[michaelg9]

Hey
 
I want to build a computer for about 250 euro / $340. It's aimed for general use: surfing the internet, downloading emails, using word editing / office software etc. However, it should be powerful enough and scalable to last for a few years. I'm considering these:
 

Intel Sandybridge Core I3 2100T 2.5Ghz 2 Core HT 3MB LGA1155 35W Q0 Stepping   $108.13
http://www.ebay.com/...=item5d4d3e6251
 
 
Gigabyte Motherboard GA-H81M-S2PV, LGA 1150, HDMI, DDR3, USB3  $97.48

http://www.ebay.com/...=item3a8535da86
 

4 GB Kingston Value RAM (2x2 GB KIT) DIMM 1333 MHz DDR3 Memory (KVR1333D3N9/2G)    $17.00
 
http://www.ebay.com/...=item25922fb12c


Seagate Momentus Thin 500GB HDD 5400RPM SATA 3.0GB/s 16MB ST500LT012  $47

http://www.ebay.com/...=item51b72f7ca1
 
 
LG GH22LS50 SecurDisc LightScribe SuperMulti SATA Optical Drive  $29.13

http://www.ebay.com/...=item4ad8a04684
 


GF3049 BitFenix ​​Shinobi fenêtré panneau latéral-Noir  $38.47
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GF3049-BitFenix-8203-8203-Shinobi-fenetre-panneau-lateral-Noir-/121373285670?pt=FR_GH_Informatique_Composants_Boîtiers&hash=item1c42695d26
 
 

CORSAIR CX series CX430 430W ATX 12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Power Supply   $27.00
 
http://www.ebay.com/...=item19f03daa8d

 

 

This computer was my best shot with this budget. I'm looking to lower the price a little, as it's the shipping cost too. So I'm wondering which parts can be purchased used, without affecting their quality. I also want to hear if someone believes that something of the above is not a good choice for its price or if there's incompatibility between the mobo and the cpu as it's my first build

 

PS: Don't mind if the links shows an ended listing, it just shows the average price for that part

 

Thank you

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Hello Michael, 

 

Unfortunately the CPU (socket 1155) and the MB (socket 1150) are not compatible.

 

As you are on a tight budget it is worth considering an AMD build, the cost of the CPUs is less but it does not mean that you will not get a decent build.

 

Will you be using Windows and if yes do you already have this.

[phillpower2]

Hello Michael, 

 

Unfortunately the CPU (socket 1155) and the MB (socket 1150) are not compatible.

 

As you are on a tight budget it is worth considering an AMD build, the cost of the CPUs is less but it does not mean that you will not get a decent build.

 

Will you be using Windows and if yes do you already have this.

[michaelg9]

Hey

Hmm thank you for the warning. What if I bought a used CPU? I never occurred a dead / faulty CPU so is it a good idea to look for a used CPU? There a few good offers, like an i7 processor with half the money of the above, from a top-rated seller.

 

Yes, I will be using a copy of windows 7 that I already own.

[phillpower2]

If the top rated seller was the initial owner of the CPU then it could be worth considering, if though for example the CPU was advertised as "pulled from a working machine" then I would suggest that you be more cautious as the previous owner may have OCd the CPU, also keep in mind the socket type of the i7 CPU, the dated socket 1136 I would avoid, do you have a link to the i7 CPU.

 

I am sure that you are already aware of this but for others that may read your topic, the Windows 7 disk product key if an OEM type that is already in use on another computer cannot be reused with a new/upgraded MB, a full retail product key can but only if it is not in use on another computer at the same time.

[iammykyl]

Gday.

A build for you to consider, giving an excellent upgrade path.

I had friends who lived on Cyprus so know how expensive imports are.   On the CPP window, top right, click to see prices in different country's.

 

> http://pcpartpicker.com/p/cBWmmG

[michaelg9]

Hey

 

It seems that buying the parts from abroad isn't the ideal solutions as shipping fees together add up to a relatively high price. I've been searching for a used local computer to buy and found this one:

 

http://pazaraki.com/...tops-pcs/909445

 

It's 3 years old, has no problems as he said, only the actual computer is included (not the monitor / keyboard etc).

I'm thinking of offering 200 euro after I check that there's no problem with it. I know that prices are related to the country where you live in, but what do you think about my offering price?

 

Furthermore, I want to ask what would you check before buying a used computer. Of course I'm going to check the system logs for any sign of hardware malfunction, but what else? What programs would you use to check it up??

 

Thank you

[iammykyl]

That would seem a fair offer.

Whatever computer you buy,

Must come with a genuine installation disc and product key, same for any software..

Until it is in your possession, there is little you can do to check how it runs.   When you do get it, use some software from this site, > http://www.computerh...es/ch001088.htm And run this tool, PC Pitstop Overdrive, (do not run any other tools from the site or do any fixes) post the results to us. > http://www.pcpitstop.com/betapit/default.asp

[michaelg9]

So, do I have to buy it first and then check it for defects?

[iammykyl]

Well yes, unless the seller will let you test at their location, or you pay a deposit, test the computer at your location, and if OK, pay the rest.

[michaelg9]

I'm going to run some tests and check the logs in his location of course, but I guess whatever I do should not be very time consuming. So if the above tools finish in a short period of time, then I can run them at his location.

[phillpower2]

You could have them run Speccy + as suggested by iammykyl PCPitstop and then send you the urls

[iammykyl]

Good call Phillpower2, michaelg9 could also post the URL here so we can have a look as well. 

[michaelg9]

Hey both

Nice suggestion! Here's the pcpitstop link:

 

http://www.pcpitstop...?conid=25660045

 

waiting for the speccy log

[iammykyl]

Not a bad rig for the money,   Does not appear to have any issues, just the video card is a bit weak for decent gaming.

Can you find out the brand/model of the PSU?

[michaelg9]

And the speccy log

Thank you for the time

 

Looking at motherboard's temperature Is that normal?

Attached Files

•  Speccy.txt   660.31KB   171 downloads

Edited by michaelg9, 09 August 2014 - 12:59 PM.