This is my first build and this site has helped tremendously in my research. I hope you will help me make some final decisions.
I am not a gamer (Blizzard games are my limit). My primary need is to run a wide variety of programs for business and design. This includes Photoshop, AI, ACAD, Office, Accounting programs (Quickbooks +), as well as a wide variety of programs for coding, editing, and design. I also use my system for remote access and simply ‘testing’ new programs.
Although I am VERY budget conscious at this time, I do not want to skimp on value. I want to put quality first, but I do not want a Lamborghini if I can’t go over 80 clicks. Value is key.
My primary focus was to obtain a decent graphics card as that is what is fueling this need to upgrade. Other issues/needs are: More 3.0 USBs, stable power source (value at idling – I rarely turn off my pc), and good circulation as the computer can be exposed to some hot temperatures during summer. Windows 7 compatibility is a must – don’t even talk to me about Win10. (I read somewhere that some hardware is for Win 10 only).
I also have an unfortunate tendency to get sidetracked very easily which often results in having multiple windows and programs running at the same time. I am too old to change so the computer must adapt .
Here are my original choices which run beyond my initial budget ($900+ CAD). The square brackets contain possible substitutions from the individual who will do the actual build… not so sure about them but he suggested them as a ‘budget’ option of similar quality.
Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated.
CPU: i5 7500 [i5 6400]
Motherboard: ASRock H170M Pro4 [Gigabyte GA-H110M-A Micro ATX LGA1151]
RAM (2x8GB): Team Group Night Hawk-DDR4 [Geil EVO Potenza DDR4-2133]
Hard Drive: FireCuda SSHD [Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5” 7200RPM]
Graphics: RX480 4GB
Case: Cooler Master MasterBox 5 [Thermaltake Versa H21 ATX Mid Tower Case]
Power: CORSAIR CX series CX500 500W 80 PLUS BRONZE or SeaSonic S12II 620W 80+ Bronze [EVGA 500W 80+]
Sorry about length, but I wanted to be as clear as possible.
I am not a gamer (Blizzard games are my limit). My primary need is to run a wide variety of programs for business and design. This includes Photoshop, AI, ACAD, Office, Accounting programs (Quickbooks +), as well as a wide variety of programs for coding, editing, and design. I also use my system for remote access and simply ‘testing’ new programs.
Although I am VERY budget conscious at this time, I do not want to skimp on value. I want to put quality first, but I do not want a Lamborghini if I can’t go over 80 clicks. Value is key.
My primary focus was to obtain a decent graphics card as that is what is fueling this need to upgrade. Other issues/needs are: More 3.0 USBs, stable power source (value at idling – I rarely turn off my pc), and good circulation as the computer can be exposed to some hot temperatures during summer. Windows 7 compatibility is a must – don’t even talk to me about Win10. (I read somewhere that some hardware is for Win 10 only).
I also have an unfortunate tendency to get sidetracked very easily which often results in having multiple windows and programs running at the same time. I am too old to change so the computer must adapt .
Here are my original choices which run beyond my initial budget ($900+ CAD). The square brackets contain possible substitutions from the individual who will do the actual build… not so sure about them but he suggested them as a ‘budget’ option of similar quality.
Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated.
CPU: i5 7500 [i5 6400]
Motherboard: ASRock H170M Pro4 [Gigabyte GA-H110M-A Micro ATX LGA1151]
RAM (2x8GB): Team Group Night Hawk-DDR4 [Geil EVO Potenza DDR4-2133]
Hard Drive: FireCuda SSHD [Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5” 7200RPM]
Graphics: RX480 4GB
Case: Cooler Master MasterBox 5 [Thermaltake Versa H21 ATX Mid Tower Case]
Power: CORSAIR CX series CX500 500W 80 PLUS BRONZE or SeaSonic S12II 620W 80+ Bronze [EVGA 500W 80+]
Sorry about length, but I wanted to be as clear as possible.