sorry i was in a hurry

 

[Karadjgne]

You are looking at an APU, and actually using the igpu. This uses system ram as it's not a separate gpu. You'll get considerable performance gains graphically using 2133MHz ram over 1600MHz

https://pcpartpicker.com/part/a-data-memory-ax3u2133w4g10dr

That said, there's only 1 way to reduce the cost, that's by shopping. Choose 3-4 different components in the same price range then check everywhere looking for sales on those components, even try eBay or Craigslist. But even savings there may be minimal.

 

[wzhouiup]

Thanks for an answer Karadjgne. There was a great deal on 2400 mhz ram for $32 but i missed it. Since gaming is not the main focus of this computer, i guess ill stick with 1600 if it is cheapest.

So, what are some better options for some of the parts?

 

[Karadjgne]

1600,1866,2133 ddr3 all run about the same price. The thing about 2133 over 1600 is that 2133 has almost double the bandwidth capability of 1600, which makes for smoother videos, better graphics for anything you do play, faster loading pictures on Web pages etc. Given the choice of 2133 at $32 and 1600 at $30, I'd be digging in the couch for loose change to get that extra $2. 2400 would have been a good deal at that price, the faster the ram, the better, but anything over 2133 shows diminishing returns. 2133 really is the top of the bell curve, 1600 is like 1/2 way up one side.

As for the other stuff, that's hard to say, everything looks decent. Changing stuff might very well lower performance and quality, you could always go with a cheaper ECS or Biostar motherboard, but for the $10 you'd save, you'd be spending $60 again in 6 months replacing it when it craps out. You could save some cash on the case, buy one from eBay, I got my fractal design r5 window for $20, had a dent in 1 panel. Easily fixed. There are deals to be had everywhere from yard sales to eBay to Craigslist, shop around, you can look at Barebones stuff, buy a cpu get a free mobo stuff etc. Use pcpartpicker.com, go to the suggested websites and surf the daily deals etc.

 

[wzhouiup]

thanks karadjne