Need some advice on a new PC build

Hello everyone,

I am looking for some advice regarding the purchase of a new computer.
- My budget is approximately $600, though I could go slightly higher or lower (roughly $167 ).
- I plan to connect it directly to my TV, so I won't need a monitor.
- I am not an extremely demanding user. I don't play games regularly, but I might occasionally want to play a strategy game that isn't available on my PlayStation 3.
- Primarily web browsing and perhaps some light Photoshop work.

My first question is whether I should build a custom desktop configuration or simply buy a laptop.
Since I travel near the border frequently, I have been looking at these options from overseas.



I quite like these Lenovo models because they feature Full HD displays.

Alternatively, I am considering building a PC for the same price. If I decide to build one, I have a few specific requirements:
- I need an SSD since I already have an old HDD I can reuse; something around 120 GB would suffice.
- It must have an HDMI output.

Some people have suggested that I go with an i5, noting that the integrated graphics should be sufficient for my needs and that I can always add a dedicated graphics card later.
- Or should I opt for an i3 paired with a basic graphics card?

I noticed in previous threads that there are many knowledgeable people here who are willing to help. Since I don't buy computers very often, I would truly appreciate your guidance so I don't make a mistake.

Thank you all.

Here’s the configuration, obviously.
I suppose an integrated graphics setup would probably be enough. If you're planning on keeping the PC right next to the TV, then an ITX build might make more sense.

1 x Intel Core i5-4460 Processor (3.20GHz, 1MB, 6MB, 84 W, 1150) Box
1 x Asrock H81M-ITX - Intel Socket 1150 H81M chipset Mini-ITX
1 x 8GB DDR3 (1x8GB) Kingston, HyperX Fury, 1866MHz, CL10
1 x Samsung 120 GB 850 Series Basic, Capacity 120 GB, 2.5",
1 x Fractal design node 304 White, Mini ITX
1 x CORSAIR 430W Power Supply, CX430M, CX Series Modular, EPS12V v2.3

$1403
Best Buy

Grab an extra SSD too

along with a wireless keyboard and mouse, and you're all set.
You should be looking at about $1000 for this setup; I personally wouldn't drop 1,100 bucks on it.

If you're looking at strategy games—think Rome: Total War or Company of Heroes 2—you're going to need some decent GPU power. In that case, pairing an i3 with a dedicated graphics card is the way to go.

You'll also have plenty of room left on a 240GB SSD (if you install the game directly onto it, you'll get much faster loading times).

1 x Intel Core i3-4150 (3.50GHz,512KB,3MB,54 W,1150) Box
1 x DDR3 4GB (1x4GB) Crucial, 1600MHz CL11
1 x Kingston SSD 240GB HyperX Fury, 2.5", SATA 3
1 x FORTRON 400W Power Supply, HEXA 400, 12cm fan, Active PFC
1 x Zalman T5 mini tower case. 170(W) x 427(H) x 348(D)mm.
1 x LG GH24NS DVD burner, DVD±RW, 24x DVD±R ,8x DL , 40x CD-R
1 x MSI R7 260x 2GB GDDR5 128bit, 28nm, 2xDVI + HDMI + DisplayPort
1 x Asrock B85M-HDS - Intel 1150 Socket B85 chipset M-ATX mb

$1379eBay

It’s a solid PC for general gaming; nothing over-the-top or overpriced.

Unless you decide to swap in a high-end 120GB drive with a 5-year warranty, like aSamsung 850

Great, thank you for the advice.

To me, that first configuration seems more sensible. It features more RAM and a better processor, which would be much harder for me to upgrade or swap out later on. Since gaming is my lowest priority for this machine, that option makes the most sense logically.
-That setup works for me because upgrading really just means adding a graphics card.
-Another plus is the case; the size and color are perfect for sitting right under the TV.😁

-So, that i5 with integrated graphics shouldn't have any trouble handling Full HD resolution on the TV for movies and similar tasks, right?
-One more quick question: in that Fractal design node 304 White, will I have enough room to fit an extra hard drive alongside the SSD?

From what I can tell, there are 6 slots available for HDDs or SSDs.

So, that’s basically it—that upper configuration paired with an extra one-terabyte hard drive I have lying around,
tomorrow I'm going to head out and see what kind of quotes they can give me. If they try to rip me off on the pricing, I'll just order everything online instead.

Here is another alternative for you to consider, and it comes in at a much more budget-friendly price point:
1 x Aerocool Qs-102, USB3.0, White
1 x Intel Core i5-4460 soc 1150
1 x Crucial 8GB DDR3 1600 Mhz (PC3-12800) CL11
1 x ASRock H81M-ITX, 1150
1 x Intel SSD 520 (120GB, SATA3, 25nm, MLC) R550/W520
1 x MS FSP200-50GSV-5K 85+ SFX, bulk power supply

Total: $1179

Robert Ortiz58 said:Here is another option to consider, and it is significantly more affordable:
I have acquired one Aerocool Qs-102 case in white, featuring a USB 3.0 port.
I am looking to acquire one Intel Core i5-4460 soc 1150.
I have one Crucial 8GB DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3-12800) CL11 module available.
I am looking for one ASRock H81M-ITX, 1150 socket motherboard.
I have acquired one Intel SSD 520. This specific model features 120GB of storage, utilizes a SATA3 interface, and is built with 25nm MLC technology. It carries the R550/W520 designation.
I have one MS FSP200-50GSV-5K 85+ SFX power supply available. This is a bulk unit.

Total: $1179

This configuration is excellent. It’s also quite a bit more affordable. $233I was considering whether I should upgrade to a slightly better power supply, or if that isn't really necessary.
If this power supply holds up, I might actually consider upgrading to a larger SSD.
I like that case. Honestly, the price point would make it a pretty incredible deal.

The power supply is an FSP, so you really don't have anything to worry about there. Plus, it's easy enough to just pop in a 240GB SSD later on if you need the extra speed.

With that specific case, you're pretty much stuck with low-profile cards, which I guess means you're mostly looking at entry-level graphics options, and honestly, the selection there isn't exactly huge either.

Well, he did mention that gaming was his lowest priority on the list. He could easily just grab a GTX 750 Ti; honestly, that would be more than enough if he's just looking to play some casual games.