Should I buy this desktop PC now or go for this custom build?

[Nova43]

Hi,

I need a computer for development purposes as well as for general everyday use. I work with android app development for the most part and I do not do any gaming. I have a laptop, but it's over 2 years old and very slow with its i3 processor. So, I have decided to get a new computer, preferably a fast desktop computer. I am looking at the following desktop PC from bestbuy: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/hp-envy-desktop-intel-core-i5-12gb-memory-2tb-hard-drive-brushed-metal/4370501.p?id=1219738783775&skuId=4370501

They have it on sale for only $550. The only drawback to this PC is it uses DDR3 RAM only and also has a custom motherboard that is exclusive to HP. In addition, DDR4 RAM is incompatible with this PC.

As an alternative, I could build a custom PC with the following parts and actually end up with a faster system with a faster CPU, but the only thing is, it will cost me $200 more than the above system which I don't think I can afford.

Custom Parts List: https://pcpartpicker.com/user/Nova35/saved/RxgG3C

The total for the custom PC including the monitor, keyboard and mouse will be around $930 which I can't afford. So I'm thinking maybe I should buy the HP PC instead, but I don't like the fact that it is not compatible with DDR4 RAM. Should I buy it anyways?

Thank you for your valuable advice.

 

[DustinV]

Where do you see the pc costs $550? it says $700
Both of those pc's will cost nearly the same before mouse/keyboard/monitor
Why do you think the custom pc costs more?

Also in the custom pc build you can get a cheaper power supply that is better quality
You also got an expensive motherboard that isnt needed for that cpu
and there isnt that much of a difference between ddr3 and ddr4

You should go for a custom build, its cheaper and will perform better

 

[DustinV]

So yes this will be a little more expensive then the hp pc since windows will cost nearly $100, but its way way way better quality and easily upgradeable . And this could be cheaper if you got a different case, can easily get a $40 case. then mouse and keyboard is only $20


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6400 2.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.00 @ B&H)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H110M-A Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($51.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws 4 series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($62.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($63.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($20.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $512.83
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-03-20 01:38 EDT-0400

 

[Archaic59]

You could build a Haswell based Xeon system with more power for a good price.
The power of an i7 with 16GB DDR3 memory.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1246 V3 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($279.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($70.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($61.99 @ Adorama)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.49 @ OutletPC)
Case: Silverstone PS09B MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($38.99 @ Directron)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 300W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($35.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSC0B DVD/CD Writer ($15.89 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($86.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $640.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-03-20 02:48 EDT-0400
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Passmark comparison- http://tinyurl.com/zlrfmv7

http://ark.intel.com/products/80916/Intel-Xeon-Processor-E3-1246-v3-8M-Cache-3_50-GHz

 

[Chayan4400]

I assume he got $550 from HP's website: http://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/hp-envy-desktop---750-114

Anyway, let's look at the specs of this machine:

• 
  ■ i5 6500
  ■ 12GB of DDR3
  ■ 2 TB HDD
  ■ 300W PSU (Probably a bottom of the bin cheap one)
  ■ Unique HP case and motherboard (Which means you'll have to shell out quite a lot if it ever decides to give up)
  ■ Windows 10

Here's my build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($204.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG M9i 48.4 CFM CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H110M-ITX/ac Mini ITX LGA1151 Motherboard ($69.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Fury Black 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($35.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial BX100 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.49 @ OutletPC)
Case: Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Tower Case ($34.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 350W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($35.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($86.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $578.30
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-03-20 02:58 EDT-0400

You get a standard motherboard and case, better PSU, equal CPU, slightly less RAM (Though it won't affect the performance of the PC in any way; 8GB is more than enough for app developing), and most importantly an SSD, which will make your PC much snappier when loading programs. No optical disk drive though.

What is your abosolute maximum budget?

