Description
This is our every day PC. Used for the internet, photos, videos, banking, skype, etc. As of now, I will leave the gaming to my console.
This is my first build. I've been visiting this site and saving various parts for builds since August. I started with a system based on the i5 3450 at around $900, and ended up with a system based on the i3 3225 for about $650. I have been researching and researching. I got to a point where I was ok with my choices, but I was wondering if I really needed that much of a computer. I posted my potential build and my computing requirements on r/buildapc. I had been contemplating getting what we needed, or splurging, and I got some great feedback that resulted in this system.
I paid $643.75 for the parts listed below. I will be re-using at least one 500gb hdd from my old computer, and a Dell 21 inch monitor. I splurged a little on the SSD, an item I probably didn't need. I was originally looking at a 128gb samsung 830, and then a deal on the intel 330 popped up so I jumped. That was the first part I purchased.
I really wanted to see some of the case options in person, but I chose the Arc Mini based on pictures and reviews, and I am very happy. Over all, the quality of the case is much greater than I had expected. Some of the thumb screws were a little tight at first, and the usb 3.0 slot on the front of the case is a little crooked, but for a first time build, I'm satisfied.
Assembling the parts didn't take very long, but the cable management took me about 4 hours. I'm a little anal, and the cables currently in the case seem a little cluttered to me, but I couldn't figure out any other ways of minimizing them from how they look in the photos.
I was a little confused about the case fan connectors. The mobo has two cpu fan connectors, 2 chassis fan connectors, and 1 pwr connector. The case has three fans. I finally just decided to use the fan controller that came with the case, which is what you see above the psu in the photos.
I had a great time picking parts, and a great time building. I realize this is far from the normal gaming builds you see on this site, but I felt like I had to share. I can't wait to build another one! Forgot to mention that I got a bigger psu than required to allow for the possible addition of a discrete video card in the future.
Update 071213: I removed the fan controller that came with the case, and plugged the case fans directly into the mobo. This allowed me to monitor the fan speeds and temperatures in the UEFI screen. I increased the rating of the SSD as I finally figured out how to set it up, and it has been working flawlessly for months. I would still like to get a samsung ssd, but everything is working, so I don't need to spend the extra money. Where I'm a little stuck, is how to keep everything backed up safely and to our satisfaction. It's so easy to put content on the computer, but you forget how important it is until you lose it, and I really don't want to experience that part.
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