20K Upgrade Needed for Development PC

[RCuber]

Hello guys,

I am currently looking to upgrade my PC to a very stable configuration for software development.

Requirement:
CPU, Motherboard, RAM, Cabinet with SMPS.

1. What is the purpose of the computer? (Note: If you are planning to say multimedia, you will have to be more specific as all types of systems are capable of doing that)
A: Software Development (Visual Studio 2010, Expression Studio, Eclipise), HD Movies, Adobe Software's(Photoshop/Flash), Little bit of video editing. No gaming at the moment. I can invest in a GFX card, SMPS and a better heat sink in the future.

2. Are you open to alternate ideas/products giving similar better performance but offering more VFM/ sellers? If not- why?
A:Yes, Absolutely

3. What is your MAX budget?
A: 20 K - 25K Max ,

4. Planning to overclock?
A: No

5. Which OS are you planning to use?
A: Windows Server 2008 (32 Bit only), Ubuntu, Win 7 (64 bit)

6. How much hard drive space is needed?
A: Not Required.

7. What resolution will the screen run at & whats the size of the screen you want? If you already want have one and want to use it, mention its resolution and size.
A: I have a monitor - 21.5" Samsung SyncMaster 2233 , Full HD (1920 x 1080)

8. How would you rate your hardware knowledge from the count of 1-10? (1 being the lowest, 5 being you are somewhat in sync with the current performers and 10 being the highest)
A: 6

9. Have you ever built a desktop before or will this be done by an assembler?
A: I have done assembling. But will get it assembled this time.

10. When are you planning to buy the system?
A: This Month(June 2011) if Budget is <20K else in July.

11. Are you one of the types looking out for "future proof" configurations?
A: Yes. Max 3 Yrs

12. Are there going to be any components that you don't want to include in this new rig? If yes, do mention.
A: Monitor, HDD, Keyboard/Mouse, Speakers, UPS

13. Which city do you live in and are you open to buying from shops from other city/states?
A: Bangalore, Computer Warehouse. Please do suggest alternate vendors.

14. Mention any other points if deemed necessary
A: I am looking for a stable motherboard with good set of features viz., USB 3.0 , SATA3. Need 4 GB RAM.

Please let me know if you require additional details.

Thanks
Charan

 

[thetechfreak]

Processor= Intel Core i5 2400 @Rs.9500
Motherboard= Intel DH67BL-B3 @Rs.5500
RAM= G.Skill Ripjaws F3-10666CL9S-4GBRL @Rs. 2200
Case= NZXT GAMMA @Rs.2000
PSU= FSP Saga II 500W @Rs.2000

 

[saswat23]

The rig suggested above by 'thetechfreak' is just perfect.
Go for it.

 

[RCuber]

Thanks thetechfreak, Thanks for the configuration. is that the Bangalore price for the processor?
Is there any alternate motherboard form other vendors? BTW I do have a old 7300GT from my old system I can use.

 

[Cilus]

7300 GT is a very old and and also very weak even with those old day's standard and will be overwhelmed by today's pressure. So better a new graphics card like Sapphire HD 5670 512 MB GDDR5 @ 4.2K

 

[RCuber]

How is the onchip HD Graphics 2000 performance? I couldn't find any proper review of this on chip graphics.

 

[thetechfreak]

Thanks thetechfreak, Thanks for the
configuration. is that the Bangalore
price for the processor?

No problem.
You should (wil)l find the proccesor at that price in Bangalore
Review= AnandTech - The Sandy Bridge Review: Intel Core i7-2600K, i5-2500K and Core i3-2100 Tested

 

[RCuber]

@thetechfreak any alternate non intel motherboards?

 

[thetechfreak]

Well, there is

Intel DH67CL @Rs.6500

I couldnt find any other mobo as of now, but I like this combination-
Core i5 2400 + Intel DH61WW = ~13K

Find more info here- *www.thinkdigit.com/forum/pc-components-configurations/138637-pc-buying-guide-may-2011-a.html

 

[RCuber]

@thetechfreak I guess you did read the non Intel part lol

I want to know the alternate Gigabyte or ASUS options available

Apart from the motherboard I am satisfied with the other components you have stated.

Still I will look for more motherboard options.. may be I can adjust my budget a little.

If no other options are left I will go with the config you suggested.

Is i5 2500/K a overkill for my requirement? if I recall .. K series CPU's doesn't have a on-board GPU right?

On a side note. I do have plans to build a separate budget HTPC for my living room in the near future using components from this build.

 

[thetechfreak]

Is i5 2500/K a overkill for my requirement? if I recall .. K series CPU's doesn't have a on-board GPU right?

They are costly, faster (by little bit)

It has HD3000 onboard graphics

 

[vaibhav23]

You can get this mobo-Asus P8H67M-EVO
saswat23 can tell whether it is a good mobo or not.
You don't need to overclock so why a K series proccy
But still I would tell you to get the Intel DH67BL as it is a very good mobo and best thing that it has 4 ram slots which means that you can run ram's in dual channel and later add extra ram if needed

 

[RCuber]

Okay.. I have gone through many reviews of i5 2400, DH67BL-B3, and G.Skill RAM Modules.
The above config is frozen for me. Now for cabinet and SMPS.

FSP Saga II 500W - I guess I will invest it in anyway as I will be upgrading to a midrange GFX card couple of months later.

Though the NZXT GAMMA case is pretty good looking, its doesn't suite my taste. Im looking for a subtle case.. no fancy stuff at all. I guess CM Elite 310 will be sufficient for me.

I guess I will be purchasing these over next weekend.

 

[Cilus]

lite 310 is a very basic cabinet, does not have proper cable management and you will have hard time to fit a big card in it. Better stick with NZXT Gamma as it is having bottom mounted PSU, Cable management options and it is total value for money product.

 

[thetechfreak]

Yes. The CM 310 is a good case. It will save you some money too
best of luck!

 

[RCuber]

lite 310 is a very basic cabinet, does not have proper cable management and you will have hard time to fit a big card in it. Better stick with NZXT Gamma as it is having bottom mounted PSU, Cable management options and it is total value for money product.

Actually I didn't like the front look of the case. Can you suggest some alternatives? Any other model with similar features but just plane looks?

 

[Skud]

CM 310 can easily take a mid-range graphics card without any problem. Airflow and cable management may be a issue though. I think for a difference of 500 bucks, its better to go with NZXT Gamma.

 

[RCuber]

Wokay.. NZXT Gamma it is..

So irrespective of what I like and what I disliked of my PC configuration I had to settle back to the config given by thetechfreak and I guess will fit in my budget perfectly.

A big thanks to everyone who chipped in with recommendations

BTW .. Please let me know some reliable shops to purchase these components in Bangalore. If everything goes well then I should be having this rig in a couple of days time

 

[thetechfreak]

So irrespective of what I like and what
I disliked of my PC configuration I had
to settle back to the config given by thetechfreak

No prob man

BTW .. Please let me know some
reliable shops to purchase these
components in Bangalore. If
everything goes well then I should be
having this rig in a couple of days time

Best of luck again

 

[saswat23]

If you increase your budget a bit then you can surely go for CM Elite 430 @ 2.5k.
Its has better air flow and cable management.