Need advice for a new build

[Dasda]

I am planning on building a computer for my brother. He was actually thinking of getting a Samsung all in one. But I think we're going to go for the build route instead due to easily be able to repair and maintain the PC ourselves. Plus I think there is more bang for the buck in building on your own than buying that. The major draw that the Samsung had was its sleek/compact look and minimal wires.

With that said, this computer is going to placed in the entertainment room. It is to be used as a desktop and also will be connected to a 50"-60" 1080p TV once we purchase that as well. The main uses will be to basically be general usage by the family and also function as a HTPC for the TV with XBMC or Plex. It will also be left on all the time to function as a server for other SMART TVs in the house and gaming consoles. There will be minimal gaming like some sports games and maybe some shooters like Battlefield and COD.

I would also prefer a touchscreen monitor if possible but a non-touch screen is also okay as that can easily be upgraded in the future.

Would windows 8 be suitable for these purposes or stick to windows 7? Does windows 7 work well with touchscreen monitors?

The budget for this computer/setup is ~$1000-1500 canadian. The parts will be purchased in Canada from places like newegg.ca, tigerdirect.ca, canadacomputers.com, and bestdirect.ca . I prefer a Intel processor and a good reputable Motherboard brand like Asus and Gigabyte. Otherwise I have no preference for brands, just looking for good reliable parts. I plan to keep this computer for 5 years and will do incremental upgrades along the way as always.

Thank You for help. Looking forward to reading the advice.

 

[lehtv]

For the living room, I would build a microATX rig. Mini-ITX would nice due being easy to fit on a shelf, but it'd be more difficult to keep it quiet than a microATX rig. For me, a living room rig would need to be dead silent.

I would buy Windows 8 as I like it better than Windows 7, and there are improvements beneath the surface as well. In my opinion Win 8 is better even for desktops. This should be especially true in a TV environment where the Start screen basically features only large icons. I think you'll have much more fun operating the system from the couch using the Start screen than using the regular desktop view. You could even get a remote control for Windows. Touch screen isn't such a good idea, it works better when you're always sitting within arm's reach of the monitor, and this is not the case when using a 50" TV.

Here's what I'd recommend:

Asrock H87M Pro4 $87 AR
i5-4430 $192
Kingston 2x4GB 1600 $62
Asus 7870 GHz DC II $230 AR (yes, you mentioned minimal gaming but battlefield is quite demanding; if you think you're fine with the very minimum of image quality, get a 7770)
Corsair Neutron 256GB $200
Rosewill Fortress 550W 80+ Platinum $99
Fractal Design Define Mini $100 (set the fans to lowest setting)

= $970 AR

 

[Dasda]

For the living room, I would build a microATX rig. Mini-ITX would nice due being easy to fit on a shelf, but it'd be more difficult to keep it quiet than a microATX rig. For me, a living room rig would need to be dead silent.

I would buy Windows 8 as I like it better than Windows 7, and there are improvements beneath the surface as well. In my opinion Win 8 is better even for desktops. This should be especially true in a TV environment where the Start screen basically features only large icons. I think you'll have much more fun operating the system from the couch using the Start screen than using the regular desktop view. You could even get a remote control for Windows. Touch screen isn't such a good idea, it works better when you're always sitting within arm's reach of the monitor, and this is not the case when using a 50" TV.

Here's what I'd recommend:

Asrock H87M Pro4 $87 AR
i5-4430 $192
Kingston 2x4GB 1600 $62
Asus 7870 GHz DC II $230 AR (yes, you mentioned minimal gaming but battlefield is quite demanding; if you think you're fine with the very minimum of image quality, get a 7770)
Corsair Neutron 256GB $200
Rosewill Fortress 550W 80+ Platinum $99
Fractal Design Define Mini $100 (set the fans to lowest setting)

= $970 AR

Thanks for replying Lehtv. Just a couple of corrections from my end. The PC will not just only be connecting to the TV. Instead it will be running in dual monitor mode with the TV acting as the 2nd monitor. I would like do that because if person A is just watching a movie then person B should still be able to browse separately. Basically would like to run XBMC, PLEX, or WMC with media browser on the TV but also still be able to use the computer on its own with the monitor. Please change any recommendations you may see fit according to this.

Thanks again for all your recommendations. I will post a sample order list later tonight for verification by users here to make sure all parts are compatible.

Thank You.

 

[mfenn]

The PC will not just only be connecting to the TV. Instead it will be running in dual monitor mode with the TV acting as the 2nd monitor. I would like do that because if person A is just watching a movie then person B should still be able to browse separately. Basically would like to run XBMC, PLEX, or WMC with media browser on the TV but also still be able to use the computer on its own with the monitor. Please change any recommendations you may see fit according to this.

