Necessary?

[Simmons222]

I am planning out a custom build (Hackintosh/Linux), and and here is my current build:


Monitor ($170 ($15 MIR):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236079

Video card ($65 ($15 MIR)):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102930

CD/DVD Burner ($21):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827135204

Case ($60 ($10 MIR)):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129066

CPU ($195):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115074&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10446076&PID=4902415&SID=

Wireless ($20):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833704045

RAM ($55):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231311

HD ($55):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136218

PSU ($95 ($10 MIR)):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

Mobo ($140):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128500




Now, my question is, is a graphics card really necessary? The Sandy Bridge supposedly have really good integrated graphics (even have 3D). Budget is pretty important, and I am seeing how low I can get the cost. If I were to nix the graphics card, I would probably get a better processor (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115073&cm_sp=Pers_ProductSimilar-_-19-115-073_1_AG-_-19-115-074).

My uses for the computer would be: internet browsing, music production (Garageband with MIDI keyboard and guitar with a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter), music listening (Spotify), programming Java, word processing, Rosetta Stone, and other miscellaneous stuff. (All that is usually open at the same time). I would do some light gaming if anything. (Team Fortress 2, Portal 2; mainly Valve games.)

Thanks,
Simmons

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been moved from the section Graphics & Displays to section Systems by Mousemonkey

 

[rolli59]

If you are doing any gaming then you will be happy to have a discrete GPU, the Intel HD IGP is not suitable for gaming but will handle the rest of your tasks fine.