 

[Chayan4400]

You could build a Haswell based Xeon system with more power for a good price.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1246 V3 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($279.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($70.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($61.99 @ Adorama)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.49 @ OutletPC)
Case: Silverstone PS09B MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($38.99 @ Directron)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 300W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($35.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSC0B DVD/CD Writer ($15.89 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 OEM (64-bit) ($86.89 @ OutletPC)
Total: $640.22
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-03-20 02:48 EDT-0400
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Passmark comparison- http://tinyurl.com/zlrfmv7

http://ark.intel.com/products/80916/Intel-Xeon-Processor-E3-1246-v3-8M-Cache-3_50-GHz

OP did mention that his build which cost $660 was too expensive ATM, so while this build is good I don't think he'll want to spend that much.

 

[Nova43]

Hi Guys,

Actually, that HP desktop was on sale for $550. The price just changed back to $700 this morning. I'll consider the custom builds you guys have mentioned; they seem very good. Actually, my original custom parts list is affordable. I was just comparing it to the $550 sale price. My absolute max budget is around $850 total which should also include the monitor, keyboard and mouse. I already have windows 10.

I wan't to stick with the i3 6500 processor, but the xeon processor mentioned above -- is that a good choice in terms of future proofing my PC with regards to processor performance? Why go with the mini or micro ATX motherboards? Wouldn't they be less durable and offer less in terms of features and parts upgradability in the future?

Thanks

 

[Archaic59]

If you look at the passmark scores, the Xeon is well above the i5's in performance and value, making it capable of doing far more than just gaming. It's basically the equivalent of an i7-4770 without the overclocking ability and that's one powerful CPU.
Among all CPU's ever made, Xeons top the list- http://tinyurl.com/p7yy7sl

 

[Nova43]

If you look at the passmark scores, the Xeon is well above the i5's in performance and value, making it capable of doing far more than just gaming. It's basically the equivalent of an i7-4770 without the overclocking ability and that's one powerful CPU.
Among all CPU's ever made, Xeons top the list- http://tinyurl.com/p7yy7sl

Ok. Thank you for the info. I'll definitely consider that processor but here is my updated parts list below. I would appreciate your feedback. Basically, the total price for this new custom parts list is about the same as my original list. I used the parts suggestions above and selected a cheaper power supply; the case is the same but it went down in price. I am putting the savings into a 120GB solid state drive. The only thing is the motherboard. Should I go with a micro or mini Mobo? Also, could you guys suggest a cheaper power supply that is of good quality and which is compatible with this custom parts list?

Thanks.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6500 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($204.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock H170 Pro4S ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($94.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws 4 series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($62.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial BX100 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 400R ATX Mid Tower Case ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($63.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($20.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $631.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-03-20 08:17 EDT-0400

 

[Archaic59]

Full size ATX boards, such as the one already on your list, are easier to work with and give more options for system expansion and upgrades later on. They usually have more features than smaller boards due to the size limitation with mATX and mITX boards. The SSD is great to install the OS and your most important apps on for fast boots and quick file loading. Use the regular drive for bulk storage of pics and vids etc...
The motherboard and PSU are both suited for adding a video card at any time if you choose to do so. The Seasonic PSU listed is about the cheapest unit of good quality available, and will support any Nvidia based card up to GTX 980 or AMD based card up to R9 380. Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[Nova43]

Full size ATX boards, such as the one already on your list, are easier to work with and give more options for system expansion and upgrades later on. They usually have more features than smaller boards due to the size limitation with mATX and mITX boards. The SSD is great to install the OS and your most important apps on for fast boots and quick file loading. Use the regular drive for bulk storage of pics and vids etc...
The motherboard and PSU are both suited for adding a video card at any time if you choose to do so. The Seasonic PSU listed is about the cheapest unit of good quality available, and will support any Nvidia based card up to GTX 980 or AMD based card up to R9 380. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Excellent. Thank you for your feedback. I'll keep this updated parts list and Thank you all for providing advice and suggestions for the parts; it helped me a great deal in updating my list. I'll update this thread if I have further questions. Thanks again.