Audio is going to be the big problem with this use case. Windows does not handle multi-point audio well at all, you pretty much have to hope that all of your programs allow you to choose the output device.

 

[Dasda]

CPU $195 Intel Core i5-4430

MOBO $105 GIGABYTE GA-H87-D3H LGA 1150 Intel H87 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

SSD $160 Samsung 840 Series 250GB SSD

PSU $65 Corsair CX500M

RAM $70 Mushkin Enhanced STEALTH 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model 996988S

Case $80 - Just budgeting $80 but this will be my brother's pick. Basically need him to approve the aesthetics. You can see its important as he was considering the samsung all in one just for looks.

HDD $100 Seagate Barracuda 7200RM 2TB

GPU: IGP for now.

ODD: $17 Lite-ON Ihas124

Please share your input as always. I respect the feedback you fellows provide on here.


Thank You.

 

[Dasda]

Audio is going to be the big problem with this use case. Windows does not handle multi-point audio well at all, you pretty much have to hope that all of your programs allow you to choose the output device.

Hey mfenn, great to have your insight. Would it be possible to just choose audio to one device at a time? For example, choose the TV as the playback device? I do not need simultaneous audio...just need simultaneous video.

 

[Sleepingforest]

A few nitpicks: you don't need RAM that expensive (you should be able to find a 2x4GB set for $50-60). A WD Green is okay but a little slow; WD Blue and Seagate Barracuda are best for home usage and reliability, since they have 1TB platters.

 

[mfenn]

Hey mfenn, great to have your insight. Would it be possible to just choose audio to one device at a time? For example, choose the TV as the playback device? I do not need simultaneous audio...just need simultaneous video.

Yes, you can select the audio output no problem.

 

[mfenn]

CPU $195 Intel Core i5-4430

OK

MOBO $105 GIGABYTE GA-H87-D3H LGA 1150 Intel H87 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

OK, but I would seriously consider going with MicroATX given that you don't need this machine to game. The ASRock H87M for example.

SSD $160 Samsung 840 Series 250GB SSD

Good.

PSU $100 I have to find one that I think would be ideal so just budgeting $100max. Please recommend some reputable brands here like Corsair, Antec, Seasonic made ones. I have Corsair HX650 and Antec TP New 550 in my current systems and love the reliability. A modular PSU is preferred.

You don't really need a massive PSU for a gaming PC. A ~500W like the Corsair CX500 will be more than enough for now and handle a moderate GPU in the future.

RAM $70 Mushkin Enhanced STEALTH 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model 996988S

OK, but I'd spend a little less and get some standard 9-9-9-24 DDR3 1600 1.5V like this Team kit.

Case $80 - Just budgeting $80 but this will be my brother's pick. Basically need him to approve the aesthetics. You can see its important as he was considering the samsung all in one just for looks.

Check out the Cooler Master N200.

HDD $100 budget. Please recommend one strictly for storage. Is a WD Green 1.5TB good?

I usually stick to 7200RPM drives like this Seagate 2TB. "I'm only going to use it for media" turns into "well I figured it would be OK to install this game" far too often.

GPU: Spoke to him and said he will not be gaming on this PC as he is primarily a console player. But please recommend one if needed for the purpose of having the PC connected to monitor and TV simultaneously. Also this is a part that can easily be added if gaming needs arise.

Stick with the IGP for now.

ODD: $20budget...anything really. Not important but might up it to a bluray drive instead.

This Lite-ON DVD burner is pretty inexpensive and no worse than the others.

 

[Dasda]

mfenn, appreciate all the help. However, I went to order today locally at NCIX. The manager rightly advised me not to get Corsair CX500M because it is not yet validated to work with Haswell. I looked up on the internet after I came home and found this link from corsair showing the same thing. So this whole Haswell thing has me confused now because NCIX said they would cover it under warranty because it is not officially compatible with Haswell yet according to Intel and Corsair.

Do you have any advice in regards to this?

Thank You.

 

[mfenn]

mfenn, appreciate all the help. However, I went to order today locally at NCIX. The manager rightly advised me not to get Corsair CX500M because it is not yet validated to work with Haswell. I looked up on the internet after I came home and found this link from corsair showing the same thing. So this whole Haswell thing has me confused now because NCIX said they would cover it under warranty because it is not officially compatible with Haswell yet according to Intel and Corsair.

Do you have any advice in regards to this?

Thank You.

I actually recommended the CX500, not the CX500M. But anyway, Corsair lists it as "likely compatible," so you will be fine. You kind of have to contrive a case where the total power draw would be both low and unbalanced in favor of the 5V anyway.