New build for family computer, i5 overkill?

[nephrahim]

Hello all. For chrstimas I've been roped into building a computer for my family to use, now that their old one is dying. After hearing about the AMD APUs I descided I'd like to build something with the 5800k, since they won't really need a dedicated Video Card for what they use it for. I'm getting a little worried about that choice though, after seeing how badly the i5 trounces it. Do you think an i5 would be worth it in a family/office computer that dosen't do much other then browse the internet? Or would the 5800k be more then enough to ensure a longlasting system.

The entire build, for refrence.

[PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A75 Pro4-M Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($73.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($39.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Intel 330 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Fractal Design Core 1000 MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($39.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Antec EarthWatts Green 380W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($42.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-12B1ST/BLK/G/AS Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($55.73 @ NCIX US)
Monitor: Planar PX2710MW 27.0" Monitor ($249.99 @ Mac Mall)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 Full (64-bit) ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Keyboard: Microsoft 5SH-00001 Wireless Standard Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($23.00 @ Amazon)
Other: Bluetooth dongle ($14.99)
Other: Wireless Adapter ($9.99)
Total: $940.61
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-22 20:48 EST-0500)

 

[rgd1101]

for just browsing the internet the AMD would be fine, or go with an intel i3-3220.
The i3 is better then the A10 except for playing video games, and it run cooler and required less power.

 

[samuelohagan]

i5 would destroy the a10 if your family loves to do benchmarks. However otherwise it is better to get an a10 and spend the money on a mechanical keyboard.

 

[loresr97]

i5 would destroy the a10 if your family loves to do benchmarks. However otherwise it is better to get an a10 and spend the money on a mechanical keyboard.

Why would a family need a mechanical keyboard when a normal one is fine even for gaming?

 

[smorizio]

it comes down to if the family going to get into games. the amd system save you money on not needing a extra video card. web surfing and running word or money program your not going to see much in speed between an amd or intel system. on your build your fine but you have some weak spots. for the power supply it too low and cheap. pick up a 500w
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027
you never want to max out a power supply if you do it can pop and take out your whole system or just not post or under load reboot. drop the 1866 ram for standard 1600/1330 ram. look at the mb qal list for tested ram and pick up a set of tested ram.
your not going to see any real speed boost from 1866 ram. your better off using stock speed ram. for the case if it your first build look into a mid size case like the antec one gaming case. it give you more room to work with. the monitor i drop down to a standard 22/24 inch unit.

 

[manofchalk]

Considering that there's a $100 difference between the A10 and an i5, it should smack it around in benchmarks.
It simply comes down to whether you need the performance. If the machine will do little more than flash games, internet browsing and Microsoft Word, you don't need that extra performance.

 

[DarkSable]

Why would a family need a mechanical keyboard when a normal one is fine even for gaming?

That's kinda like asking a gamer, "Why do you want two 7970s? A single 7770 will make the games run."

 

[4745454b]

Because if you don't play games you don't even want the single 7770.

Build looks fine overall. I'd get 1600MHz ram for a basic machine, but I doubt it would be worth the cost savings. I didn't look, but if you can I'd get a motherboard with a PCIe 16x slot. Never know when your needs might change or when something might break. But even this is a if its worth it money wise. If it will cost to much to add this in then don't worry about it.

Edited for spelling.

 

[twelve25]

i5 would destroy the a10 if your family loves to do benchmarks. However otherwise it is better to get an a10 and spend the money on a mechanical keyboard.

Why would a family need a mechanical keyboard when a normal one is fine even for gaming?

That's kinda like asking a gamer, "Why do you want two 7970s? A single 7770 will make the games run."

It just seems like an odd luxury item on a regular, low-mid level build, that's all.

 

[twelve25]

A10 is a very fast processor buy any standards. It's faster than $1000 processors from 3 years ago. No it isn't the fastest possible processor, but it's a great solution for most uses.

Since we all like to make car analogies, this of the A10 like a nice AWD subaru WRX. It's a fast car, has great handling and AWD. 9/10 people would be giddy to drive that car. But then put it in a drag race with a Dodge Viper and it gets left at the starting line like a granny in a walker. Just because something isn't the fastest for a particular task, doesn't mean it is slow or poor.

ALso consider than sans-video card, the A10 is going to beat the intel i5 for many video and graphics related tasks because it has a nice built-in graphics.

 

[DarkSable]

[A mechanical keyboard] just seems like an odd luxury item on a regular, low-mid level build, that's all.

Ehh, not for a home office computer, I don't think. When I got mine, my WPM jumped by 20 within 5 minutes of use, and those 5 were from getting used to a normal keyboard coming from an ergonomic one.